Empowered by Faith: Nurturing the Next Generation
Summary
What a joy it is to gather together and celebrate the goodness of God, especially on a day when we honor mothers and spiritual parents in our midst. Today, I want to affirm the incredible work parents are doing in raising children who are not just attending church, but truly becoming the church—children who are hungry for God, eager to serve, and bold in their faith. The small, daily acts of faithfulness—praying over meals, modeling dependence on Jesus, and demonstrating godly character—are not insignificant. Our children will replicate what we demonstrate, and these seeds sown in faith will bear fruit for generations.
Turning to Judges chapters 4 and 5, we see Israel caught in a cycle of devotion, drifting, despair, and deliverance. After twenty years of cruel oppression under King Jabin and his general Sisera, the Israelites finally cry out to God. In response, God raises up Deborah—a woman of many hats: wife, judge, prophetess, warrior, and above all, a mother to the nation. Deborah’s authority and effectiveness flowed from her intimacy with God and her willingness to serve in whatever capacity was needed. She called forth the gifts in others, notably Barak, encouraging him to step into his God-given destiny.
Barak’s story is often misunderstood. Far from being cowardly, he recognized his need for God’s presence and wisdom, embodied in Deborah. His humility and faith placed him among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. God delights in using those who are willing, even in their weakness, to accomplish His purposes.
The story also highlights Jael, a seemingly ordinary housewife who, in a moment of courage and conviction, delivered the final blow to Israel’s oppressor. Her willingness to use what was in her hand—her everyday skills—became the means of victory. This reminds us that no act of faithfulness is too small or insignificant in God’s kingdom.
After the victory, Deborah didn’t stop at deliverance; she led Israel in worship and established a legacy of remembrance, teaching future generations about God’s faithfulness. This is the call for all of us—to rise up as spiritual mothers and fathers, to nurture, equip, and launch others into their destinies, and to build a legacy that outlasts us. God is calling each of us to step into our kingdom assignments, to use what we have, and to trust Him to make the ordinary mighty.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Demonstration: Children and those we influence will replicate what we demonstrate, not just what we say. Our daily choices, prayers, and responses to challenges are shaping the next generation’s faith. Even the simplest prayers, like “Dear Jesus, help me,” model authentic dependence on God and invite His presence into our homes. [07:45]
- Freedom’s True Purpose: Freedom in Christ is not merely release from oppression or the absence of hardship. It is the empowerment to do what is good, righteous, and to walk in the fullness of God’s calling. True freedom is found in living out our purpose and defending our faith and the freedom of others. [14:30]
- The Multiplicity of Calling: Like Deborah, we are often called to wear many hats—parent, leader, encourager, intercessor, and more. Our effectiveness comes not from our own strength, but from knowing our identity as sons and daughters of the King and serving from that place of authority and intimacy with God. [18:50]
- God’s Power in Weakness: God is not deterred by our shortcomings or perceived inadequacies. He delights in using those who are willing, even in their weakness, to accomplish His purposes. Barak’s story reminds us that humility and a desire for God’s presence are marks of true spiritual strength, and God is still writing His list of heroes of faith today. [25:10]
- The Significance of the Hidden Place: Never underestimate the impact of faithfulness in the unseen and ordinary moments. Jael’s victory came not from a position of prominence, but from her willingness to act with courage and use what was in her hand. God takes the ordinary and makes it mighty when we commit it to Him. [32:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Honoring Mothers and Spiritual Parents
[04:00] - Encouragement to Parents: Modeling Faith
[07:45] - The Power of Demonstration
[10:30] - Israel’s Cycle: Devotion, Drifting, Despair
[14:30] - The True Meaning of Freedom
[16:50] - Deborah: A Woman of Many Hats
[18:50] - Authority from Intimacy with God
[21:30] - Deborah Calls Forth Barak
[25:10] - Barak’s Faith and God’s Redemptive Power
[28:30] - The Battle: God Fights for His People
[30:00] - Jael: Victory in the Hidden Place
[32:00] - The Power of Ordinary Faithfulness
[34:30] - Building a Legacy: Deborah’s Song
[37:00] - The Call to Rise as Spiritual Mothers and Fathers
[40:00] - Invitation to Surrender and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Judges 4–5 (The story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael)
- Hebrews 11:32–34 (Barak listed among the heroes of faith)
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 (“My power is made perfect in weakness”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Judges 4–5, what roles did Deborah fulfill for the people of Israel? How did her leadership impact the nation?
