Sermon

Young generation of today faces many challenges in the contemporary world. Lot of temptations challenge them today. The concept of small unit family, the growth of social media and communication and the thought of global village have brought the world very closer. Most of our young people are engaged in jobs which demand much of their time and has no time for God or spiritual thinking. The scientific growth is often questioning their Christian faith. At this point we should discuss how the young generation can grow in Christian spirituality.

1.The model of Joseph (Gen. 41:37-43).

Joseph’s story has been recorded at length in the book of Genesis. Joseph had many optimistic dreams. But he had to undergo many difficulties. He experienced loneliness, slavery and imprisonment even at his younger days. The beloved son of the father was sinking in allegations and sexual scandal. He was punished for mistakes that are not his own. His rating graph was going down for a period of long 13 years (Gen.37:41-46). But Joseph has been elevated to the pinnacle of fame with his integrity, sincerity, fear of God, determination, dependence on God and faithfulness. He has been promoted to the level of Prime Minister of Egypt. For today’s young generation, Joseph is the best model.

2.Follow Jesus Christ (Matt.19:16-22).

A young rich man came to Jesus. He asked him, “How can I inherit eternal life?” He got the answer, “Obey the commandments”. He answered, “I am obeying them”. But Jesus instructed, if you want the perfect, sell everything what you have, give to the poor and follow him. Today’s young generation has a message here. Follow Jesus Christ, Who is ‘the author and perfecter of our faith’ as our model (Heb.12:2).

3.Succeed temptations (Phil.3:1-16).

This Biblical text challenges us to count whatever is profitable to consider it as loss now for the sake of Christ. Paul tells us that he is forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is a head. Here ‘Christ model’ is important. He is our strength and refuge. Let us pray that the youth of today will be transformed into the death of Christ and experience the power of resurrection and the fellowship of suffering. 

Prayer

Gracious and Merciful God, Who has caused His wondrous works to be remembered, Equip us to be people in whom the Spirit of God dwell, who would count anything as insignificant in order to gain Christ and be found in Him, That we may know Christ and the power of His resurrection, sharing in his suffering and becoming like Him in his death, Through Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen.