Reaching the Next Generation

Sunday Sermons

Mark Dunagan
07/29/07 - Sunday Morning

Throughout the Scriptures there is a repeated emphasis on reaching the next generation with God’s truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Joshua 24:15; Ephesians 6:4). The Psalmist summed it up well when he said, “Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord” (Psalm 78:3-4). There are various truths that can be drawn from such an exhortation:

· Children are not born inherently knowing what is right or wrong.

· Other voices will try to seduce them away from God’s truth (Proverbs 1:10, 5:1).

· They may eventually learn the truth on their own, but this might come too late or only after enduring years of poor and painful choices (Proverbs 5:11).

One Effective Method

There are various ways in which we can implement the command to instruct the next generation, including our own children, and one effective method is having family bible studies. Yet for this to be a reality:

· Dad must be accessible (Ephesians 6:4).

· God must be a family priority and not just a priority for one person in the family (Matthew 6:33). That is, parents need to be willing to instruct and children need to be willing to listen.

The value of such periods of devotion would include:

· Opportunities surface to discuss moral integrity and how to apply it to real life situations, including situations that the kids are currently facing in school or in the neighborhood.

· God and His word are clearly presented as the standard in this home, rather than feelings, immediate pleasure, earthly rewards, circumstances, or cultural values.

· Children learn how to use Scripture to scrutinize all media forms that they encounter at home or elsewhere, rather than the media scrutinizing Scripture.

· The family can share in one another’s problems and the children are not left trying to handle serious issues all by themselves. They actually have someone to talk to, and are reminded that someone loves them and actually has wisdom to impart.

· The family is together.

· When we are disciplined enough for daily devotional time we are laying the foundation for building a child’s personal faith.

Practical Aspects

During such studies all sorts of different methods can be used, such as:

· Telling a Bible story using markers and a white board.

· Memorizing selected Scriptures as a family.

· Having quizzes.

· Having the kids lead some spiritual songs.

· Having the children work together presenting a lesson.

· Praying together as a family.

· Looking at current events in the light of various verses.

· Using the book of Proverbs to teach morals and character.

· Reviewing or previewing the children’s homework from the classes at the building and digging deeper into each lesson.

Practical Lesson Material

Among the countless and almost unlimited choices parents have concerning material or subjects, consider the following:

· Spend time discussing sins that can really mess up one’s life, such as sexual immorality, involvement in drugs and alcohol, and such attitudes as arrogance.

· Discuss the dangers and benefits of friendships.

· Talk about the emptiness of wealth.

· Address the importance of moderation in recreation, hobbies, and career.

· Brainstorm regarding how to control one’s anger and what is the difference between good and bad anger.

· Discuss the importance of controlling your tongue.

· Overcoming laziness.

· How to face your fears.

· Give reasons why we should be positive and optimistic.

· Count our blessings.

· Discuss the good things that happen in our lives when we obey God.

· Discuss reasons why we should love God.

Helping Our Kids with Trials

There are many verses that deal with the Christian and suffering and yet we might be tempted to think that only adults experience trials. In looking back in my life, I know that I faced a number of challenges and trials long before I become an adult, and I’m sure you did as well.

· God allows trials to come into our life, not as a punishment, but for the purpose of healthy growth or personal discipline (Hebrews 13:5ff).

· God is mighty in strength and understanding, so if He allows a trial, then there is good reason behind it. Peter said, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6).

· God is with us in the midst of the storm, though He might seem far away at times. The thing to do during a trial is to entrust your soul to God for safekeeping (1 Peter 4:19), rather than complaining.

· The role we play is one of accepting the trial, and seeing it for the blessing it is (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5), rather than demanding that it go away.

· The statement, “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10) applies during trials as well.

· We also need to realize that we often do not see the big picture. Job did not see the big picture at times when he was suffering, but everything worked out well in the end, “You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (James 5:11).

· Some things we learn, or only truly appreciate, by experience. Often the people who are most at peace and very contended are the same people who have patiently endured all sorts of trials. Consider Paul (2 Corinthians 11; and Philippians 4:10-13). James says, “Behold, we count those blessed who endured”. The following are some blessings that come to those who patiently endure:

1. They are often freed from materialism.

2. They are not afraid of what people think.

3. They are no longer intimidated by the culture and are no longer caught up in the rat race.

4. They don’t try to impress people, but are free to be genuine.

5. They are not distracted by the small stuff or the little inconveniences.

6. They are happy even in less than ideal circumstances.

7. They focus on the needs of others.

8. They do not fear death or “what might happen”.

9. They take risks.

10. They reach out to others with the gospel.

11. They seem to be incredibly free.

Specifics concerning Trials

· A trial usually affects more than just one area of your life. For example, financial hardship will seek to attack your peace of mind, as well as the peace in your marriage.

· During a trial there is the temptation to think that it will never end and that one cannot see a light at the end of the tunnel.

· It is impossible to know the outcome of the trial. So do not dismiss the trial “as nothing” at the same time do not assume that the worst is going to happen.

· Being good is essential, but there are times when being good and even repenting do not automatically end the trial. Job was very “good” and yet his problems actually increased.

· No matter how faithful we are, trials will come into our lives (2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22). A trial therefore is not evidence that we have done something wrong as an individual or as a congregation. God even allows every faithful people, families and congregations to be tested (Revelation 2:10). Thus we must not view worship or other obligations as something that will keep bad things from happening to us.

· The trial will have an end (James 5:11).

Mark Dunagan/Beaverton Church of Christ/503-644-9017