JOHN WAS VITALLY INTERESTED IN CHILDREN & YOUTH: HE HAD BEEN THE YOUNGEST OF THE APOSTLES, TENDER

1. In each of his epistles he expresses his joy at children walking in the truth; light, love, righteous
2. Satan makes youth a special target to ruin or cripple an entire life by one filthy, trick
3. But God also can especially bless youth- Joseph, David, Samuel, Daniel- Bible shows Victory-

There are many passages for youth- Proverbs; I, II Tim; John, & 3 Johns,- & much more

I.- I HAVE NO GREATER JOY! II John 4, III John 4

A parent's life is for the children.- a loving parent has no greater joy than that of the kids

A.- YOUTH IS A SPECIAL TIME OF JOY, DON'T BE TRICKED OUT OF THE FULLEST REALIZATION OF THAT JOY!

1. God has given many special instructions to children- 5th Commandment Exo.20:12-Honor Parents
2. Sampson was destroyed by his youthful lusts, Mark vacillated, but Joseph & Daniel stood strong
3. The Joys of youth are glorious- great opportunity, but Ecc 12:1- remember thy creator!

B. SATAN HAS SPECIAL TRAPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, BE AWARE, AND DO NOT SELL YOUR BIRTHRIGHT FOR POTTAGE

1. Satan has the allure of the World, the lusts of the flesh, - and youth are inexperienced in danger
2. Today's TV can parade the entire world before young eyes- strange lifestyles, everything goes
3. John knew full well that youth were tempted by lust of flesh, eye, & pride of life -drugs, music,

C.- YOUTH HAS A SPECIAL STRENGTH FROM THE LORD, AND FROM HIS WORD, TO DEFEAT THE WICKED ONE!

1. I John 2:14 - Young men -strong, have word of God- & have overcome the wicked one! -but have YOU?
2. Daniel had no parents to please; Sampson did not care; John Mark learned to please Apostle Paul
3. Wonder if the children of II & III John 4s really wanted to please John? I used to try to!

Many parents today would give their life's blood for a moment's joy in their children-

II.- HOW CAN YOUTH PLEASE JOHN? Eph. 6:1-3

What kind of a walk in the lives of my children will cause me to rejoice in them? -listen well PLEASE

1. That they know Christ personally-and all of my children have accepted Christ & been baptized
2. The they be taught God's word carefully- I have tried to so organize you- & I've checked Bible
3. That they choose their friends carefully- and be loyal to them, even if they are Deacon's kids
4. That they respect authority - Teachers, Police, Judges, and all other adults!  Courteous
5. That they show modesty in dress, language, and personal habits with a life that wins!
6. That they abstain from dancing, smoking, drinking, gambling, and Hollywood theater- Girls's P.E.
7. That they read the right materials, and not read wrong ones! Home and School Eng. Lit.
8. That their boy/girl relationships be respectable- No going steady! No over-familiarity
9. That they learn how to work, and not be afraid of productive recreation!  Without being told.
10. That they have a good positive mental attitude about life, making right decisions -reasoning

If my girls walk in the Truth of God's Word- I shall be proud of them; & my heart be joyous

III.- HOW CAN PARENTS HELP YOUTH? Eph. 6:4

No single rule fits all cases- but Proverbs 22:6, 23:13,14 will help in the families of Phoenix

1. My children have been in Sunday School & Church - Not just because I'm preacher- other 2 Darby brothers
2. My children have never known of me smoking, drinking, or using filthy language!
3. My children have never seen me strike my wife- & not much arguing! They have heard us pray!
4. I have given discipline -hand, belt, switch -but always ended with tears, prayer, & love kiss
5. 1 have supported others when they have disciplined them- Teachers, Police, and church workers
6. I have tried to be honest with them about my mistakes, & urge them not to repeat them!
7. I have tried to be careful who and what I bring into my home - family comes first there!
8. I have talked plainly with them regarding sexual matters, and in a clean, wholesome way!
9. I have used my Bible- not as a club, but as daily food; & I have a used copy for each one!
10. I have tried to walk so that I can say "Follow Me"-, & made them stand on their own feet!

If the Lord tarries, & delays national judgement- I expect to rejoice in the wife of my youth and to have joy in our children, and in our children's children! I claim it of God.

IF I AM RIGHT IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD, FOLLOW ME! IF NOT THEN SHOW ME HOW TO SO WALK!

But help me that we all might rejoice in our Children that they walk in the truth!

1. Are you saved? If a parent- no greater gift to your children; if child,-so to parent!
2. Are you using the agencies of the church to the maximum? If not, why not?
3. Can you be proud if they walk in your footsteps- if not, then change!  Draw close to the Lord, so that in following you, they will share in a mutual joy in the Lord.