Helping the Younger to Walk in Truth

Background Scripture: 1 and 2 John
Lesson Scripture: 2 John 1-6; 3 John 1-5

Introduction

Truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, and being of God as it is revealed in his Word. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). Helping our young people walk in the freedom Jesus spoke about is the responsibility of parents and older believers.

“They that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Being genuine and sincere is also part of teaching the young what a close relationship with God is about. Apostle John emphasized love and truth, and by these we can give guidance for the young in the light of eternity. Humanistic love and fleshly indulgence are the results of a short-term point of view.

Key Verse

Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name (Ps. 86:11).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The apostle John was an aging father in the church seeking to inspire the members to love and devotion. History records that he continued to emphasize love even after he was no longer able to walk and had to be carried to the assemblies. When asked why he placed so much emphasis on love, he responded that when we have fervent love there will not be much else lacking.

The historian Eusebius relates the following: John the apostle, after he had been released from exile on the island of Patmos, would visit the churches to help where he could. While he was at the church in Smyrna, he noticed a youth that impressed him as one with outstanding potential. He noted that youth to the local minister and committed him to his care. John returned to Ephesus, and the local minister took the young man into his care with nurturing and teaching. He was eventually baptized. After the young man was a church member, the minister relaxed his care over him. After a time, the young man got into the company of carnal youth. First he got involved in entertainment; eventually, being thoroughly discouraged, he was drawn into criminal activity. The young man with leadership gifts became a leader in sinful living.

After some time, John returned to Smyrna and, while visiting, inquired about the youth he had committed to the minister. The minister sorrowfully informed him about the state of the young man. John, obviously very disappointed, immediately requested a horse to ride and someone to show him the way to the band of profligates where the young man could be found. When the young man saw John, he recognized him and started to run away. John called after him, saying that he had nothing to fear, and he eventually stopped running. John told him there is yet hope in Christ, and he persuaded him to try again. John spent time with him with prayer and fasting until he was restored as a faithful church member.

Practical Truths for Today

The greatest positive influence we can have on our young people is by being genuine, devoted Christians ourselves. Parents can be diligent in regulating the lives of their youth, but if this is not accompanied with a humble, true, and sincere faith, the young folks will be at a disadvantage. Spirits are more infectious than words. If our youth can sense an approachable attitude and a humble willingness to confess where we have failed, this will have a more positive influence on them than a flawless outward walk. Carnal behavior in youth may catch our attention because it is obvious. However, youth may sense carnality in their elders, in whom spirits of pride, independence, criticalness, materialism, or covetousness can be hidden under a proper exterior. When Christian living is a mere way of life instead of a life dedicated to God, a spirit of insincerity is likely to be transmitted to the young people in our care.

Life is a series of choices, and the position we find ourselves in is principally because of personal decisions. Young people who choose to follow the Lord make that choice for themselves, but they will need certain individuals as their mentors. It is so important that those mentors are walking with God. We are all influenced by others, but young people are especially impressionable and inclined to follow what others are doing. Being permissive with the motive of encouraging the young will not help them spiritually. Humble steadfastness is required to guide them in the way of truth.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). This could be misinterpreted to mean that the new birth is a finished work. When children are born again and become members of the church, they still need loving care and patient, firm guidance. Young people do not have the experience of their elders, and therefore, watchful oversight is necessary to help them build a solid foundation. This teaching will be with them through the trials and temptations of life that are sure to test them. Youth need to be encouraged to recognize their motives rather than simply living by guidelines or following a peer group. Peter advises us to “grow in grace, and . . . knowledge” (2 Pet. 3:18). Youth who are successful in their Christian lives are good listeners, feeding on God’s Word and other edifying literature. As they get older, more is entrusted to their own discernment. What a joy it is to see that they are spiritually alive and understanding the Holy Spirit!

We all enjoy associating with our own age group, but in spirit there need not be any group distinctions. Dedicated youth will enjoy being with older Christians because this is where they can gain good direction. It is a blessing when young and old can relate to each other in good conversation.

Traditions, which often have a scriptural basis, grow more precious as we get older. Their benefit seems obvious to older church members, but younger ones may have more difficulty understanding the merits of tradition. It is important that our youth can sense a love for the truth as they are exposed to the culture and way of life we have as God’s people. Without this love for truth, tradition is only a culture and may lead to disillusionment.

As parents and older ones, honestly reviewing our own feelings and experiences from when we were young helps us be understanding with young people. Remembering our own struggles and how we still need the mercy of Jesus will help us to nurture our youth in a tender, compassionate, and hopeful manner. When we are not sufficiently involved in the lives of our youth, love tends to be replaced with criticalness.

Illustration

An older father related how some of the young men in their congregation acquired motorcycles to run around with. His son also wanted one and asked various times if he could also get one. Finally, his father told him, “As long as you are obedient to me, you will not be getting a motorcycle.” After that the son never brought it up again. This father had the wisdom to not indulge his son or reason over the right or wrong of the thing itself. No doubt recognizing that a motorcycle could be used rightly in its proper place, he rather drew his son’s attention to the sacred principle of respecting the wisdom of his father.

Questions

1. Paul wrote that when he became a man he put away childish things (1 Cor. 13:11). How does this relate to playing and fun?
2. What is the proper balance between prohibiting things and helping the young to understand the reason why?
3. Discuss the difference between love and indulgence when dealing with the wants of youth.
4. How is self-denial and cross-bearing applicable to young Christians?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).