THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

MEMORY VERSE: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

TEXT: Revelation 20:11-15

In every sphere of life, it is in the nature of all human beings to err.  It is common to see youths in our schools, houses and environment being caned, rebuked or punished. Some other youths are even tried in the Juvenile Courts for offences and sentenced to different kinds of punishment. Guilty youths in our world today are always given some punishments when caught. This shows that the subject of judgment is not strange to us. With God, things are not different. 

Question 1: What do you understand by "The White Throne Judgment"?

In God's plan for the world, He will judge all those who reject His words, love and mercy. This great judgment which will come upon the disobedient is called "The Great White Throne Judgment". This is one of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible which anyone who neglects, do so at his own peril. This doctrine opens our eyes to the time when all wicked and ungodly people (from the age of accountability)  including youths, who reject the salvation of God will be judged and sentenced to eternal, unending punishment. 

JUDGMENTS IN THE SCRIPTURES (Isaiah 53:4-11; John 3:15-18; 1 Corinthians 11:31, 32; 2 Corinthians 5:10,11; Jeremiah 30:3-7; Matthew 25:31-46; Jude 6)

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). From this passage, it is clear that judgment is certain for all men. However, contrary to general assumptions, saints and sinners will not be judged at the same time. The judgement of God will be separate for different classes of people. The Lord God has always been just in His judgments: condemning the guilty and acquitting the innocent. Examples of judgments in scriptures include those lived during the time of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah and Korah's company. God does not change.  His judgment remains the same today as it was in time past.  The guilty will be judged as God will keep to the same principle. "…For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous" (Psalms 125:3)

Question 2: Why will believers not be judged like the sinners?

At the cross of Calvary, Jesus Christ became the substitute for sinners. Everyone who believes in Him, by virtue of His death have been judged for their sins (Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 3:18). "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1,2).

Question 3: Mention the various judgments found in scriptures. Support your answers with references?

There are different forms of judgment in Scripture. The first type of judgment we have in scriptures is when the repenting sinner personally exercises saving faith in the sacrifice of Christ and accept Him as Saviour. That person becomes judged and declared justified. "Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after" (1 Timothy 5:24). Then, as the believing youth lives the Christian life, he daily judges (or examines) himself in the light of God's word (1 Corinthians 11:31, 32; 1 John 1:7). This is the second type of judgment. Failure in this type of judgment will result in suffering or chastisement (Hebrews 12:5-11). The third type of judgment will be experienced also by believers at the "Bema" seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10,11; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Revelation 22:12).This will be after the Rapture and the purpose will be to distribute rewards for the works done by all believers while on earth. In this third type of judgment, none will be condemned since all will be believers, but all believers shall be rewarded based on how they have utilized their talents in the work of the Lord.

The other types of judgment will be with the intent of punishing sin. These include the judgment of Israel during the Great Tribulation (Ezekiel 20:33-44; Jeremiah 30:3-11; Matthew 24:4-25) and the judgment of the (living) nations at the Second Advent (Matthew 25:31-46). Israel will be judged (for her many centuries of rebellion against God) by the cruel hand of the Antichrist. At the end of the ordeal, "all Israel shall be saved" (Romans 11:26) as they shall "look upon me whom they have pierced" (Zechariah 12:10). The nations of the earth will be gathered before the heavenly Judge to be accepted or rejected depending on their attitude towards Christ now (John 1:11; Romans 9:5). That is the judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31-46). The judgment of angels for rebellion against God is identifiable as a sixth type of judgment in Scriptures (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6, 7). The seventh is the final judgment and is known as the Great White Throne Judgment.

THE GREAT, TERRIBLE AND FINAL JUDGMENT (Revelation 20:11-15; Daniel 7:9,10; 12:2; Matthew 11:20-24; John 5:25-30; Act 24:15; Mark 9:43-48)

"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them" (Genesis 6:5-7). The world is corrupt and polluted. The fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden brought mankind to shame, guilt and condemnation. From Adam, sin came into everyone that was born into the world. God made provision for the salvation of man but humanity has generally preferred to turn away from God's call to repentance and pardon. Man has remained rebellious and disobedient. For a long time, it has repented God that He made man on the earth for every imagination of the thoughts of man's heart has been evil continually. God predetermined judgment and punishment for the wicked. His word declares that "the soul that sinneth, it shall die" and that "the wages of sin is death" (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23).

God has been judging sinners over the ages. He judged the world in the days of Noah, when He destroyed all the living by the flood with the exception of eight persons (Genesis 6:17,18; 7:10-13, 21-24). He poured out His wrath and indignation upon Sodom and Gomorrah and destroyed all that were in them except Lot and his two daughters (Genesis 19:13, 24-26). On other occasions, He brought judgment on Korah, Dathan and Abiram with their supporters. He punished the Egyptians for refusing to let God's people go. At various times, He brought judgment on Nadab and Abihu, on Uzzah, on Sennacherib and his 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (Isaiah 37:36-38) and on Annanias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10). However, in the Great White Throne judgment all those who were destroyed in all those cases will still be judged.

What then is this judgment? It is the last and final judgment. It is the judgment that concludes the affairs of this present evil world. At the end of the millennial reign of Christ, the devil will be released from the bottomless pit for a while (Revelation 20:3, 7). He will go out to deceive people again and will gather multitudes to fight against Christ and His saints. This is referred to as the Battle of Gog and Magog. Satan and his people will be defeated. Fire will come from God in heaven to devour them. After this, Satan shall be cast into the lake of fire. With Satan finally sentenced to eternal torment in the lake of fire, the stage then becomes set for the final judgment of all sinning people.

