Wednesday, August 21, 2013

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS – Part II



SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS – Part II 

(Pro 14:12) There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 

Last time I sought to encourage Christian college students to maintain their Biblical worldview in the midst of intellectual and educational liberalism.  Now it is my goal to inspire the believer in academia to maintain a godly lifestyle amidst the backdrop of moral liberalism.  

You have come into the scholastic environment with a Christian background that will be challenged to no end with fellow students testing the limits of morality.  Many Christians have been devoured by the lion because they were either caught off-guard or fell to the pressure of temptation from their peers (1 Pet 5:8-9; Pro 1:10-19).  Be determined like Daniel to not bow to the idols of this world.  (Dan 1:8) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 

College age is a time of experimentation.  Cherished beliefs will be challenged by the desire to have fun and to push the envelope on what has been traditionally acceptable.  And being a social outcast is the last thing you want to add to your college life.  But remember what the Bible says about sin:  (Heb 11:25) choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.  The Bible admits to the fact that sin is pleasurable.  But it also emphasizes how these pleasures are fleeting and consequential.  Alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. will be the norm in the dorm but is that why you signed up for college?  You don’t have to drink poison to know that poison is damaging!  Many a Christian has died on the battlefield of collegiate compromise.  They believed and then were deceived.  Don’t let that be you!   

So what do you do to stay strong?   

STAY IN THE WORD:  (Psa 119:9) How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.  Read your Bible before you read any other book!  

STAY IN FELLOWSHIP:  (Acts 2:42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Find a church to go to close to your college.  Seek out other Christian students for fellowship.  Attend the Christian clubs.  If there aren’t any then start one!  If you are a commuter, keep attending your home church faithfully.   

STAY FIRM IN YOUR FAITH:  (Heb 3:6)…hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.  Say yes to Jesus and in so doing you will be saying no to the world.   

You can reach graduation without losing your salvation.  Keep your armor on!  (Eph 6:10-18) 

Louie

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