MEN AND BOYS: SIMPLE, FOOLISH OR WISE?

MEN AND BOYS: SIMPLE, FOOLISH OR WISE?
Dr. Jobe Martin Biblical Discipleship Ministries

When does a man become a man? Historically men become men at age 12-13
Examples: 1) Restaurant Menus: 12 and under 2) Medicine Bottles: Not for age 12 and under

When does a man learn how to be a man?

A man learns how to be a man before 13 years of age!

This verse is when Jesus is about 12 years old!
LUKE 2:52 52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Wisdom = Intellectual (Biblical knowledge applied) Stature = Physical (Maturity) Favor with God = Spiritual Favor with man = Social This verse is when Jesus is about 12 years old!

JERRY ROSS ASKS: In what are you known to be “increasing?”
Football, basketball, baseball, track, etc.? Soul winning, academics, after-school-job, musical instrument, Bible study, church, etc.? Boys, hair, boys, clothes, boys….? Honoring your parents, obedience, love….? Sports, fast-food, car, girl-friend, TV, money, FACEBOOK, computer games, 2nd Life, etc.? Which of these pursuits best describes you?

JERRY ROSS ASKS: In what are YOU known to be “increasing?”
Football Basketball Baseball Track Soccer Mathematics Science Computers Godly sister/daughter Soul winning Servant hood Musical instrument After-school-job Godly brother/son Bible Study Facebook Pride Selfishness

Jesus was subject to Joseph and Mary!
LUKE 2:52 Jesus at age 12 was increasing in wisdom, stature, favor with God and favor with men. LUKE 2:49-51 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Jesus was subject to Joseph and Mary!

PROVERBS 12:15 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. So: Listen to the counsel of your fellow Christians, your siblings, your parents and be wise!

A Godly leader treats his parents as his best counselors!

A Godly leader recognizes that in order to be a wise authority in the future, he must learn to be under authority now!

Jesus learned a wage-earning skill!
MARK 6:3 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? Jesus learned a wage-earning skill!

If you call yourself a Christian, are your priorities the same as our Lord Jesus?

Are you in subjection to your parents?
Are you learning a wage-earning skill? Are you increasing in favor with God? Are you increasing in favor with people? Are you taking care of yourself physically? Are you maturing intellectually? Can you look people in the eye while talking? Are you growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and His Word? Are you becoming wise in Godly living?

Godly Leadership Leaders In Godliness, Holiness and Testimony Shop, by Harold Malley
A Godly leader does not choose the easy way, but the right way!

A Godly leader sees farther down the road than others!

A Godly leader knows that more is accomplished on his knees than on his feet!

Proverbs is primarily a dad talking to his son.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. THE PRINCIPAL PRIORITY OF YOUTH = GET WISDOM Proverbs is primarily a dad talking to his son.

Are you getting Godly wisdom and putting that wisdom into action in your daily attitudes and activities?

Worldview Your daily attitudes, decisions, activities and behavior are the outward display of your worldview.

WHAT IS A WORLDVIEW? Your worldview is your basic belief system.
Your worldview is the position you take regarding the answers to the major questions in life such as: Does God exist and is He Good? What can be known for sure? Who am I; why am I here; where am I going? What do I value; what is important to me? Is there purpose and direction to life?

A set of beliefs or ideas / a system of thought
Behavior Values Respect for life Wealth Truth “Fruit of the Spirit” Happiness Health Loyalty Summit Ministries Manitou Spgs. CO Worldview A set of beliefs or ideas / a system of thought Ethics Biology Psychology Philosophy Theology Politics Economics History Law Sociology “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

What are some of the anti-Biblical worldviews promoted by the god of this world, Satan, that are popular on the campuses of the world?

Evolution CREATION Secular Humanism Marxism/ Leninism Cosmic Humanism
Biblical Christianity Sources: Humanist Manifestos I, II Writings of Marx and Lenin New Age writers: Ferguson, Bailey Bible Theology Atheism Pantheism Theism Philosophy Naturalism Dialectical Materialism Non-Naturalism Supernaturalism Ethics Relativism Proletariat Morality Absolutes Biology Evolution CREATION Psychology Self-actualization Behaviorism Collective Consciousness Mind-Body Dualism Sociology Non-Traditional Family Abolition of Home Church and State Non-Tradition Home Church and State Traditional Home Church State Law Positive Law Self-Law Biblical Law Politics World Gov. (Globalism) New World Order New Age Order Justice, Freedom Order Economics Socialism Enlightened Production Stewardship Private Prop. History Historical Evolution Historical Materialism Evolutionary Godhood Historical Resurrection Postmod Islam

WORLDVIEW THINKING IN THE HISTORY OF THE U.S.A.
Christian Theism: Personal God Young Universe Creation Traditional Deism: Reduced God Old Universe Theistic Evolution Secular Humanism: Dead God Darwinian Atheistic Evolution Pagan Mysticism/Metaphysical Naturalism I am God/All is God/ Evolution is ‘god’/ Harry Potter is God

Lesser shades of darkness do not expose the darkness!

