THE TOUGH MINDED YOUTHS IN A STRANGE LAND
TOPIC: THE TOUGH MINDED YOUTHS IN A STRANGE LAND
TEXT: DANIEL 1:1-20
MESSAGE:
Daniel was a youth who found himself in a strange land known as Babylon. Babylon is a land different from his own land in terms of doctrine, worship and in behaviour. As a tough minded Christian youth, he has been taught the right path of worship by his Jewish Leaders. He knew the true God, His word, ways and will. He was convinced about the true God and because of His personal conviction of God’s righteousness, he stood firm in believing and maintaining purity in the service of God. He was not ready to compromise His faith no matter the pressure and punishment that befalls him {Dan. 1:5-8; 6:1-13}. Also, the Christian youths could be in a strange land in schools, home, streets, and in our working places. We have to emulate Daniel’s faith and stand for our maker in righteousness, holiness and purity no matter what. For better understanding of the message, we shall consider the following subheadings:
POINT 1: THE TOUGH MINDED CHRISTIAN EXPLAINED, EXAMPLES AND REASONS
When we talk about tough minded Christian youth, we are not referring to every Christian youth that carries bible or that preaches the gospel; rather, they are Christian youths that are not ordinary Christians. They are Christian youths with a PURPOSED HEART. They are afraid of nothing but God and as well hate nothing but sin. They are Christian youths that cannot be influenced by friends, environment and career. They are Christians who can stand the face of temptation, persecution and trials without denouncing God. They are ready to do God’s will at all cost. Also, they are known by these words “I cannot, I will not and I would not”. The bible has records of Christian youths who can be called tough minded Christian youth. They are as follows.
• Daniel: He refused to eat the idolatrous King’s food. He purposes in his heart that he will not defile himself {Dan. 1:6-8}.
• Joseph: He refused to commit the sin of immorality with his master’s wife rather he chose to be punished than to commit this great wickedness against God {Gen. 39:7-12}.
• Esther: She said “If I perish, I perish” She decided to break the law of the land {Esther 4:16}.
All these and many more stood for their God. Their acts and faith made them tough minded Christian youth.
POINT 2: DEVOTION AND DEDICATION OF THE TOUGH MINDED CHRISTIAN YOUTH AND OUR EXPECTED RESPONSE
These tough minded Christian youths are Christians who are devoted and dedicated TO God. They are not youths that joke with God and His word neither do they toil with sin {Job 1:9}. Sin does not have dominion over them {Rom. 6:11-14} they followed God in righteousness {1st Pet. 1:15-16}. They shine as light everywhere they are found {Matt. 5:13-16}.They preached the gospel of our Saviour anywhere they go {Mk. 16:15}. They work and live with eternity in view {Colo. 3:1}. They are the best in class and in their career {Dan. 1:4-5, 17-20}. So, having seen the quality the tough minded Christian youths are made of, we must make up our mind to become the next tough minded Christian youth of our time.
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