2. According to the sermon, what was the condition of Israel before Deborah arose as a leader? What specific details are given about their oppression? [[10:30]]
3. How did Barak respond to Deborah’s call to lead the army, and what was his reason for wanting Deborah to go with him? [[25:10]]
4. What did Jael do that made her a key part of Israel’s deliverance, and what was unique about her background? [[30:00]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says Deborah’s authority and effectiveness came from her intimacy with God and willingness to serve in any capacity. What does this suggest about the source of true spiritual influence? [[18:50]]
2. Barak is sometimes misunderstood as cowardly, but the sermon argues he was humble and desired God’s presence. Why might humility and dependence on God be considered strengths rather than weaknesses? [[25:10]]
3. Jael was described as “just a housewife,” yet God used her in a mighty way. What does this teach about the significance of ordinary faithfulness and using what’s “in your hand”? [[32:00]]
4. The sermon highlights that after the victory, Deborah led Israel in worship and established a legacy. Why is it important to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness after a breakthrough? [[34:30]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that “children will replicate what we demonstrate, not just what we say.” What is one small act of faith or prayer you can model in your home or with those you influence this week? [[07:45]]
2. Freedom in Christ was described as empowerment to do what is good and righteous, not just the absence of hardship. Is there an area in your life where you need to step into this kind of freedom? What would that look like practically? [[14:30]]
3. Deborah wore many hats—wife, judge, prophetess, warrior, and mother. What “hats” are you currently wearing, and how can you invite God’s strength and wisdom into those roles? [[18:50]]
4. Barak’s story shows that God delights in using those who are willing, even if they feel weak or inadequate. Is there something you feel unqualified for that God might be asking you to step into? How can you respond in faith? [[25:10]]
5. Jael’s victory came from her willingness to use her everyday skills. What is “in your hand” right now—an ordinary skill, resource, or opportunity—that you can offer to God for His purposes? [[32:00]]
6. After the victory, Deborah led the people in worship and remembrance. What is one way you can intentionally remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness in your life or family this week? [[34:30]]
7. The sermon calls everyone to rise up as spiritual mothers and fathers, nurturing and launching others into their destinies. Who is one person you can encourage, mentor, or pray for this week as part of building a legacy of faith? [[37:00]]
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Devotional
Day 1: God Delivers When We Cry Out
When the Israelites turned away from God and suffered under oppression, it was only when they cried out in repentance that God, in His faithfulness, raised up a deliverer and restored them. This cycle of devotion, drifting, despair, and deliverance is a powerful reminder that God always hears the sincere cries of His people and is quick to respond, even when the answer is not immediately visible. No matter how long the season of hardship, God is working on your behalf, ready to bring freedom and restoration when you turn your heart back to Him. [13:40]
Judges 4:1-3 (ESV)
And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord after Ehud died. And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years.
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you’ve drifted from God and need to cry out for His help and restoration today?
Day 2: God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes
Deborah, a woman who wore many hats—wife, judge, prophetess, and warrior—rose up as a mother in Israel and led her people to freedom. Her authority and effectiveness came not from her own strength, but from her closeness to God and her willingness to serve in whatever capacity was needed. Like Deborah, you are not “just” anything; when you commit what you have to God, He takes the ordinary and makes it mighty, using your unique gifts and roles to impact generations. [20:30]
Judges 5:6-7 (ESV)
In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were abandoned, and travelers kept to the byways. The villagers ceased in Israel; they ceased to be until I arose; I, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel.
Reflection: What ordinary role or gift in your life can you offer to God today, trusting Him to use it for extraordinary impact?
Day 3: God Fights Our Battles When We Trust Him
When Barak was called to lead Israel’s army, he recognized his need for God’s presence and guidance, refusing to go into battle without Deborah, who carried the wisdom and presence of God. God promised not only to bring the enemy to Barak but to deliver the enemy into his hands, showing that victory comes not by our might, but by God’s power when we trust and obey Him. Even when the battle seems overwhelming, God is fighting for you—your focus must remain on Him, not the enemy. [25:00]
Judges 4:14-15 (ESV)
And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men following him. And the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak by the edge of the sword. And Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot.
