Empowering the Next Generation in Faith Together

Summary

### Summary

Today's message is a call to action for the entire church community to take responsibility for raising the next generation in the faith. In our overly individualistic culture, it's easy to think that the spiritual upbringing of children is solely the responsibility of their parents. However, the New Testament paints a different picture, emphasizing the corporate responsibility of the church as a body and a family. We are all stakeholders in the spiritual development of our youth.

I shared my personal experience of facing intellectual challenges to my faith during my college years, which led to a season of doubt. This experience is not unique; many young Christians face similar challenges today, often from a secular culture that is increasingly hostile to a Judeo-Christian worldview. The headlines we see today—ranging from mental health crises to issues of gender identity and secularism—highlight the complex world our children are growing up in. These challenges are not just waiting for them in college; they are already present in our homes through various media and cultural influences.

The statistics are alarming: a significant percentage of young people who grow up in the church eventually walk away from their faith. This is often due to intellectual skepticism and doubt, as they are not adequately prepared to defend their beliefs. Therefore, we must equip our children with a robust understanding of their faith, teaching them not just what to believe, but why they believe it and how to live it out.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 provides a comprehensive approach to raising the next generation: loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and impressing these commandments on our children in every aspect of life. This holistic approach should frame our lives and our efforts in raising the next generation. Our goal should not be merely academic or material success for our children, but to instill in them a deep love for God and their neighbors.

To achieve this, we need to adopt a three-step process: teach the what (theology), teach the why (apologetics), and teach the how-to (practical application). This approach is not just for children but is also essential for adults who may have missed out on this comprehensive discipleship. By doing so, we can prepare our young people to navigate the challenges of a secular culture and stand firm in their faith.

### Key Takeaways

1. Corporate Responsibility in Raising the Next Generation: The New Testament emphasizes that the church as a body and a family has a collective responsibility to raise the next generation in the faith. This is not just the job of parents but of the entire church community. We must all take an active role in nurturing the spiritual growth of our youth. [02:55]

2. Intellectual Challenges to Faith: Many young Christians face intellectual challenges to their faith, often from secular sources like college professors or media. These challenges can lead to doubt and skepticism if they are not adequately prepared. Therefore, it is crucial to equip our children with a robust understanding of their faith, teaching them not just what to believe, but why they believe it. [06:07]

3. The Importance of Theology: Theology, the study of God, is the most important area of study for our children and ourselves. It provides the foundation for understanding who God is and how we relate to Him. We must prioritize teaching theology from an early age, using methods like reading, singing, and memorizing Scripture and creeds. [33:03]

4. Engaging the Mind in Spiritual Transformation: Spiritual transformation involves the renewing of our minds, as emphasized in Romans 12:2. This intellectual engagement is crucial for deepening our relationship with God and equipping us to engage with the world. An anti-intellectual approach to faith can hinder our spiritual growth and our ability to influence culture. [25:59]

5. Practical Application of Faith: At some point, we must move beyond theoretical knowledge and get our young people to apply their faith in real-life situations. This can be achieved through immersive experiences, such as mission trips or engaging in conversations with people of different beliefs. Practical application helps solidify their understanding and passion for their faith. [45:40]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[0:55] - Introduction and Survey
[02:55] - Corporate Responsibility for the Next Generation
[03:54] - Personal Experience with Intellectual Challenges
[06:07] - Secular Culture and Its Impact
[09:12] - Headlines Highlighting Cultural Challenges
[11:25] - The Influence of Media and Technology
[12:27] - Intellectual Skepticism Among Youth
[14:23] - The Need for a Comprehensive Approach
[17:32] - Deuteronomy 6:5-9: A Holistic Approach
[19:18] - The Goal of Raising the Next Generation
[21:37] - The Role of the Mind in Loving God
[25:59] - The Importance of Intellectual Engagement
[30:28] - Three-Step Process: Teach the What, Why, and How-To
[33:03] - The Importance of Theology
[38:53] - Asking and Answering Questions
[41:26] - Apologetics as a Necessary Part of Discipleship
[45:40] - Practical Application: Immersive Experiences
[49:23] - Resources and Conclusion
[52:31] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 6:5-9: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
2. Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

### Observation Questions
1. According to Deuteronomy 6:5-9, what are the specific actions parents and the community are instructed to take in raising the next generation?
2. What does Romans 12:2 suggest is necessary for spiritual transformation?
3. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, what are the "weapons" Paul refers to, and what are they used to demolish?
4. What personal experience did the pastor share about facing intellectual challenges to his faith during college? ([03:54])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the command in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 to impress God's commandments on children apply to the church community as a whole? ([02:55])
2. What does it mean to "renew your mind" according to Romans 12:2, and why is this important for both adults and children? ([25:59])
3. How can the church community collectively take responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of children, as suggested in the sermon? ([02:55])
4. Why is it important to equip young people with both the "what" and the "why" of their faith, and how can this help them face intellectual challenges? ([30:28])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own involvement in the church community. How can you personally contribute to the spiritual upbringing of the next generation? ([02:55])
2. Think about a time when you faced intellectual challenges to your faith. How did you respond, and what resources or support could have helped you better navigate those challenges? ([03:54])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of "renewing your mind" into your daily routine to deepen your spiritual transformation? ([25:59])
4. Identify one practical way you can help teach the "what" (theology) to the children or youth in your church. What resources or methods will you use? ([33:03])
5. Consider the importance of apologetics in defending your faith. How can you better prepare yourself and the youth in your church to answer tough questions about Christianity? ([41:26])
6. How can you create opportunities for young people to apply their faith in real-life situations, such as mission trips or community service? ([45:40])
7. Reflect on the cultural challenges mentioned in the sermon. What steps can you take to help the next generation navigate these challenges while staying firm in their faith? ([09:12])

Devotional

Day 1: Corporate Responsibility in Raising the Next Generation
The New Testament emphasizes that the church as a body and a family has a collective responsibility to raise the next generation in the faith. This is not just the job of parents but of the entire church community. We must all take an active role in nurturing the spiritual growth of our youth. [02:55]

Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Reflection: Think of a young person in your church community. How can you personally contribute to their spiritual growth this week? Can you offer mentorship, prayer, or simply a listening ear?