1 JOHN 1:5-7 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

THE CHRISTIAN’S JOB: BRING LIGHT TO EXPOSE THE DARKNESS!
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

BABOOPENQUAT? Are you screaming inside, “I love the darkness. I love the things of the world!”

PROVERBS 14:12 12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

PROVERBS 16:25 25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

A “fool” loves and lives the ways of darkness and death!

WHAT IS A “FOOLISH” YOUTH?
“[He] may be a teenager who has attended church for years. He is there because his parents make him come. He will daydream during most of the lesson, and the part that he does hear, he has already made up his mind to ignore. He is foolish.” Jerry L. Ross, The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ, (ISBN ) p. 8

We are losing 40% before high school.
We are losing another 44% before college.

Proverbs 1:7-9 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

EPHESIANS 6:1-3 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise); 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

But in steps pride and selfishness!!

What do pride and selfishness look like in a boy preparing himself for manhood or a girl preparing herself for womanhood?

“I don’t need to obey my parents—I know what’s best for me a whole lot better than they do!”

PROVERBS 18:2 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

“Me, myself and I,” says the fool, “that is what I want to indulge and satisfy!”

HOW DO THE GODLY “WISE” RESPOND?
Proverbs 21:11 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. Proverbs 8:33 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 11Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: 13But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

What happened in the synagogue? The Word of God was read and taught.
LUKE 4:16 16 “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, . . .” What happened in the synagogue? The Word of God was read and taught.

A Godly leader builds his thinking on a strong foundation—the Word of God. Therefore, he is able to be secure and courageous even in the midst of terrible storms!

Godly leaders take the narrow, uphill path that others are unwilling to take. When it comes to the Bible, this means taking the Bible literally and believing it from Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” through Revelation 22:21: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

PROVERBS 3:13-16 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

EPHESIANS 6:1-3 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise); 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

MATTHEW 6:33 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Football Basketball Baseball Track Soccer Mathematics Science Computers Godly sister/daughter Soul winning Servant hood Musical instrument After-school-job Godly brother/son Bible Study Facebook Pride Selfishness

Football Basketball Baseball Track Soccer Mathematics Science Chess Computers Soul winning Servant hood Musical instrument After-school-job Godly brother/son Bible Study Facebook Pride Selfishness

You can’t be both a man of God and a man of the world at the same time!

GET WISDOM, STARTING WHERE?
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

WISDOM BEGINS WITH FEARING GOD!
“Fear” in the Old and New Testaments means “awe” and “reverence,” and equally important, it means “bone shaking terror.” Fear = “Phobeo” or “phobos” from which we get our word, Phobia, such as Hydrophobia (fear of water), or Arachnophobia, (fear of spiders). These phobias are bone shaking terror! Are we to fear God with bone-shaking terror to get wisdom?

LUKE 12:4-5 “Fear” is “Phobeo.”
Lord Jesus said, 4 “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” “Fear” is “Phobeo.”

FEAR IN OLD TESTAMENT HEBREW
Proverbs 1:7a The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. “Fear” is “Yirah” which means fear, terror, reverence, awe, etc. The fear of God is like a volcano—you want to get up close and look into it (awesome), but fear it could kill you so it drives you away. Biblical fear attracts you in awe, but drives you away in terror.

The beginning of instruction, knowledge and wisdom is the awesome reverence and bone-shaking terror of the God of the Bible!

A Godly leader has convictions that come from the Fear of the Lord which prevent compromise that comes from the fear of man.

The fear of the Lord is a major stimulus for living a wise and Godly lifestyle.
The fear of the Lord convinces us of the consequences for sinful living. If I call myself a Christian and live like the devil--I have no fear of God, I am not living wisely and may not even be a true Christian. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

There are eternal consequences for sin
There are eternal consequences for sin! Today is the day to get things straightened out once and for all with our Savior, Jesus.

