Classic Sermon Outlines (continued)
Matthew Henry
SERMON THIRTY-ONE
THE INSTRUCTION OF
YOUTH
Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
—II TIMOTHY 1:13
TIMOTHY was blessed with two advantages in his childhood and youth; he was brought up under the tutoring of a godly mother and grandmother (II Timothy 1:5; 3:15) and under the instruction ofa faithful ministry (II Timothy 1:13).
I. THE ADVANTAGE TO YOUTH TO LEARN GOD'S WORD.
A. The Words of the Gospel Are Sound Words.
1. This implies that they are valuable and valid. They are what they seem to be. You may trust them as you may that which is sound and will never be made ashamed of your confidence in them. They are unchangeable and inviolable.
2. This implies that there is virtue to be drawn from them. The word translated sound is sometimes rendered healthful or healing. These words when mixed with faith restore the soul and heals its maladies.
B. The Words of the Gospel When Simply Systematized Are Helpful.
It is good to have forms of the sound words drawn up for the use of learners. These should not take the place of the Scriptures, but a help to the further study of them.