Reflection: What battle are you facing right now that you need to surrender to God, trusting Him to fight for you?
Day 4: Your Weakness Is God’s Opportunity for Strength
Barak’s story is not one of cowardice, but of wisdom and humility—he knew he needed God’s presence and was willing to lay aside his ego to seek it. God honored his faith, turning his weakness into strength and listing him among the heroes of faith. God knows your shortcomings and is not shaken by them; He delights in a heart that cries out, “Dear Jesus, help me,” and He makes His power perfect in your weakness. [28:00]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Reflection: Where do you feel weak or inadequate today, and how can you invite God’s strength to work through you in that area?
Day 5: Build a Legacy of Faith for the Next Generation
After the victory, Deborah didn’t stop at deliverance—she led Israel in worship and wrote a song to memorialize God’s faithfulness, teaching future generations to remember and trust in God’s power. Godly mothers and fathers, both natural and spiritual, don’t just fight for today; they prepare the way for those who come after, building a foundation of faith, wisdom, and testimony that launches others into their destinies. Your daily acts of faith, service, and worship are building a legacy that will outlast you. [34:00]
Psalm 78:4-7 (ESV)
We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.
Reflection: What is one intentional way you can share your faith story or God’s faithfulness with the next generation this week?
Quotes
never underestimate what god is building in your kids through your parenting never discredit the work that you do continue being purposeful and growing your kids strength speaking life into them and giving them opportunities to step up teaching them ways always to navigate back to jesus and the word of god teach them how to navigate back to jesus and the word of god when they face challenges and difficulties that is the greatest gift you can give them you won't always be here god's word will be here god is always [00:04:38] (35 seconds)
let me tell you that prayer dear jesus help me it's one of the most legit prayers you can pray it's one of the most powerful prayers you can pray i've prayed plenty of prayers like that the kind where you kind of slide across the floor on your knees your hands up and you're like dear god i need help sometimes it's only two words god help i'll tell you he hears that prayer he hears that prayer every time it's a prayer of surrender and he hears that prayer and he [00:07:11] (32 seconds)
you grow through the battle you gain more to your testimony you gain more to your faith and there's things that how many of you have gotten victories in the battle and there is no devil in hell that can argue you down am I the only one any hands come on you've gotten victories in the battle and now it's yours and there is no devil in hell that can argue you down you know what you're equipped to do you're equipped to come alongside someone else and say come on we're gonna battle this through you're gonna we're gonna see the victory and you know why we're gonna see the victory because we're gonna use it to bring glory to his name amen [00:29:16] (40 seconds)
how many times do we relinquish our authority because we take on a complex that I'm just a mom I'm just a housewife I'm just a this I'm just a that can I just tell you church you're not just anything come on you are not just anything you are called equipped and you are dangerous to the enemy amen you are called equipped and dangerous to the enemy don't ever underestimate what you do in the hidden places please don't ever underestimate what you do in the hidden places for the kingdom of God [00:33:40] (39 seconds)
she didn't just lead she built a legacy Judges 5 is a song it's a memorial it's a teaching tool for the next generation to remember what God did godly mothers and fathers don't just fight for today they prepare for the future and the Bible says that Israel lived in peace for 40 years following that [00:37:02] (24 seconds)
we need more mothers and fathers in the house of God not just in the natural but in the spirit this is not simply a biological assignment don't let don't allow that to cut it short it's not a biological assignment it's a kingdom calling to be a mother and father in the house of God and I believe God is raising up men and women who can discern right from wrong believe me that's a superpower in today's day and age who know life from death and who can carry the heart of God and speak his wisdom spiritual mothers and fathers [00:38:29] (38 seconds)
it's going to take sacrifice they're willing to surrender everything to the Lord and entrust it for his glory and when the time comes it's about being willing to go to battle not just for yourself but for someone else's breakthrough church it's time to rise up time to expand time to stop waiting for permission and just start walking in purpose amen there's always more and God is calling you yes you is this message for me yes for you God is calling you to rise up as a mother and father in the house of God to pour out to equip to replicate to launch amen [00:39:24] (47 seconds)
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