PRIDE: THE MAJOR BLOCK TO WISDOM.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil Proverbs 3:7 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom Proverbs 23:4 Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits Romans 12:16b

AM I A “FOOLISH” PERSON? A foolish person :
Ignores reproof (Proverbs 17:10; 19:25) Despises instruction (Proverbs 1:7; 15:5) Perceives himself as always right (Proverbs 12:15) Sees mischief as sport (Proverbs 10:23) Makes a mockery of sin (Proverbs 14:9) Is quick tempered (Proverbs 12:16; 14:17; 27:3) Meddles in the affairs of others (Proverbs 20:3) Despises his parents (Proverbs 15:20; 19:13)

AM I A “FOOLISH” PERSON? A foolish person:
Slanders others (Proverbs 10:18) Has perverse lips (Proverbs 19:1) Is double-tongued (Proverbs 10:18) Quickly speaks his mind (Proverbs 29:11,20) Has a tongue of pride (Proverbs 14:3) Talks a lot of foolishness (12:23; 15:2, 14) Is contentious (Proverbs 18:6)

1 CORINTHIANS 15:33, 34 33 Be not deceived: evil communications [companions] corrupt good manners [morals]. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

To become wise and a mature man or woman, I must put away three childish things:
1) Childish Speech, 2) Childish Understanding 3) Childish Thinking. 1 Corinthians 13:11: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

A boy does not have to wait until he is 12-13 years old to start acting like a man!

Childish things are “put away” when you reach age 12.
Biblical Maturity: Childish things are “put away” when you reach age 12. In a historical context, after 12 years of age you are considered to be an adult! A teenager is an adult and should be capable of adult responsibiblties. Only in the “civilized” West are teens not considered to be adults.

Men: We must act like men!
Many if not most adult men in the USA remain childish in their behavior! Men act and think like they did in grade school or high school. Men: We must act like men!

Will you live like a dog, or soar like an eagle?

A Godly leader realizes that if he is doing the same thing as the world, it is time to reevaluate whether it is Biblical.

The Principal of Predeciding

HERE’S THE IDEA: 1) You have a recurring problem such as: laziness, cheating, stealing, swearing, anger, lust, pride, lying, immorality, lack of self control, pornography, drugs, selfishness, etc. OR 2) You have a potential problem, a problem that might pop up some day in the future such as: (see above )

HERE’S WHAT TO DO: Find a Scripture that deals with the problem.
Memorize this Scripture. Meditate on this Scripture. Personalize the Scripture (put your name in it wherever possible). Pray the Scripture back to God.

THEN WHAT? Ask the Lord to use this Scripture in your life the next time (or first time) you are confronted with the problem, test or temptation!

FOR EXAMPLE: If you have an anger problem you might memorize Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools.” This can be uncomfortably convicting! God calls eagerly angry people fools!

ARE YOU SELFISH AND PROUD?
Memorize, Meditate, Personalize and pray back to God Philippians 2:3: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than themselves.”

IS YOUR TONGUE OUT OF CONTROL?
Memorize, Meditate, Personalize and pray back to God Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Pre-decide to let God use this Scripture the next time your tongue needs taming.

LUST OF THE EYES “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” I John 2:16 “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” Psalm 101:3a

THE PRINCIPLE OF PREDECIDING
Find a Scripture that deals with the problem. Memorize this Scripture. Meditate on this Scripture. Personalize the Scripture (put your name in it wherever possible). Pray the Scripture back to God.

THEN WHAT? Ask the Lord to use this Scripture in your life the next time (or first time) you are confronted with the problem, test or temptation!

Predecide to Let the Bible Guide Your Moral Life

What About the “Gay” Lifestyle?
Dallas Morning News, July 25, 2011, page 4-A: The increasing number of states that have made same-sex marriage legal include: Connecticut, New York, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington D.C. 7/50ths of the USA! = 14%

What Does the Bible Say About the Culturally Acceptable “Gay” (Homosexual) Lifestyle?

MORAL RELATIVISM: HOMOSEXUALITY IS AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE
WHAT DOES THE GOD OF THE BIBLE SAY? Fellow Christians have you become confused on this issue? There should be no confusion here! Genesis 13:13, Homosexuality is sin and wickedness! Genesis 18:20, Homosexuality is grievous sin! Genesis 19:7, Homosexuality is wicked!

Leviticus 18:22, Homosexuality is an abomination.
Deuteronomy 23:17-18, Homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord of Hosts. 1 Kings 14:24, Homosexuality(sodomy) is an abomination. Romans 1:24, Homosexuality dishonors your own body. Romans1:26, Lesbianism is a “vile affection.

