1. Solomon searches for the meaning of life To the young he offered some exhortations – Rejoice in your youth - Eccl 11:9 – Remove sorrow and evil from your youth - Eccl 11:10 – Remember God in your youth - Eccl 12:1 – Reflect upon what is coming - Eccl 12:1 Not many young take issue with first exhortation But doesn't the next three take joy out of youth No! There are good reasons to "Remember God In The Days Of Your Youth” REMEMBER GOD IN THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1

2. YOUTH HAS NO GUARANTEE OF THE FUTURE – Death no respecter of persons Jas 4:14-17 “Many who plan to repent at the 11th hour, die at 10:30” – Lord is coming in judgment 2Pet 3:7,9-11; 2Thes 1:7-9 – If blessed with long life, & time to change – “Remember” REMEMBER GOD IN THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1

3. MISSPENT YOUTH CAN CURSE YOUR FUTURE – We reap what we sow Gal 6:7-8 – Danger in sowing "wild oats“ Rom 13:1-2; 1Pet 2:13-14; 1Cor 6:18; Rom 13:1; 1Cor 6:12; 1Cor 6:19-20 – "Most men spend the first half of their lives making the second half miserable." (La Bruyere) - “Remember” REMEMBER GOD IN THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1

4. WELL SPENT YOUTH CAN BLESS YOUR FUTURE – Foolish and wise child compared Foolish child: won't remember God in youth; listen to advice of others; must learn for himself; Invariably makes mess of life Wise child: remembers God in youth; follows God's and other's advice; learns from mistakes of others; begins life with solid foundation & good head start Vast difference in quality of life when choose right REMEMBER GOD IN THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1

5. WELL SPENT YOUTH CAN BLESS YOUR FUTURE – Wise child shows his wisdom by sowing to the Spirit Respect authority: beginning with parents Eph 6:1-3 By controlling body (as did Paul) 1Cor 9:27 By obeying the gospel Gal 3:26-27 Grow spiritually, bear fruit of Spirit Gal 5:22-24 Becoming an example of believers 1Tim 4:12 – This is remembering God while young REMEMBER GOD IN THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1

6. No one can be "forced" to remember God in their youth... One thing certain: God will remember & bring you into judgment for all that you do Eccl 11:9 So "Fear God and keep His commandments" Eccl 12:13-14 You only live once...will you make the right choice? Will you "Remember God In The Days Of Your Youth"? REMEMBER GOD IN THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1