The Next Generation
Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT
[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. [2] We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. [3] Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
In the relay race of the Olympics, USA has not medaled in 20 years. We have not figured out the "exchange".
It is imperative that we make the exchange of faith to the next generation.
Judges 2:7-10 NLT
[7] And the Israelites served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the leaders who outlived him—those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. [8] Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110. [9] They buried him in the land he had been allocated, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. Lord [10] After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.
- there is a whole generation in this passage that they failed to pass the baton onto
- even though the first generation was those who saw the miracles of God
We must not fail the baton exchange.
Our success will be measured by our succession.
Four things we can do to pass on our faith
1. Impress on them who God is
Deuteronomy 6:1-3 NLT
[1] “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, [2] and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. [3] Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NLT
[4] “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. [5] And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. [6] And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. [7] Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. [8] Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. [9] Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
- we can't simply be satisfied with modifying their behavior
- the goal of parenthood is not to make good kids so we can impress people
- our goal is to disciple our kids to be amazed and respectful of God
- this won't happen if we have a sterile faith
Psalms 71:18 NLT
[18] Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.
Who has your attention?
- whoever has your attention will have your ear
- Who do you seek wisdom from?
- whoever does not have your attention will be easy to ignore
- this younger generation is watching who has our attention
What captures your wonder?
- wonder is caught not taught
- the next generation is watching to see what causes you to stare in awe
What makes you move?
- what makes you take risks? Or take steps your normally don't take?
- the next generation will never be impressed with a God that doesn't impress us
Where do you turn?
- who do I give credit to? Myself?
- where do I turn when things are bad?
What is your story?
- the next generation doesn't want to hear rules or principles
- they want to know what God has done for you
2. Invest in them as a gift from God
- whether bratty or not, every child is a gift
- we need to devote major resources to our kids
- 939 weeks from the time your child is born until they turn 18
- 18 birthdays, spring breaks, Christmases, summers
- it's easy for us to wish our lives away. Don't do this. It will go by quickly.
3. Invite them to participate... Right now!
- students and children are not the church of tomorrow
- they are the church of right now
- for the old people: now is not the time to sit back
- if we want our kids to run when we're gone, we need to keep running while they're here
4. Inspire them to live out their story
Joshua 1:1-2 NLT
[1] After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, [2] “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.
- Moses dies, and then Joshua needs to pick up and lead
- God calls Joshua to lead where Moses couldn't.
- the next generation will do things we didn't
- they will accomplish things we couldn't
- we are not looking for curators to manage our museum, we are looking for young people to join a movement