Question 4: Describe in details, the make-up of, and proceedings at the Great White Throne Judgment.

The details of the judgment are as follows:

a. The Throne: The great God of heaven and earth shall sit on a great throne. It is white showing the purity of God. The setting of the throne is magnificent and of great splendor and glory that befits the eternal King.

b. The Judge: The Judge is God Almighty, the Omniscient and Omnipresent. He knows everything and so there will be no miscarriage of justice. He is everywhere, so all things are open to Him. His sight will be so terrible because it is judgment time.

c. Those to be judged: (verses 12,13). All those who died in sin from the time of Adam till the time of the Great White Throne Judgment will be resurrected (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15). They will all stand before God for judgment including: (i) All categories of sinners, living and dead; small and great; rich and poor; educated and uneducated; male and female; rulers and ruled will all be judged for neglecting the salvation of God (Hebrews 2:3). (ii) All backsliders who denied the faith of God who once bought them (Exodus 32:33; Hebrews 10:26-30,38, 39). (iii) All those who deny the deity of Jesus Christ (John 3:18,19). (iv) All religious hypocrites (Matthew 23:27). This judgment cannot be avoided by any sinner. The sea, death and hell will give up the dead in them. The bodies of all the dead will be united with their souls and spirits to stand before God to receive the just reward for their ungodly lives. It will be a very great and sobering gathering.

d. The Judgment: Everyone of these sinners will be judged according to his works (verses 12,13). It will be done in righteousness. It will be open and everyone on trial will know why he or she is going to the lake of fire. It will be to judge (i) All unrighteous deeds of youths (1 John 5:17). All unrighteousness that was not cleansed by the blood of Christ before then will bring condemnation; it includes unrighteous feelings and imaginations. (ii) The secret deeds of youths which others may not have known of, done in darkness: examination malpractices, immorality, pornography, secret cults, abortion and malice. (iii) The words of men: every idle word, gossip, backbiting or slander will be brought to judgment; all foolish and unedifying words; corrupt, graceless, defamatory1 and abusive words will be judged (Matthew 12:36,37; Ephesians 5:4). God's judgment will be fair, just and without partiality or respect of persons. No one can influence nor bribe God. "For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward" (Deuteronomy 10:17). 

e. The books: (verse 12) "…and the books were opened". These are the books of records that will contain everything done by sinful boys and girls while on earth. It is according to the records written in these books that judgment will be delivered. This will remove all possibilities of arguments. There will be no room to say the sentence given was based on hearsay or guesswork. All things will be documented and these in many books.

f. The book of life: Only one book (verse 12). "…and another book was opened, which is the book of life:…" This is the book that contains the names of all those who are born again, washed in the blood of Jesus. Their sins had been judged earlier at Calvary when they repented of their sins, confessed them and received Jesus as their Lord and personal Saviour. We must endeavour to make sure our names are in this book. All saints in all ages, from the time of Adam to the time of the judgment have their names written in the book of life. Those whose names are in the book of life will be spectators at the scene of the White Throne Judgment.

Question 5: Where will those whose names are not in the book of life be?

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).  An awful end awaits all those that have to appear before God in the Great White Throne Judgment for "God is a consuming fire" and "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 12:29; 10:31).

The lake of fire is the eternal abode of the devil and his angels (Revelation 20:10; Matthew 25:41). The lake of fire was not meant for man but all those who rejected God and be on the side of Satan, by committing sin, will have no choice than to share in their master's destiny. Death and hell will be cast into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophets had originally been cast (Revelation 19:20). The fire will never go out, it cannot be quenched. It will burn forever and ever. The worms do not die. The fire does not destroy but continuous torments. It will be a terrible thing. Whosoever was not found written in the book of life will suffer forever in the lake of fire. His companions and neighbours will be Satan, the beast, the false prophet, demons and evil spirit. However, there is the possibility of escape from this judgment. This is through repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

ESCAPING THE FINAL JUDGMENT (2 Peter 3:9-14; 1 Peter 4:7; John 3:3,5,16; Mark 1:14,15; 1 Timothy 4:16).

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16,17). 

Question 6: How can one escape the Great White Throne Judgment?

The will of God is that  all should repent and believe the gospel and be saved. To escape the Great White Throne Judgment, you need to repent of all sins, confess them and receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Genuine salvation through repentance and faith in Christ is demanded from anyone who hopes to escape. Other conditions include living a holy life everyday, making your restitution, following peace with all men, preaching the gospel and avoiding every appearance of evil. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?"

(Source: DCLM Youth Search the Scriptures - Vol 38, Lesson 493)

EARNESTLY CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

MEMORY VERSE: "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3).

TEXT: Jude 3-13

Christian youths are called out of the world and the evil practices into the righteousness of God. It is a call to higher and better things. It is also a call to the heavenly things, unseen and eternal. It is a call from sin to Christ, from uncleanness to holiness. This is according to the Divine purpose and grace. The moment a youth gives his life to Christ, he has some forces to contend with, such as the Devil, sin, the world, and the flesh. Faced with all these odds, the Church is always contending, struggling, fighting and resisting oppositions. Generally, this struggle is not against flesh and blood or over the temporal, perishable things of life like money, land, possession or material things. The fight is one organised by the Devil and designed to take from us our great pearl, our treasure, the imperishable word, will, mind and revelation of the Almighty. This is refered to in the Scripture as the faith - the totality and entirety of all that we believe.

OUR CALLING: FOUNDATION FOR CONTENDING (Jude 1-3; Acts3:19; John 8:30-32; 2 Timothy 1:6-9; Hebrew 3:1-6; 1 Corinthians 7:23,24)

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). This epistle is addressed to all believers, those who had repented of their sin and accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour. 