Romans 1:26b Lesbianism “...is against nature.”
Romans 1:27, Homosexuality is unseemly Romans 1:28, Homosexuality is the fruit of a “reprobate mind.” 1 Corinthians 6:9, Effeminate (“male prostitutes” NIV) and abusers of themselves with mankind (homosexuals NAS) “shall not inherit the kingdom of God”

You interpret what you see based on what you already believe (assume).
WORLDVIEW IDEAS HAVE CONSEQUENCES AND ITS ASSUMPTIONS DETERMINE CONCLUSIONS You interpret what you see based on what you already believe (assume).

Predecide to Use Excellent Speech

TEN LAWS OF EXCELLENT SPEECH
Speak sparingly—Proverbs 17:27; 10:19 Speak only after thinking—Prov.29:20; Jas. 1:19 Speak honestly—Ephesians 4:25; Proverbs 12:17 Speak with grace—Colossians 4:6 Speak only acceptable words— Psalm 19:14

PASTOR JERRY ROSS SAYS:
“Excellent speech is the hallmark of excellent character. I dare you to yield your tongue to the use of God. In doing so, you will achieve a level of maturity and discipline that will serve you well throughout your life.” The Teenage Years of Jesus, (Murfreesboro, TN: Sword of the Lord Pubs.) 2000, p.33

TEN LAWS OF EXCELLENT SPEECH
Speak appropriately—Prov. 25:11; Eccles 3:1 Speak respectfully—1 Timothy 5:1, 2 Never speak evil of another—Jas.4:11;Titus 3:2 Never praise yourself—Proverbs 17:2 Speak the Gospel boldly—Romans 1:16 “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2

INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND WISDOM
Knowledge: Learning what God wants me to do. Understanding: Learning why God wants me to do it. Wisdom: Learning how to do what God wants me to do and then, in His power, doing it!

WISDOM: “CHAKHAM” (Heb.)
“CHAKHAM” means to be skilled in holy living. It means to apply God’s Word to every situation in life. In order to display Godly wisdom a person must know and do God’s Word. In order to know and do God’s Word a person must possess the indwelling Holy Spirit. In order to possess the Holy Spirit, a person must receive Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.

JOHN 14:6 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

ACTS 4:12 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Romans 10:9-13 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Our Lord, through His Bible, encourages His people to go beyond a head knowledge of the truths of His Word. He is saying, “You have learned; now become convinced of My truths. You have been taught; now embrace My truths. You have read; now give yourself wholly to these truths. Make them yours. You know with your head; now believe with your heart.”

1 CORINTHIANS 14:20 20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

DEVELOP MATURE UNDERSTANDING
Proverbs 17:27 27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Proverbs 3:13 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

DANIEL 6:3 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

PROVERBS 10:13 13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

PROVERBS 16:22 22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. You want to enjoy life? Get understanding!

ENJOYING LIFE IS PURITY PROTECTION
Proverbs 6:32 32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding [Heb. “heart”]: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

1 Corinthians 6:17-20 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

PROVERBS 7:4, 5 4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: 5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:1 1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

MATURE MINDS ARE DISCIPLINED MINDS
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

A Godly leader is conscious of the fact that he will stand before the Lord one day to give account. He makes decisions based on that day rather than on present circumstances.

A Godly leader is a follower of the Lord within the framework of His Word, not a follower of the opinions and words of men.

“I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.”
PSALM 119:113 “I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.” King David, a man after God’s own heart, said that he hated empty thoughts. It made him mad when he caught himself daydreaming. He did not make excuses for it, but considered it a weakness of character. Nothing is as undisciplined and unproductive as a wandering mind. David realized that a healthy, intelligent mind was a gift from God, a gift to be used to accomplish things for God. (P. 44)

Proverbs 21:5 5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Colossians 3:12 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,… humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.

A Godly leader is willing to “humbly” lower himself, trusting God to lift him up at the right time!

A Godly leader will not simply obey his parents but look for ways to honor them!

Philippians 2:3 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Perhaps our biggest problem:
PRIDE!

“I can take care of myself!”
“I am indestructable!” “I can handle these drugs!” “I can handle social drinking!” “I will not be seduced by internet or by women!” ROMANS 12:3: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

The proud teenager says: “I can do all things.”
The humble teenager says: “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”

CAN WE KEEP A PURE MIND? 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

CAN WE KEEP A PURE MIND? PSALM 139:1, 2
1 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

CAN WE KEEP A PURE MIND? GENESIS 6:5, 6
5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

Our Lord Jesus hates wicked thoughts!
CAN WE KEEP A PURE MIND? PROVERBS 15:26 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. Our Lord Jesus hates wicked thoughts!

