The Effectiveness of an Exemplary Example (Part 4) by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

As we continue the series on The Effectiveness of an Exemplary Example, we spend some time looking at 1 Timothy 4:12a which says, “Let no man despise thy youth...” Here is a portion of the message. Never underestimate the abilities of youth. If you are in your youth, guard your attitude and actions against immaturity, imbecility, irrationality, impropriety, immorality, insanity, idiocy, irresponsibility, irreverence, illogicalness, and impetuousness. Keep yourself out of trouble by the grace of God. Follow the Lord! Let no man despise your youth! Don't let this wicked, vile world intimidate you into submission to sin or silence. John said, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). * Greater Is He That is in You Than He That is in the World * Scoffers may laugh and heckle you for your faith like a herd of African hyenas, but greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. * The arguments and attacks of atheists and agnostics against the Bible and God may dampen your spirit like a bucket of ice water thrown into your face, but greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. * Like sharp knives that cut and slash the flesh, the lies and slanders of the wicked may chop and slice at your reputation and testimony for Christ, but greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. * Your failures and weaknesses may discourage you and weigh you down like a wet, wool blanket, but greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. * Your society may consider wickedness and perversion to be normal behavior, leaving you standing alone in opposition to the sin, but greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. * Your efforts to reach a lost soul may prove to be fruitless like a cornfield blistered and baked by a summer drought, but greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. * Harassment or persecution from those who hate God may inflict fear or pain like hot coals from a flaming fire, but greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Dr. Elon Foster shared the story how at Cæsarea, in Cappadocia, a child named Cyril, in a time of heavy persecution, called continually upon the name of Jesus Christ. Neither threats nor blows could divert him from it. Many children of his own age persecuted him, and his heathen father kicked him out of the house. At last, he was brought before the judge, who threatened him, and strongly disapproved of what he did. With undaunted boldness, this child said, "I rejoice to bear your reproaches. God will receive me. I am glad that I am expelled from our house. I shall have a better mansion. I fear not death, because it will introduce me to a better life." Cyril was condemned to the flames with a full expectation that he would recant and save his life. He remained steadfast and firm, saying, "Your fire and your sword are insignificant. I go to a better house and more excellent riches. Despatch me presently that I may enjoy them." Cyril suffered for the glory of God, being burned to death in front of a crowd of wondering spectators. Cyril's attitude and actions are summed up in Philippians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." May our lives be challenged by the courage and faithfulness of this child who believed the truth that greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world. This message was preached on Sunday night, April 23, 2023, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.