1. II Timothy 4:6-8

2.  The end of the school year is upon us, which means graduation time for seniors all across the country  It’s a big accomplishment for a student to get their diploma  It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in their life

3.  We offer some biblical advice to those who are taking this big step  The world has many challenges for us, and the Bible gives us what we need to face those challenges  Last year we looked at a lesson entitled “5 Things Every Graduate Should Know”

4.  That lesson from I Timothy 4:12-16 gave us 5 points: Heed the power of influence (v. 12) Heed the power of God’s word (vs. 13, 16) Heed the power of service (v. 14) Heed the power of prayer (v. 15) Heed the power of goals (v. 15)

5.  So this morning we want to build on the previous lesson by adding 5 more important things  Again, these come from Paul’s instruction to young Timothy  As you head towards independence and adulthood, remember these…

6.  1. Remember where you came from II Timothy 1:5 Paul reminded Timothy of the legacy of faith that was passed down to him by his grandmother and mother Many parents tell their kids to remember “who you are”

7.  1. Remember where you came from This phrase should cause us to remember our creator It should cause us to remember our upbringing It should cause us to remember the faith and teachings that our parents have passed on to us

8.  2. Fight for what is right II Timothy 4:6-8 I Timothy 6:12 One of Satan’s most powerful tools is apathy He wants to outlast us; to tire us out; make us give up

9.  2. Fight for what is right Standing up for God’s word and for what is right is worth it It’s important that we wear the armor of God when we fight (Eph. 6:10-18) Expect some persecution to come your way when you do stand up for right (II Tim. 3:12)

10.  3. You don’t have to sow wild oats II Timothy 2:22-23 I’m sure the world back then also had a lot to offer a young man like Timothy Paul tells him to flee youthful lusts It’s not enough just to flee those things, but we must pursue something in it’s place

11.  3. You don’t have to sow wild oats Paul also tells Timothy to “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes” In today’s translations, that means to stay away from all the drama It is possible to be a young adult in today’s world and be a Christian too

12.  4. Don’t be afraid to work hard I Timothy 5:8 God takes our labor very seriously Each person who is capable is expected to provide for themselves God never intended for well bodied people to be lazy

13.  4. Don’t be afraid to work hard Some take advantage of the “system” Just because the “system” allows it, does not mean that it is right God has always encouraged hard work (I Cor. 15:58; Col. 3:23) Proverbs 6:10-11

14.  5. Don’t let money rule you I Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19 Money isn’t everything in life The world wants us to think that success is solely based upon how much money you have The pursuit of money can ruin you

15.  5. Don’t let money rule you Building up debt can also ruin a person’s life Then one becomes a slave to money, and all decisions are based on the dollar (Prov. 22:7) Proverbs 30:7-9