Question 1: What qualifies a youth to be able to contend for the faith?

At conversion, Christian receives "the power to become the son of God" and to "go and sin no more" (John 1:12; 5:14). The strongest of men without conversion is a prey for the Devil in the contest for faith. The weakest of men, with conversion, is a terror to the Devil and his host. Peter, the Apostle, in his message on the day of Pentecost, alerted his audience: "repent and be converted". 

"Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away" (Isaiah 41:9). God calls men because He is not willing that any should perish but that all should have eternal life. Christ came to call sinners to repentance. It is only after we have taken heed to that call that we can start contending for the faith. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Believers are called and chosen by the Lord to show forth His praise in any environment they find themselves.

Question 2: In what ways does the Bible describe our calling?

The Bible describes the calling God gives Christian youth in these ways. First, it is described as a high calling - one higher than any other calling we could ever have on earth. It is higher than a call to serve in government, foreign service, school organisation or to enjoy an overseas' scholarship. The highest call we can ever have is one coming from heaven above. Paul the Apostle puts it this way: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).  Second, it is described as a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:9). Why? It is a call that only the Holy Spirit can explain, interpret and impress on you. It is a call that has to do with holiness, because God, our Father is holy (Matthew 5:48). Third, it is a heavenly calling (Hebrews 3:1). It comes from heaven and opens the gate to us into the presence of the Father.  

Our call is further pictured in different ways in the Scriptures. Each of the description shows detail of the benefits accruing to us as a result of our response to the call of God. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians described our call as one to the fellowship of His Son (1 Corinthians 1:9). If you profess partaking of the redemptive grace of God, know that we are called into the great riches of Jesus and we are to get into partnership with Him. In this relationship, we drop our poverty, destitution, want, dryness and get into the riches, prosperity, power and grace of God. Jesus, by the fellowship of sonship is lifting us up to His side on His throne (Ephesians 2:6). He is the Master of angels and all creation. His is the glory and majesty of heaven. He is calling us - suffering, sorrowful and sad ones - to come and share in fellowship and enjoy His glory, majesty and joy.

We are also called to eternal life and holiness (1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:7). The call of God on us not only brings us into the Kingdom, it also sanctifies us and preserves us in the Kingdom (Colossians 1:13). The translation that comes from our calling is one to a realm where Satan, witches, wizards and powers of darkness cannot reach us or operate. This preservation touches our soul, spirit and body. There is a hedge, an impenetrable wall around all the redeemed of the Lord who have responded to the call of God. Are you among the redeemed? Have you responded to the call of the Lord? Why not come today? (Matthew 11:28; 1 King 18:21).

REASONS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH (Jude 4-13; Acts 13:8; Jeremiah 5:31; 1 Timothy 1:9; Galatians 2:18; 2 Corinthians 2:17)

The epistle was written to guard believers against the false teachers who had begun to creep into the Christian church, and to scatter dangerous tenets, by attempting to lower all Christianity into a merely nominal belief and outward profession of the gospel. Having denied the obligations of personal holiness, they taught their disciples to live in sinful courses, at the same time flattering them with the hope of eternal life. The vile character of these seducers is shown, and their sentence is denounced, and the epistle concludes with warnings, admonitions and counsels to believers.

Question 3: In what ways is the devil deceiving youths into compromise today?

Compromise is an agreement with an opposer or something that somebody accepts because what was wanted is (seems) unattainable. There are some areas today where some Christian youths who were once fervent in the Lord compromised their faith, they build again those things they once destroyed (Galatians 2:18). They compromise in their: (1) faith - going after false prophets and doctrines; (2) fellowship - getting involved in modern Christianity, unequal fellowship; (3) friendship - unequal relationship, immorality and filthy communication, (4)fashion -worldly, carnal, indecent dressings; (5) their feasting - extravagant1 and sensual; (6)  faithfulness - dropped out, started giving excuses; (7) fervency - abandoned for coldness; (8) fruitfulness - no more good report and evangelism; (9) the fear of God- no longer retain God in their mind.

Question 4: What are the reasons they give for their compromise?

Some of the reasons are: intimidation: some youths yield to peer pressure because they want to be accepted, or because other youths may make fun of them if they don't go along with the group. They feel intimidated and then try to impress others or gain their approval by compromise. Another reason is their inquisitiveness. They are curious to try something new that others are doing. They are inquisitive to experiment with evil. The idea that "everyone is doing it" may influence some youths to leave their better judgement, or conviction and copy others contrary to what they know to be right.

"For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:17). False teachings always lowers the standard of righteous living, lightens the demand of God's laws, removes fear for the damnation of the soul, sears the conscience and takes away responsibility to both God and man. Those who love false teaching to create some comfortable spiritual environment for themselves are compromisers. The Lord surely frowns on any fellowship, partnership or relationship with agents of spiritual contempt and compromise. We should avoid the agents of the Devil who make believers to compromise and backslide. Their goal is to make standing believers make a shipwreck of their faith. "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck" (1 Timothy 1:19). 

CHRISTIAN YOUTHS CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH (Jude 3; Nehemiah 13:23-27; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Timothy 6:12-14; Jeremiah 35:5-10,18,19)

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 1:3). To earnestly contend is to strive manfully, tenaciously laying hold and keeping something Satan is labouring to take from us. 

Question 5: How should Christian youths contend for the faith?

