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Monday, 3 September 2012

RESPONSIBILITY OF A CHRISTIAN YOUTH IN A CIVIL

SOCIETY
 RESPONSIBILITY OF A CHRISTIAN YOUTH IN A CIVIL SOCIETY
TEXT: I PETER 2:11
INTRODUCTION
We are to discuss in this segment a very vital topic which could shape our lives,
society, and make us heaven bound. ‘Responsibility of a Christian youth in a civil
society’ could also be rephrased as ‘Living responsibly as a Christian youth in this
ungodly society’. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit opens our mind of
understanding to attentively listen and willing take decisions and actions to live
responsibly for God in this dispensation in Jesus’ name – Amen.
I Peter 2:11 reads
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from
sinful desires, which war against your soul.” (NIV)
Apostle Peter clearly states here that we are strangers and aliens in the world which
is full of sinful desires which wages war against the soul which ought to have
relationship with God, reason why he urged us.
WHO IS A YOUTH?
A youth is anyone whose age falls within the teens and forties. A youth is anyone
who is agile and active. A youth is anyone who is young at heart irrespective of
their age. A youth is anyone who has ability to grow and builds capacity for
growth. A youth is anyone who is growing up and not just growing old.

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
A Christian is anyone who at one time or the other has surrendered his/her life to
Jesus’ ruler-ship and control. A Christian is anyone whose life is practically lived
according to the teaching of Jesus Christ. A Christian is anyone who is a prototype
 of the apostles who lived exemplary in Antioch where the name Christian came
into being. A Christian is an in-depth follower of Jesus Christ day, noon, night,
dawn.
WHO IS A CHRISTIAN YOUTH?
A Christian youth is a youth whose life is total example of Christ follower in
speech, action, thoughts, relational, dressing (an all round living for Christ Jesus
irrespective of the challenges around).
WHAT DOES CIVIL SOCIETY STAND FOR?
The society we live in referred to as civil means it’s a free world where anything
goes irrespective of the religious set ups in it, Satan has made it look as if there is
no God anywhere, there is no eternity anywhere and life goes on as people just
come and go at will. This kind of society is characterized by stealing, cheating,
corruption, idolatry, fornication, adultery, scamming, ritual killings, kidnapping,
lying, lesbianism, gayism, marriage to pet animals, aristocracy, among others.
We live in this society also even as Christians, go to same schools, offices,
markets, eateries, banks, live around each other and power of influence is in the
air, it’s either we are influencing them or they are influencing us, reason why you
need to know your identity.
Tell your self – i need to know my identity!
WHAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITIES?
Having seen that the society we live in is sin entreating, always enticing, luring at
every instance and even the church is entertaining some of these things because of
her being porous, traditionalist nature and less emphasis on salvation of souls.
As a Christian youth who knows fully well his/her identity as an alien/stranger on
this land, these are the responsibilities (duties) expected from us. We are expected
to be:
 Light bearers – Matthew 5:14-16
 God carriers (ambassadors) – Daniel 1:8, 11-15 (Daniel & 3 Hebrew boys)
 Peacemakers – Daniel 2:11-14 (Daniel)
 Intercessors – Nehemiah 1:4-7 (Nehemiah)
 Solutions – Genesis 41:25, 37-39 (Joseph)
 Gospel sharers – II Timothy 4:1-2 (Timothy), Titus 2:1 (Titus)
 Kingdom seekers and getters – Matthew 7:7, Matthew 6:33
HOW TO ATTAIN?
Romans 12:1-3 categorically tells us what to do to keep being a responsible youth
living for the glory of God. Giving oneself as a living (practically living a life of
self denial for the sake of Christ and the gospel) sacrifice (offering oneself on the
altar of God, dead to sin but alive to righteousness), holy and acceptable, from time
to time renewal of character, attitude, lifestyle in a transforming manner which
goes far to affect and influence others around in a positive way. This is what God
expects from His children in the corrupt and degrading society.
CONCLUSION
So far, you know what to do and how to live rightly in this degenerated generation,
all left for you is to decide to practice accordingly. Tell your neighbor – it’s a
matter of choice!  Let’s read I Peter 2:12 together.
God bless you all and make you live responsibly in this world and be rapturable in
Jesus’ name – Amen