PURE THOUGHTS GENERATE PURE WORDS!
16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. Malachi 3:16

BIBLICAL MEDITATION: THE KEY TO SUCCESS FOR MENTAL PURITY
Psalm 1:1-3 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

1 Blessed [rich, rewarding, full] is the man that walketh not in the counsel [point of view] of the ungodly [morally wrong, bad, wicked], nor standeth in the way of sinners [habitual, lifestyle sinners], nor sitteth in the seat [sit down and feel right at home with] of the scornful [unteachable]. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper [God brings to His intended end].

BIBLICAL MEDITATION GENERATES MENTAL PURITY
Three subjects for meditation: The Person of God: Psalm 104:33, 34 The Works of God: Psalm 77:11, 12 The Word of God: Psalm 119:97

We must meditate on the whole Truth of God’s Word, the Bible!
We must have the discernment to not begin to believe ½ truths.

CATBIRD

Is this an expression of truth?

Is this something that is true to reality?

ROMANS 7 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Fellow Christian, does this Romans 7 passage of Scripture describe you?

BE AN OVERCOMER! 1 John 5:4, 5 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

WHAT OVERCOMES US? 1 John 2:15-17
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

A Godly leader knows that in order to lead others to a clear conscience, he must have one himself!

A Godly leader knows that in order to defeat the “Goliaths” in our country, he must defeat the lions and bears of lies, greed, lust, bitterness, pride and selfishness within himself!

EPHESIANS 2:1-3 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

EPHESIANS 2:1-3 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

SET SOME GOALS… Don’t settle for anything less than Christlikeness.
Take time each day to pray and study the Bible. Each day arm yourself with a Scripture and hymn. [Copy the Scripture onto a 3x5 card to memorize.] Turn off your car radio, TV, cell phone, etc. as you cannot have victory over wicked thoughts when involved with worldly, sensual music, etc . Remove yourself from wrong friends!

Compose a personal doctrinal statement.
Write a definition of success for yourself using only Scripture. Learn to love your Master, Lord Jesus. Try to discern God’s mission for your life. Get involved in ministry with and to others.

MINISTRY TO OTHERS: PROVERBS 11:27
27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. PROVERBS 12:2 2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

JAMES 1:26, 27 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

How can I learn to die to myself—my ugly pride and my stubborn selfishness, my wicked tongue and find the favor of God as I minister to others?

Finding the Favor of God
First I must die to myself: 1 Corinthians 15:31b says, “I die daily.” Galatians 2:20 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Second: Study the Gospels
Our goal is to let Jesus’ life flow out through us. Study Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and watch everything that Jesus does, then ask, “Why did He do that?” Listen to everything Jesus says, then ask, “To whom was He talking? Why did He say that? What did He mean?” Examine Jesus’ decisions and then ask, “Why?” Nothing Jesus did or said is unimportant!

Third: Improve and develop your relationships with adults
Young people, It matters what adults think of you! “Most teenagers today seem to care little what adults think about them. They are so busy trying to impress their peers that they are oblivious to the opinions of anyone more than a few years older than they are. This is not how Christ lived. Men respected Him. Adults were impressed by Him.” [See: The Teenage Years of Christ, p.66]

1 TIMOTHY 4:12 12 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” Young people, die to yourself and let the Lord Jesus live His life out through you in such a way that the adults will not despise you, but will be encouraged to deeper faith and a closer walk in the Spirit in their own lives!

CHARACTER TRAITS ADULTS RESPECT IN YOUNG PEOPLE:
Adults respect excellent speech. Adults respect mature behavior. Adults respect selfless love. Adults respect a good attitude. Adults respect sincere faith. Adults respect wholesome purity.

A WORD TO YOUNG LADIES: “Young ladies, dress modestly and appropriately. Tight-fitting clothes do not make you look sexy; they make you look cheap. Don’t be a flirt! Keep hands off. Be especially appro- priate around married men. No one respects a girl with loose morals. Wicked men may give you attention, then use you, but they won’t marry you. Be an example of the Believer in purity.” (Ross, p , italics are from Ross)

PEERS REACT TO A GODLY YOUNG PERSON.
If you die to yourself and let the Lord Jesus live His holy and pure life out through you, your peers, even your “Christian” peers will react. Many will attempt to pull you down, to discourage you, to reject you because of your good behavior in Christ Jesus.

OUR RESPONSE TO REJECTION
1 Peter 4:14 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

OUR RESPONSE TO REJECTION
Luke 6:22, 23 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

MEN AND BOYS: SIMPLE, FOOLISH OR WISE?

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MEN AND BOYS: SIMPLE, FOOLISH OR WISE?

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