Christian youths are commanded to contend for the faith earnestly, diligently, courageously, boldly, constantly, gainfully and honestly. Our strength, life, and our all must be involved in the struggle against anyone or anything who wants to take the faith away from us. As we contend for the faith, we must effect a clean separation from all those who compromise the faith even if it would result in persecution, deprivation or misconception. Nehemiah set an example of such a position as he contended for the faith (Nehemiah 13:23-27). We must also watch and pray - Wait on the Lord; Abide in Christ; Trust in the Lord for supply of strength; Continue in the faith; Hold fast the sound doctrine to the end. Preach the gospel earnestly; Refuse invitation from the camp of compromiser; Avoid self management; Yield yourself fully to God.

We must take these seven pledges as our commitment: (1) I pledge my loyalty to the law of Christ, (2) My labour to His commission, (3) My liberty under His control, (4) My lips to speak for Christ, (5) My looks under His control, (6) My league with others for Christ, (7) My life as hope for Christ and in support of those who hold on to the truth and holiness.

The whole Church must rise and contend for the faith, conquer and subdue the enemy and raise up an enduring standard in the church to save the church from the atrocities1 perpetrated all around us today. Join the army of the Lord.

(Source: DCLM Youth Search the Scriptures - Vol 38)

CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL VICES: THE CHRISTIAN VIEW

MEMORY VERSE: “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that  every  imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).

 

TEXT: Romans 1:18-27; Philippians 4: 8, 9; 1 Peter 1: 6-11.

 

Since the fall, Adam and all generations after him have become easily influenced by evil imagination and actions. Through the ages past, mankind had shown the evil traits in many different ways. Modern youths live in a world that invents evil things. Man himself has a sin-generating mind. He has the capacity to generate or create sin and sinful entertainment. Sin, in itself, is inexhaustible. It is brewed in the depth of human heart. Man’s craving for evil and vices are insatiable. He ever craves for innovation of sin. Therefore, the contemporary youths –boys and girls, rich and poor, educated and illiterates, restricted and free - have some newly devised set of evil.

 

Question 1: What do you understand by contemporary vices?

 

These are present day evil practices in the society. “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Since the flood, the heart of man has always been evil. God saw the whole imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart, and concluded that it was evil continually - every hour, every day, every year, every moment. He hardly deviated into good. Such is the authentic account of the whole race of mankind. Such were all men before God brought the flood upon the earth. And strange enough, the scriptures do not give us a reason to think otherwise of youths today. The mind of the modern youths is a sin-generating machine. Increase in technology meant increase in evil. The advent of the television, video, mobile phone, internet and the computer and their potential of conveying thoughts in picture, colour or language motion is accompanied by increased engagement in sinful entertainments and pleasures. The television, for instance, impresses some vices on the mind of youths and make light of violence, hooliganism, murder and  assault. Therefore, to live a victorious Christian life today, we must seek the Lord daily for His grace and strength.

 

DESCRIPTION OF CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL VICES AMONG YOUTHS (Romans 1:18-32; Genesis 6:1-6; Deuteronomy 22:5; Micah 2:1-3; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17).

 

“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, … (Romans 1:29,30). 

 

Question 2: What are the common contemporary social vices that a Christian youth should guide against?

 

Drug addiction, a practice found among teenagers and students in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning, is a vice that ranks very high in contemporary times. Some freely say that scriptures do not say anything about the use of drugs. Yes, but it does warn us against defiling or, in modern usage, destroying the temple of the Holy Ghost which we have in us. “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20).

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The use of hard drugs is a contemporary vice and its effect on the life of its users is quite heavy. Hard drugs inflame the mind, sedate the heart and make the soul to feel “high”. Its end is more dangerous and deadly than the beginning. It leaves its victim a wretch and a danger to others. Closely related with drug addiction is involvement in cults among students in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning. Cults, these days, pretend to be a social club but when its activities are closely examined, it is revealed as the breeding ground of all contemporary vices - wild life, drug addiction and immorality. In recent times, dangerous weapons like life ammunition, machetes, spears and arrows are found among the members of cults in schools. This is a modern trend and it comes with every conceivable danger to lives and properties.

Another contemporary social vices is betting and pools-staking. The bottom line and motive in engaging in this practice is covetousness. An attitude to get-rich-quick and laziness is the driving spirit behind this practice. It is sad to see this creep into the midst of some believers years after they have claimed to be converted.

Common among students who are desperate to excel without corresponding input of labour and diligence is examination malpractice. In contemporary times, this has reached some level that frightens constituted examination bodies, school authorities, students who have the fear of the Lord and, of course, Christian parents. This practice looks like a contemporary vice that has come to stay in most societies. But its permanence or rationalisation does not make it right. It remains essentially evil and vicious.

Contemporary youths are unduly exposed to the practice ofpornography. The evil sight that stirs up the base nature of man through pornography has a demonic hold on youths. Some Christian youths cannot stand or continue in the faith because of pornography. Illegal sensual pleasure is basically sinful.Closely allied to pornography are the unclean practices of lesbianism and homosexuality. These are rampant practices among students in boarding schools and higher institutions. Some of them are found in religious circles.

From the days of old, music has always been   spiritual and edifying medium. The Scripture exhorts us to “admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”(Colossians3:16). David’s songs and playing on the harp had great spiritual and soothing impact on Saul. Elisha called for a minstrel under whose ministration he received inspiration (2 Kings 3:15). Indeed, hymn-singing is a great inspiration to those  who preach; just as good singing and music precede most of all preachings today. In heaven, music continues. “And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps” (Revelations 14:2). Such is the traditional and even future use of music. But in contemporary times, music has been perverted from its original spiritual, inspirational and edifying context. Sensational music, which in the past was one exclusive of sinners in brothels and pleasure-mad houses, has now been brought to the Churches. Most churches have lost the solemnity, inspiration, freshness, and refreshing that come with God-glorifying music in the Bible. Contemporary youths are besieged by rock and roll, noisy music, drumming and tunes which are very much akin to those that obtain in heathen shrines. Secular music has a strong appeal which makes the mind stray away from the Kingdom. Contemporary pseudo-Christian music is a vice which believers must reject.

