Youthful Study

Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 3-4
Lesson Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; 1 Samuel 17:32-36

Introduction

When we are young, our minds are pliable and elastic, capable of absorbing and retaining lifelong impressions. Our minds share many of the same characteristics and abilities, yet each one is unique. We have a wonderful capacity to think, to learn, and to create. Children develop with an innate curiosity, which establishes a platform for learning. This God-given predisposition has great potential for good but also for harm. God has made us this way for our good and for his pleasure and honor. We should do all we can to harness our mind’s ability for God’s purposes.

Key Verse

I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:14).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Timothy lived in Lystra. When Paul and Barnabas visited Lystra, Paul miraculously healed a person crippled from birth. This miracle led people in the community to believe in Jesus and accept the gospel. Some years later, Paul returned to Lystra with Silas and asked Timothy, whose faith had grown and matured, to join them in the work of the gospel. From that point on, Timothy became a near-constant companion of Paul. In Philippians 2:22, Paul refers to their relationship as that of a father and son.

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy. They were full of fatherly concern and instructions on Christian conduct. Paul reminded Timothy of the need to continue to listen and learn as well as to teach. He encouraged Timothy to value good reading, take advice, and ground himself in doctrine. Each young person has a gift that needs to be cultivated and encouraged.

Paul encourages Timothy to faithfully and confidently continue in that which he was taught from his youth, remembering the solid, trustworthy example of his spiritual forebears. He was not to disregard the opportunity of being young but to go forward in its vitality.

The account of David and his victory over the giant Goliath is surely one of the best known and loved of all Bible stories. David was only a boy but exemplified exceptional courage. As is often the case, those closest to him did not recognize or appreciate his qualities and accused him of selfish curiosity and neglect of duty when he appeared at the scene of battle. David, however, was undaunted by their lack of approval and pressed forward with increasing courage and determination. David’s confidence in the outcome was not that of a newfound faith in God but of one that had been tested and proven true. The impression we have is that David killed the lion and the bear in very close combat. This battle was to be different. It is impossible for us to know exactly what calculations went through David’s mind as he approached this conflict, but we can be fairly certain they were attended by some normal human emotions.

A sling was a simple but ancient weapon, and a man with some skill could hurl a projectile with stunning velocity. It was commonly used in warfare, and in Judges 20:16, it says that in Benjamin “among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men left-handed; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.” There are usually two factors that result in remarkable human performance: some natural aptitude and a notable amount of practice. These combine to produce exceptional skill. We can imagine David, in the countless lonely hours tending his father’s sheep in the wilderness, spending much time with his harp and his sling and becoming proficient with both.

Thinking about David’s perspective in this situation invites some reflection. Possibly because of his youth, he saw it in simple terms. Political and practical considerations did not enter his mind as they might have at a later point in his life. Rather, he only knew that Goliath’s challenge was an affront to the God of Israel. His attitude was that in such a situation, a man who offered his allegiance and service to the almighty God could not lose. His success was the result of his faith in God and practice with the sling. Both of these proved deadly when put to combined use.

Practical Truths for Today

No doubt we all understand what is meant by the words, “youthful study,” but let us consider their further objective. Youth refers to approximately fifteen years to twenty-one years of age, maybe as old as twenty-five. There are, however, other possibilities. A little research reveals that when Paul admonished Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth,” Timothy could have been middle-aged with Paul being somewhat older. The term “youthful” can be relative as well as specific, and those who are past adolescence can still be directed into preparation and laying a foundation for future responsibility.

The word study also includes more than the pretense of a person engrossed in one book with a marker in another one or two. While it is quite logical to begin with the idea that study consists of acquiring useful knowledge through careful and attentive reading, may we broaden our view to include other very important aspects? Consider again Timothy’s practical exposure to Scripture under the nurture of his mother and grandmother. It is a heartwarming vision. Ponder also David’s boyhood and how it shaped his character and his manhood. It is easier to imagine Timothy being studious than David. Their boyhood experiences likely were quite different. The boy Timothy may have read about young David with the same feelings that children have when they read or hear the story today.

Putting into practice what we learn is an important part of studying. Parents begin this in child nurture, and it should continue through life. Developing characteristics like patience and perseverance are important components of study. Concentration, focus, communication, and the ability to express truth in word and action are all aspects of study and are included in Paul’s encouragement: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

God gives inspirations through his Word that often are not found on the surface. Patient and earnest study of the Bible will deepen the life of any sincere Christian seeking the will of God. Not all are scholars, but this must not be used as an excuse. Each one needs to recognize the ability that God has personally given to us and then study how to exercise ourselves in that which He has provided.

Youth is a short time. We do not realize this until it is behind us. As brief as it is, it is very important. The things we experience when we are young often have lifelong effects. Bad choices lead to bad results, and immediate conclusions are not always proof of proper choices. How many of us can recall things that were said or done in the impulse of the moment, only later to be filled with regret and wish we had done differently? This is a very important area of study. It is the ongoing effort of learning to put the experiences we have and the inspirations we receive into knowledge that is profitable to our spiritual life.

Questions

1. Share some thoughts on what encourages a healthy, spiritual appetite.
2. Which is better, reading or serving?
3. Discuss the danger of curiosity in connection with study.
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).