Thoughts for Young Men added February 21, 2011

Titus 2:16 urges the exhortation of young men to be sober-minded. J.C. Ryle took this exhortation seriously, and many have profited from his instructive attempts in Thoughts for Young Men.

His observations on the seriousness of youth ring true today:

There are few young men anywhere who seem to think on eternal things. I speak without respect of persons; I say it of all, high or low, rich or poor, gentle or simple, learned or unlearned, in town or in country; it makes no matter. I tremble to observe how few young men are led by the Spirit—how few are in that narrow way which leads to life—how few are setting their affections upon things above—how few are taking up the cross, and following Christ. I say it with all sorrows, but I believe in God's sight, I am saying nothing more than the truth. Young men, you form a large and important class; and in what condition are your immortal souls?

— J.C. Ryle

The author's outline provides a wonderful summary of the book. It is applicable to all, men and women, young and old:

1. Reasons for exhorting young men.
   1. For one thing, there is the painful fact that there are few young men anywhere who seem to be Christians.
   2. Death and judgment are waiting for young men; even as it waits for others, and they nearly all seem to forget it.
   3. What young men will be in all probability depends on what they are now, and they seem to forget this.
   4. The devil uses special diligence to destroy the souls of young men, and they don't seem to know it.
   5. Young men need exhorting because of the sorrow it will save them, to begin serving God now.
2. Dangers to young men.
   1. One danger to young men is pride.
   2. Another danger to young men is the love of pleasure.
   3. Another danger to young men is thoughtlessness.
   4. Another danger to young men is contempt of Christianity.
   5. Another danger to young men is the fear of man's opinion.
3. General counsels to yong men.
   1. Try to get a clear view of the evil of sin.
   2. Seek to become acquainted with our Lord Jesus Christ.
   3. Never forget that nothing is so important as your soul.
   4. Remember it is possible to be a young man and yet to serve God.
   5. Determine as long as you live to make the Bible your guide and adviser.
4. Special rules for young men.
   1. For one thing, resolve at once, by God's help, to break off every known sin, however small.
   2. Resolve, by God's help, to shun everything which may prove an occasion for sin.
   3. Resolve never to forget the eye of God.
   4. Be diligent in the practice of your Christianity.
   5. Resolve that wherever you are, you will pray.

Youth is filled with opportunities for good and ill. The consequences of early decisions being far reaching, it is important to be wise! The young are not known for their wisdom, and one of the most valuable lessons that a youth can learn is to seek ocunsel from those who are more mature and who have gained wisdom. Pride, the first danger mentioned in the book, has a strong grasp. The guidance of wise mentors will only help where the giant of pride has been slain. Fight agaginst it, and consider carefully the masterful counsel of J.C. Ryle.