5 More Things Every Graduate Should Know II

5 More Things Every Graduate Should Know II Timothy 4: 6 -8

5 More Things… �The end of the school year is upon us, which means graduation time for seniors all across the country �It’s a big accomplishment for a student to get their diploma �It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in their life

5 More Things… �We offer some biblical advice to those who are taking this big step �The world has many challenges for us, and the Bible gives us what we need to face those challenges �Last year we looked at a lesson entitled “ 5 Things Every Graduate Should Know”

5 More Things… �That lesson from I Timothy 4: 12 -16 gave us 5 points: • Heed the power of influence (v. 12) • Heed the power of God’s word (vs. 13, 16) • Heed the power of service (v. 14) • Heed the power of prayer (v. 15) • Heed the power of goals (v. 15)

5 More Things… �So this morning we want to build on the previous lesson by adding 5 more important things �Again, these come from Paul’s instruction to young Timothy �As you head towards independence and adulthood, remember these…

5 More Things… � 1. Remember where you came from • II Timothy 1: 5 • Paul reminded Timothy of the legacy of faith that was passed down to him by his grandmother and mother • Many parents tell their kids to remember “who you are”

5 More Things… � 1. Remember where you came from • This phrase should cause us to remember our creator • It should cause us to remember our upbringing • It should cause us to remember the faith and teachings that our parents have passed on to us

5 More Things… � 2. Fight for what is right • II Timothy 4: 6 -8 • I Timothy 6: 12 • One of Satan’s most powerful tools is apathy • He wants to outlast us; to tire us out; make us give up

5 More Things… � 2. Fight for what is right • Standing up for God’s word and for what is right is worth it • It’s important that we wear the armor of God when we fight (Eph. 6: 10 -18) • Expect some persecution to come your way when you do stand up for right (II Tim. 3: 12)

5 More Things… � 3. You don’t have to sow wild oats • II Timothy 2: 22 -23 • I’m sure the world back then also had a lot to offer a young man like Timothy • Paul tells him to flee youthful lusts • It’s not enough just to flee those things, but we must pursue something in it’s place

5 More Things… � 3. You don’t have to sow wild oats • Paul also tells Timothy to “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes” • In today’s translations, that means to stay away from all the drama • It is possible to be a young adult in today’s world and be a Christian too

5 More Things… � 4. Don’t be afraid to work hard • I Timothy 5: 8 • God takes our labor very seriously • Each person who is capable is expected to provide for themselves • God never intended for well bodied people to be lazy

5 More Things… � 4. Don’t be afraid to work hard • Some take advantage of the “system” • Just because the “system” allows it, does not mean that it is right • God has always encouraged hard work (I Cor. 15: 58; Col. 3: 23) • Proverbs 6: 10 -11

5 More Things… � 5. Don’t let money rule you • I Timothy 6: 6 -10, 17 -19 • Money isn’t everything in life • The world wants us to think that success is solely based upon how much money you have • The pursuit of money can ruin you

5 More Things… � 5. Don’t let money rule you • Building up debt can also ruin a person’s life • Then one becomes a slave to money, and all decisions are based on the dollar (Prov. 22: 7) • Proverbs 30: 7 -9