Finally, the use of slang and gutter language is another contemporary vice. The Bible says: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Christian language, as salt, should do five things. First, it should sweeten, edify the heart and mind of the hearers.Second, it should purify, not defile or offend; whiteness of salt symbolises purity. Third, it should preserve the hearers from decay and spiritual decomposition. Fourth, it should be pervasive in its influence, no matter how few the words are, just as a pinch of salt would pervade a whole meal. Fifth, it should be known for its characteristic. The Bible says “... a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words” (Ecclesiastes 5:3).The Christian’s use of slangs sourced  from brothels, drug addicts,  “heroes” in boxing, sports and theatre makes a believer to minister to sinners.  And the Bible asks: “...Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?”  (Luke 6:39). The Scripture says: “Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matthew 15:14).

 

DANGER OF CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL VICES AMONG YOUTHS (Romans 18,21,24,26,32; Genesis 6:5-7; Ecclesiastes 12:1,2,13,14; Zephaniah 1:8; 1 Corinthians6:15-20; 3:16,17; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8).

 

"Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Romans1:32). The danger of contemporary social vices among youths affects its victims now and in eternity.

 

Question 3: What are the dangers of contemporary social vices among youths?

 

Some of the dangers of contemporary social vices among youths include: (1) destruction of internal organs of the body of those who used hard drugs; (2) making one an enemy of God (James 4:4); (3)  backsliding and compromise; (4) hinderance to one’s education and progress in life; (5) exposure to deadly diseases such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS); (6)  dishonour to God and brings shame to His church; and (7) finally, eternal punishment in hell-fire. “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him” (Luke 12:4,5).  

 

DECISION FOR CHRIST, THE SAVIOUR OF YOUTHS (Mark 1:14,15; Isaiah 1:16-20; Philippians 4:8,9; 1 Peter 1:5-11; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33).

 

There is no sitting on the fence for Christian youths. Christian youths cannot afford to pitch their tents with Sodomites and Gomorrhites and still claim to know Christ. The vices, known in contemporary times, are deceitful, but no Christian should be deceived. The Bible has given enough guides to Christians as to the position they must take on these issues.

 

Question 4: How should a Christian assess any practice or conduct that looks like a source of temptation?

 

 As a Christian daily faces temptation and allurements from any of these vices, he needs to ask some questions. First, does it glorify God? Would God behold it with joy? Can I do it in the presence of the Lord? Can I do it or talk about it without any shame or contradiction before the saints of God in the Church of the living God? Second, does it edify the saints of God? Does it provoke the brethren to love (Hebrews 10:24). Is it worth emulating? Third, does it point the sinner to Calvary? Is the practice of pornography, homosexuality, lesbianism, smoking, involvement in cult, sensational music, drug addiction, use of gutter language, gambling, betting and pools staking capable of gaining a soul for the Kingdom or challenging the sinner on the need for the salvation of his soul? Fourth, does the practice harm the temple of the Holy Ghost, whose body you are? Does it not weaken my frame, enlarge my heart, enfeeble my mind, waste my resources and enslave me for the rest of my life? Fifth, does it make me an example to believers? “Be thou an example to believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”(1 Timothy 4:12). it is important for a Christian to always ask himself before embarking on any action: Does it draw me nearer to heaven? Does it enhance my preparedness for heaven? Does it make me rapture- ready? Sixth, will the practice, language or lifestyle earn me a smile of approval from my Lord and Savour? Finally, is the issue under consideration true, honest, just, pure and lovely, of good report? If it is not, a Christian’s position is a firm No!

 

Question 5: What is the way out of these contemporary social vices?

 

Victims of contemporary vices need a release. The vices are yokes and like every yoke, they must be broken.  Whoever has slipped into them should go back to the Lord in repentance and call on the Lord for salvation or restoration.  Repentance is followed by a return to the Lord (Isaiah 55:7). To return implies one has felt some brokenness and contrition and to such the Lord is very much keen to save and deliver. “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit”(Psalm 34:18). After repentance, returning and restoration, it becomes very necessary to practise the abiding presence of the Lord. Imagine the Lord is ever by you and do only those things that He would approve of. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

(Source: DCLM Youth Search the Scriptures - Vol 38)

TEST OF OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY

MEMORY VERSE: "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no" (Deuteronomy 8:2).

TEXT: Deuteronomy 8:1-20.

The love of God for the children of Israel was expressed in His plan and purpose as we shall see in our lesson today. From our text, God stated reasons for giving them His commandments. He, therefore, expected that the benefits expressed in His word should motivate them to obey all the commandments given to them by Moses the man of God. These benefits include preservation, protection and provision (verses 4-13). He further stated that what happened to them during the forty years in the wilderness was to prove whether they would be obedient and humble themselves. 

Question 1: State the commandment we must first obey, in order to enable us obey God acceptably?

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). The commandment to obey which will enable us to obey other commandments acceptably is the command to repent. To repent means turning away from sins (as the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sins through the word of God) to Christ by faith. It involves a change of mind, direction and attitude towards sins. This is necessary to receive salvation in Christ by faith. This divine change brings grace into our heart. This helps us to obey God's commandments with humility.

