Introduction: In the beginning of the Bible, we read of people who lived to be quite old: Adam was 930, Methusaleh was the oldest at 969. Moses led Israel through the wilderness for forty years. He was 80 when the journey began, and 120 when it was over. But the Bible is not just a book for old people about old people. It is a book about young people, and for young people.

I. Paul encouraged Timothy, a young man, to stop people who despised his youth. Timothy was young, but he was Paul the Apostle's right hand man, and a great church leader. Youth does not have to mean spiritual immaturity.

II. Goliath despised David, but David lived in the strength of God, and David killed Goliath. (Read the story in I Samuel 17:41-42 and 45-47).

III. Mary was a teenager when she was used by God to be the mother of Jesus. She was despised by Joseph when he first learned of her pregnancy, until God sent an angel to him to enlighten him. God could have chosen an older woman, but May was his choice, and we must believe that she was a spiritually mature person even as a teen-ager, and qualified to be Jesus' mother.

IV. Paul told Timothy to do four things to prevent Christians from looking down on his youth:

A. Be an example in Christian lifestyle (I Tim. 4:12). Be an example in word, deed, love, faith and purity.

B. Be an example in doctrinal knowledge (I Tim. 4:13). Study and teach doctrine. Be an expert in the Bible and theology. Share your knowledge with the rest of the church.

C. Be an example by using your gifts and talents (I Tim. 4:14). Timothy had been ordained as a pastor, and been given pastoral gifts. But all Christians have spiritual gifts, and talents to use.

D. Be an example by making your Christian faith top priority in your life (I Tim. 4:15-16). "Meditate." "Give yourself entirely to these things." "Continue."

Conclusion: John wrote to the church at large in his epistles. In I John 2:12-14 he wrote this about the various age groups in the church:

12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Young men, and young women: you have great talents and strengths. No one should look down on you just because you are a teenager. But stand up for the Lord, be an example to the church and the community, and use the gifts and talents God has given you to serve God, to serve the church, and to serve your fellow man. Amen.