Day 2: Intellectual Challenges to Faith
Many young Christians face intellectual challenges to their faith, often from secular sources like college professors or media. These challenges can lead to doubt and skepticism if they are not adequately prepared. Therefore, it is crucial to equip our children with a robust understanding of their faith, teaching them not just what to believe, but why they believe it. [06:07]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Reflection: Identify one intellectual challenge to your faith that you have encountered. How can you seek answers and strengthen your understanding to better defend your beliefs?

Day 3: The Importance of Theology
Theology, the study of God, is the most important area of study for our children and ourselves. It provides the foundation for understanding who God is and how we relate to Him. We must prioritize teaching theology from an early age, using methods like reading, singing, and memorizing Scripture and creeds. [33:03]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: What is one theological concept you feel you need to understand better? How can you take steps this week to deepen your knowledge in this area?

Day 4: Engaging the Mind in Spiritual Transformation
Spiritual transformation involves the renewing of our minds, as emphasized in Romans 12:2. This intellectual engagement is crucial for deepening our relationship with God and equipping us to engage with the world. An anti-intellectual approach to faith can hinder our spiritual growth and our ability to influence culture. [25:59]

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV): "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily thought patterns. Are there any recurring thoughts or beliefs that need to be taken captive and made obedient to Christ? How can you start this process today?

Day 5: Practical Application of Faith
At some point, we must move beyond theoretical knowledge and get our young people to apply their faith in real-life situations. This can be achieved through immersive experiences, such as mission trips or engaging in conversations with people of different beliefs. Practical application helps solidify their understanding and passion for their faith. [45:40]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: Think of one practical way you can live out your faith this week. Is there a specific action, service, or conversation you can engage in to apply what you believe?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We live in 21st century American culture that is overly individualistic, where I just think about me and my immediate family, and that's about it. That is not the biblical picture that's painted for us in the New Testament. In fact, when you think about the two primary ways in which the church is described, the analogy that's described, there's two primary ones. One is the body, right? The body is constantly being appealed to as an analogy for how the church is supposed to function, and you need all the parts." [02:55] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The good news is that we don't lose hope. Given the truth of what we believe, we never lose hope. We don't despair. So if you're feeling kind of despairing, hey, that's not the proper response. For those of us who follow Jesus, we know that none of these cultural challenges are going ever put Jesus back in the grave. Okay? So we are people who always hope. But we have work to do." [17:14] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "What is our goal with the next generation? What's our primary goal? Is it to raise them so that they do well academically and can graduate from high school with good grades and go off to a good college so that they can go get a job and then get a good job that pays them enough so they can accumulate wealth and homes and things like that and have all the comforts of life? Is that our goal? Because frankly, that may be how most of us are living." [19:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The goal of life, no matter what you do, is to love God and love neighbor. And if our education doesn't get us to that, then it's failed us. And so that is the view that we should have. Love God. And then, what does Deuteronomy say? You impress that on them everywhere you go. That's not just a Sunday morning thing or a Wednesday night youth group thing. That's when you sit down and lie down and stand up and when you're walking. It's all of life that we are to be passing on a love of God." [20:01] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Think about a passage like 2 Corinthians 10 3-5. Paul tells us that we are in a war. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. Now let me just pause. Sometimes Christians get a little uncomfortable with the warfare kind of language and motif, but number one, it's biblical. It's biblical. We are in a war. And I think number two, it helps us to realize that we are in a serious struggle right now." [22:03] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "In the New Testament, we have a corporate responsibility for raising, raising up the next generation. That includes all of us. In fact, I'm going to argue here that more and more, we need strong churches and families together to equip the next generation to walk into this challenging culture. So this is a message for all of us, because all of us have a stake in the next generation and a responsibility for the next generation." [02:55] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Are our kids ready for these kinds of challenges? Just thinking through those headlines. Are our kids ready to navigate all those kind of headlines? Are they ready to handle a direct assault on their faith from the college professor? Here's what we discover. You can look at all kinds of data on this, but I would say it's safe to think that most Christians who grow up in the church are not ready." [12:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When you take uninformed, inarticulate Christian students who don't know what they believe or why they believe it and you put them in an aggressive, secular, hostile culture, how do you think that turns out for us? Kids walk away in droves and you have different studies that say, look, it's anywhere between 50 and probably 75% of young people who grow up in the church will eventually walk away or will eventually walk away." [14:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And here's what we found over the last about 100 years of American evangelical Christianity. It has become so anti-intellectual? It's so anti-intellectual that when I give a message like this, people like, look at me strange. Like, wow, it sounds really intellectual. Well, maybe it's because we've been conditioned by an American Christianity that's so anti-intellectual." [24:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And so, look, let me give you an illustration. If you said to me, hey, Brett, tell me about your wife. And I said, oh, let me tell you about my wife, Erin. Oh, she's five foot six. She's got, you know, brown hair. She's got two eyeballs. Yeah, that's my wife. Yeah, you would laugh, and you would say, no, no, no, Brett, tell me, no, really, tell me about your wife. And if I said to you, mm, that's about all I got for you. That's all I can tell you. That's what I know about her. Would you not draw conclusions about the nature of our relationship and the nature of our experience of each other? Absolutely." [28:59] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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