SPIRITUAL FOOD OF THE REDEEMED (Deuteronomy 8:1-3,6; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:4-6,61,86,115,128,172; Ephesians 6:1-3; Luke 4:1-4; Psalm 19:7-11; John 6:51,57,63).

"All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers" (Deuteronomy 8:1). The word of God is a spiritual food that strengthens, satisfies, stabilises, sanctifies and supplies conviction, commitment and consecration which builds our spiritual lives (verse 3). We are to obey this word. The Lord called the children of Israel to obey all the commandments He gave them. For Christian youths today, it includes the command to repent (Acts 17:30), be sanctified (1 Peter 1:15,16), baptised with the Holy Ghost (Ephesians 5:18), pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17), read and study the word of God (John 5:39), preach the gospel (Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4: 1,2), work (study) (2 Thessalonians 3:7-12), free from worldliness (1 John 2;15-17), worship and serve God (Psalm 45:11; Revelation 22:8,9; Hebrews 12:28) and prepare for the coming of Christ (Matthew 24:42,44; Luke 12:40). Simply, the whole Bible contains the commandments of God. We should pray for grace to obey its contents because the "commandment is exceeding broad" (Psalm 119:96).

Question 2: From verses 1 and 6 of our text, what are the benefits of obeying the commandments of God?

"Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him" (verse 6). The benefits of obeying the word of God cover both spiritual and physical. They include preservation of life (verse 1), progress (verse 1), possession of the Promised Land (verse 1), ability to walk with God (verse 6) and maintaining the fear of God (verse 6). 

From verse two, the Lord wanted the children of Israel to remember that all that happened to them during the forty years wandering were to prove their obedience and humility. The test of obedience will always come to us. We should be like the sons of Jonadab who performed the commandment of their father (Jeremiah 35:12-19). 

"And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live" (Deuteronomy 8:3). The goodness of the Lord was great towards the children of Israel. He fed them for forty years with manna (angels' food) (Psalm 78:24,25). However, He wanted them to know that as physical body requires physical food, the soul also requires spiritual food. This spiritual food is the word of God that nourishes the soul. We should desire and study it. "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12). 

Question 3: What are the profits of taking the word of God as spiritual food?

The profits of taking the word of God as spiritual food are: (1) conversion (Psalm 19:11), growth (1 Peter 2:2), cleansing (John15:3), sanctification (John17:17), protection (Ephesians 6:17) and overcoming temptations (Luke 4:3,4). It is our responsibility to read, study, hear, accept, mediate on, believe and practise the word regularly. In summary, the instruction of God to every Christian youth is: "Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him" (verse 6).

SPECIAL FAVOUR FOR THE REDEEMED (Deuteronomy 8:4,5,7-17; Psalm 91:1-6; Deuteronomy 6:10-15; 28:4,7,48; 32:15-19; Psalm 78:15-37; Hosea 13:6-8; Luke 12:16-21; Revelation 3:14-21).   

"Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years" (Deuteronomy 8:4). The children of Israel were the redeemed of the Lord (Deuteronomy 7:8). Despite their short-comings in the wilderness, He still showed them special favour.

Question 4: From verses 4-9, enumerate special favour God showed to the children of Israel for forty years in the wilderness.

The Scripture says: "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22). God's special favour for His people Israel include: (1) preservation of their clothes (verse 4); (2) preservation of their body (verse 4); (3) profitable correction when they did evil (verse 5); (4) promise of abundant provisions in the land of Canaan (verses 7,8); and (5) promised prosperity in the land of Canaan (verse 9). In God's plan, His children should "eat bread without scarceness", and lack nothing (verse 9). Today, Christian youths have unlimited special favour in Christ (Philippians 4:19). Our prayer should be: "Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come" (Psalms 102:13). However, as the blessings of God increase, we should beware of not forgetting the Giver.

Question 5: State two possible outcomes when the blessings of God increase.

"When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:" (Deuteronomy 8:10,11). The two possible outcomes are: one, to praise God for His goodness. This is the positive outcome expected from the recipients of God's blessings (Psalm 103:1-5). Two, to forget the Lord, the Giver of blessings. God, who knows everything from the beginning to the end, had warned the children of Israel against forgetting Him as a result of prosperity. Later in their history, they forgot the Lord after being filled with His blessings. "According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me" (Hosea 13:6). As obedience and humility are partners, so prosperity may lead to pride. Hence, the Lord expressed His mind this way: "Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;" (Deuteronomy 8:14). The Lord warned them of saying: "My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:17). Therefore, all the blessings we receive are from God who gives us all things to enjoy and we are to use them for His glory. "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

SAINTS' FAITHFULNESS TO THE REDEEMER (Deuteronomy 8:18-20; Nehemiah 7:1,2; 9:7,8; 1 Corinthians 4:1,2; 7:25).  

"But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day" (Deuteronomy 8:18). The precaution for not forgetting the Lord is to remember Him always as the one behind all blessings. This is the only way the children of Israel could show their appreciation, loyalty and faithfulness to their Redeemer who brought them out of bondage. As children of God, we are to be faithful to the Lord in everything we do (1 Corinthians 4:1,2). One of the ways we can do that is to remember Him and His word faithfully. Examples abound in scriptures of those who were faithful to the Lord. Some of them were Timothy (1 Corinthians 4:17), Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21), Epaphras (Colossians 1:7; 4:7), Onesimus (Colossians 4:9), Silas (1 Peter 5:12), Paul (1 Timothy 1:12) and Antipas (Revelation 2:13). 

Question 6: What does it mean to "remember the LORD thy God"?

