24/08/2025
Sermon
Topic:Start at a Young Age
Text:Luke 2:41–52
Preacher:Rev. Nuhu S. Adamu
Introduction
Beloved, we bless the name of the Lord for bringing us together once again in His presence. Before we go into the Word, I want to joyfully announce that The Living Sound Band, The Chapel of Grace, University of Maiduguri began their powerful concert yesterday and continued today. The program, tagged PUSH – Praise Until Something Happens, has been a great blessing and a charge to us all. Indeed, something happens when we start early to give God our praise and devotion.
Today, our focus is on the theme: Start at a Young Age, drawn from Luke 2:41–52, where the young Jesus, at the age of twelve, stayed behind in the temple, sitting among teachers, listening to them, and asking questions.
Main Message
1. The Example of Jesus at a Young Age
At just twelve years old, Jesus showed us the importance of starting early in seeking God. While others were busy with the feast, He was found in the temple, hungry for knowledge and eager to do His Father’s business. This shows that age is never a barrier to spiritual growth. If Jesus could begin His journey with God at such a young stage, then every child, teenager, and youth here today is called to do the same.
2. Why Start Early?
Foundation Building: Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” What we build early lasts long.
Strength of Youth: Ecclesiastes 12:1 tells us, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” The best years to serve God are not the leftover years, but the strong and energetic years of our youth.
Kingdom Impact:Many of the great men and women of God started their journey early. Samuel served God from his childhood, David trusted God as a young shepherd, and Timothy was commended by Paul for his faith as a young man.
3. Practical Ways to Start Young
* Develop a life of prayer and devotion early.
* Value the Word of God and make it a daily guide.
* Serve in the house of God with your gifts, talents, and time.
* Keep good company friends who love God will help you stay strong in your faith.
4. The PUSH Connection
Just like The Living Sound Band reminded us with their concert theme Praise Until Something Happens - starting early also means learning to PUSH in life. When challenges come, don’t give up. Pray, praise, and persist until God shows up. Young people, let your energy be invested in praising and serving God, not in wasting away in the distractions of the world.
Conclusion
Beloved, starting early with God is the best decision one can ever make. The young Jesus modeled it for us, and today He calls us to follow in His steps. Whether you are a child, youth, or adult, the time to begin is now. Do not wait until tomorrow - because tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Let us therefore rise up and start at a young age, dedicating our strength, time, and lives to the service of God. And as we continue to PUSH - Praise Until Something Happens, may God meet us at the point of our needs and cause His will to be done in our lives.
Prayer
“Lord, help us to seek You early and faithfully. Give our young ones the passion to serve You, our youths the strength to stand for You, and our adults the wisdom to guide the next generation. May our lives glorify You from beginning to the end, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.”