To remember the Lord means to remember the following: the Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1); the Day of the Lord (Exodus 20:8); the day of your redemption (salvation) (Exodus 13:3; Deuteronomy 16:3); the commandments of the Lord (Numbers 15:39; Malachi 4:4; Matthew 26:75; Acts 20:35); the works of the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:12; Psalm 105:5); the judgment of God (Deuteronomy 24:9); and the Death, Resurrection and Coming of Christ (2 Timothy 2:18; 1 Thessolians 5:1-6). The commandment of the Lord, to all saved youths, is: "Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind" (Jeremiah 51:50). Examples of those who remembered the Lord in the Bible are David (Psalm 63:5-7), Jonah (Jonah 2:7) and Peter (Luke 22:61). There are great blessings when we remember the Lord. Some of them are: victory over sin (Exodus 20:20); promotion and provision from God (Isaiah 58:13,14);  prosperity (Psalm 1:2,3); preservation from evil; wisdom, knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6; 2 Timothy 2:7) and increase of faith (Joshua 2:8-11).

"And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish" (Deuteronomy 8:19). As remembering God attracts His blessings, so is forgetting Him brings His punishment (Isaiah 17:9-11).

Question 7: What are the consequences of forgetting God?

Individuals or a group of people who forget God have the consequences of being consumed by God (Deuteronomy 4:9,23,24), living without hope in God (Job 8:11-14), punishment in hell (Psalm 9:17), destruction from God (Psalm 50:22), lack of provision and satisfaction (Isaiah 65:11-14), being forgotten, forsaken and reproached (Jeremiah 23:39,40) and being rejected by God (Hosea 4:6). The Lord said as He punished those nations that lived in the land before them, so would He do to those who forgot Him and disobeyed His word. "As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God" (verse 20). The only solution is to repent, be humble and obey the word of God now. 

(Source: DCLM Youth Search the Scriptures - Vol 37, Lesson 471)

PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT FOR A VIBRANT LIFESTYLE

II Timothy 1:6; Isaiah 54:2

We have studied several aspects of soul-winning. To enable you fulfil your life as a vibrant believer and effective soul-winner, you need to take care of your inner life. Given the natural talents and divine resources Christians are endowed with, our potential for growth is infinite. There is however the need to ‘stir up’ ourselves and call forth the latent talents in us. It is our responsibility to claim the resources of grace and avail ourselves of the unsearchable riches in Christ. Our usefulness for God depends on the level of our spiritual development. It is helpful to be fed and motivated by others for growth but spiritual growth is often faster when there is personal consciousness and diligent commitment to it. It is a great day for a little child when he learns to feed himself; so it becomes a new era in a believer’s life when he forms the habit of going daily to the original source of spiritual truth for personal feeding.

HINDRANCES TO PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Want of talents or spiritual gifts is not always the cause of spiritual mediocrity but want of purpose for spiritual progress. Lack of vision makes a person to have no sense of mission. The main barrier to spiritual development is within the person. Lack of persuasion of the Christian faith leads to an unstable Christian life (Genesis 49:4; Revelation 3:15), while self-indulgence and loose habits are the bedrock of spiritual decay. Ungodly ambition (Exodus 32:6), complacency, want of determination (I Kings 18:21), worldly attachments (Hosea 7:8), laziness (Proverbs 6:611) and loose time control (Ephesians 5:16) are hindrances to personal spiritual development. Just as little leaks sink the ship, any of these hindrances will make a potential spiritual giant to become a slave. There is then the necessity for self-examination (II Corinthians 13:5) to remove any of these growth-deterrents.

HELPS FOR PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Divine resources are more than sufficient for our spiritual growth if we are ready to exploit them. Some of the helps we have for our personal spiritual development are:

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STUDY OF THE BIBLE (II Timothy 2:15; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:97; John 5:39)

No one can pretend to be a Christian without a competent acquaintance with the Scripture. Ignorance of scriptural injunctionsmakes a believer easily deceived. The Bible is a volume of inspiration of full fountain, ever flowing. A diligent study of the Bible fills the mind with the most splendid of heavenly truth, soothes the heart with an inexpressible sweetness, satisfies the sacred hunger and thirst for knowledge of God and imprints thedivine testimony firmly upon the mind, that believing souls rest upon it securely. Bible study aids, concordance, commentary, bible atlas and a complete Bible with references (KJV) are essentials for a systematic and profitable study of the Scripture.

GENERAL STUDY (I Timothy 4:13; II Timothy 4:13; I Peter3:15; Acts 7:22)

Every Christian needs to study to develop, whatever be his disposition. The aim of study is not to gather mere knowledge but to be aware of our environment, to understand God’s creation, to be relevant to our fellowmen as we minister to them and to be current with important events. Our studies of other books – Christian literatures, science and art – should draw us to the Bible and our goal should also be to draw our studies to the Bible. In our reading or study of books, we have to be selective. The books we read are an outward expression of our inner hungers and expression. Our reading should be regulated largely by what we are and what we do or intend to be. For a profitable study, we must think or reflect on what we have read. Invest in Christian literature, which includes (auto)biographies of notable believers, evangelism, spiritual growth, consecration, etc.

PRAYER AND DEVOTION (Luke 6:12; 18:1; Mark 1:35; Psalm 146: 1,2; 149:1; I Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer should be natural to Christians as water is to fish. It is the Christian trade. Prayer is the appropriate channel of heavenly communications. It is not only circumstances that are changed through prayer but also the person. Prayer paves the way for transfiguration. A spirit of continual prayer, mixed with reading, is fuel for spiritual exploits. We need prayer for additional supplies of heavenly influence. Much prayer and little study advance the work of God more than abundance of study without prayer. Devotion is largely praise worship – prayer of praise and singing. It takes us away from the world of cares to our Father’s throne. It is a sweet moment of blessed communion with God.

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PERSONAL RETREAT (Psalm 46:10; Mark 6:31)

For spiritual growth, we often need distraction-free environment where we can have still times with God. Solitude is essential for rest, reflection, evaluation and meditation. We need to ‘come apart’in order not to ‘fall apart’. Personal retreat is essential for a personal revival. We need personal retreat when spiritually dry, dead, weakor overwhelmed with spiritual responsibilities. In a personal retreat, you set time aside (a whole day, a whole week or weekend) to pray, meditate on God’s word and reflect on your life. Time for personal retreat can be partly or wholly devoted to fasting. It is a time to order or reorder your life and make necessary adjustments. It is at such times that God communicates to you the next step in His will for your life (Acts 13:1-3). It is important also to meditate deeply in the scriptures, spend time to sing spiritual songs and listen to anointed messages from our ministers. Invest on these resources!

If you can cultivate the inner life, you are bound to flourish spiritually. There is no excuse to remain a spiritual pauper when you ought to be a giant. Why not rise up and stir up the gifts that are in you?

OVERCOMING THE SPIRIT OF THIS AGE

Matthew 24:10-13; I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 3:1-5

The heavenly vision requires constant renewing. A lot happens here below that could block the pilgrim’s view to his aspired homeland. God is calling our attention to the perilous times in which we live. We in the western world need to be extra cautious because our society is so secular that true Christianity and heavenly living have become strange. We could begin to lower our heavenly focus to be acceptable to our society, or we could become completely secular and abandon the heavenly vision altogether. These are perilous times and we need to be very watchful.

CHARACTERISTICS AND CONFLICT OF THIS AGE

The age we live in is described in the Bible in many vivid ways. It is called ‘evil world’, ‘latter times’, ‘last times’, ‘evil days’, ‘perilous times’, etc (Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 4:16; I Timothy 4:1; II Timothy 3:1; I John 2:18). And the inhabitants are described as ‘an evil generation’, ‘an untoward (lawless) generation’, ‘children of disobedience’, ‘a perverse nation’, etc (Matthew 12:34,39; Acts 2:40; Ephesians 2:2; Philippians 2:15). In order words, this age has a different interest, focus and agenda than that of God for His children. This implies conflict for the heavenly pilgrim in many ways. One, there is conflict of loyalty. Who will be lord over us? Whose will do we hold supreme? Two, there is conflict of faith. Shall we continue in the purity of the Bible or change its claims to accommodate the changing views of human minds? And three, there is conflict of lifestyle. Shall we keep on the old-fashioned way or yield to the demands of our modern-day world? Unfortunately, the spirit of this age has affected some believers such that they are no longer heaven-focus. Are you part of them? The true believer must watch to avoid being swept aside by the mentality and spirit of this age. It is a battle we cannot afford to lose.

CHALLENGES FOR CHRISTIANS IN THIS AGE

The last days pose several practical challenges to the believer. The Bible is very clear that the days are evil and it requires the violence of faith to overcome (Matthew 11:12). What are the challenges?

1.     The common temptations of the heavenly pilgrim (I Corinthians 10:12,13).

2.     Personal, peculiar trials that can make the pilgrimage tedious (Job 2:11-13).

3.     Distractions and enticement from a world that craves our attention constantly (Proverbs 1:10).

4.     Increasing iniquity that discourages the mind and makes righteousness seem extra difficult, with the result that the love of the pilgrim begins to wax cold (Matthew 24:12).

5.     The pressure of daily living: what to eat, drink, put on, how to make ends meet, etc (Matthew 6:31).

6.     The legitimate cares of a busy and challenging ministry (II Corinthians 11:27-29).

7.     Family trials or troubles that baffle the mind and undermine the faith (Genesis 25:20-22).

8.     Perilous struggle for survival and quest for personal advancement (James 4:13).

Care is necessary to manage these challenges. The believer needs to make a courageous choice to stand for the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly despite the prevailing pressures.

CHOICE AND COURAGE IN THIS AGE

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” – Matthew 24:13. You can be victorious in this age. Two things are required: choice and courage. Choose your destiny (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:14). Where will you spend eternity? Choose your doctrine (I Timothy 4:15,16). Will you believe the totality of God’s word or only what seems convenient? Will you stick to the old-time truth or bend to the popular gospel that makes light of the way of holiness? Choose your companions (Psalm 119:63). You will be like your friends. Will you go with the godly few or the compromising or sinning multitude? Choose your lifestyle (I Peter 2:9). Will you live like a pilgrim or like a tourist? Lastly, choose your ministry (Hebrews 12:28,29). What kind of service will you render to God – a wholehearted, consecrated one or the one that seeks to please men at the expense of God?

Courage is also essential for total victory. Courage exhibits several elements. One, it is to keep on to the truth despite fierce opposition (Hebrews 10:39). Two, it is to keep standing for the truth in the presence of error and perversion (II John 8-11). Three, it is to keep on preaching the word when it seems very unpopular (II Timothy 4:1-5). Four, it is to keep on praising God when your trials multiply (Job 1:20-22). Five, it is to keep on praying till you get the victory (Luke 18:1). Six, it is to keep on resisting temptation till it is overcome (Hebrews 12:4). And seven, it is to keep on faithfully watching and waiting till the Bridegroom comes (Matthew 25:10; Luke 21:34-36). He that shall come will come; He will not tarry.