Empowering the Next Generation Through God's Grace

Summary

Today, we celebrated the incredible work God is doing in the lives of our young people, especially through the support and investment of our church family. Stories like Jonah’s and Sam’s remind us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, no matter how far they may have wandered. The transformation in Sam’s life, after years of struggle, is a testament to the relentless pursuit of God and the power of surrendering to Christ. As we consider our role in shaping the next generation—whether as parents, grandparents, teachers, or mentors—we are reminded that our effectiveness is rooted not in our own strength, but in the grace of God.

Paul’s relationship with Timothy offers a blueprint for spiritual investment. Timothy, raised by a faithful mother and grandmother, was further shaped by Paul’s mentorship. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to “be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” is a call for all of us. Grace is not just the foundation of our salvation; it is the fuel that sustains us in every effort to influence others for Christ. We are not called to perfection, but to reliance on God’s unmerited favor as we pour into others.

Paul also instructs Timothy to entrust the truth to faithful people who will teach others. This generational transfer of faith is essential. The church and the family both suffer when men abdicate their spiritual responsibilities, leading to a vacuum that others must fill. Yet, both men and women have vital, God-ordained roles in teaching and nurturing the next generation, each according to the biblical design.

Paul uses the images of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer to illustrate the perseverance and intentionality required in spiritual investment. Like soldiers, we must train for spiritual battle, seeking to please God above all. Like athletes, we must discipline ourselves to live under the authority of God’s Word. Like farmers, we must exercise patience, trusting that God will bring a harvest in due time, even when results are not immediately visible.

The fruit of faithful investment is real—lives changed, families transformed, and a legacy of faith that endures. God has created each of us for good works, to shine and to bless others. Our calling is to rely on His grace, entrust truth to others, and persevere with purpose, knowing that He is the one who brings the increase.

Key Takeaways

- Grace is the Foundation for Spiritual Influence
True transformation in ourselves and others begins and continues by God’s grace, not by our own efforts. When we feel inadequate or weary in our roles—whether as parents, mentors, or leaders—God’s grace is the sustaining power that enables us to keep going. We are called to rely on this grace daily, recognizing that our failures do not disqualify us from being used by God. Grace is both the starting point and the ongoing strength for all spiritual investment. [14:25]

- Entrusting Truth Requires Intentionality and Faithfulness
Passing on the faith is not accidental; it requires deliberate entrusting of God’s truth to reliable people who will continue the work. This generational discipleship is essential for the health of the church and the family. We must look for and invest in those who are faithful, understanding that our influence is multiplied as they, in turn, teach others. The ripple effect of faithful investment can impact countless lives beyond our own. [16:09]

- The Crisis of Passivity and the Call to Spiritual Leadership
A significant challenge in the church and culture is the passivity of men, leading to a lack of spiritual leadership in homes and congregations. When men step back, others must fill the gap, often resulting in an imbalance in the church’s life and mission. God’s design calls men to step up as spiritual leaders, not for power, but for sacrificial service and protection of the flock. Both men and women have distinct, vital roles, and the flourishing of the church depends on each embracing their God-given responsibilities. [21:47]

- Persevering with Purpose: Soldier, Athlete, Farmer
Spiritual investment demands perseverance, discipline, and patience. Like soldiers, we must recognize the spiritual battle and seek to please God above all. Like athletes, we must live under the authority of God’s Word, not our own preferences. Like farmers, we must be patient, trusting that God will bring fruit in His time, even when we do not see immediate results. This mindset guards us from discouragement and keeps us focused on the long-term impact of our faithfulness. [31:09]

- The World is a Battleground, Not a Playground
Raising and influencing the next generation is not a casual endeavor; it is spiritual warfare. The values and faith we seek to instill are constantly under threat from competing worldviews and cultural pressures. We must be vigilant, proactive, and discerning, equipping our children and those we mentor to stand firm in their faith. Our calling is to prepare them not just for comfort, but for courage and conviction in a challenging world. [33:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Celebrating Next Gen Ministry and Camp Stories
[04:56] - Investing in the Next Generation
[07:29] - The Power of Grace in Life Transformation
[10:40] - Paul and Timothy: Spiritual Fatherhood
[12:15] - Grace as the Foundation of Salvation
[14:25] - God’s Purpose and Calling by Grace
[16:09] - Entrusting Truth to Faithful People
[20:13] - The Challenge of Passivity in Men
[21:47] - The Impact of Absent Spiritual Leadership
[23:28] - Guarding the Good Deposit
[25:38] - Preaching and Protecting the Flock
[27:08] - The Role of Men and Women in Ministry
[29:05] - Biblical Balance in Teaching Roles
[31:09] - Soldier, Athlete, Farmer: Persevering with Purpose
[33:24] - The Battleground of Faith and Family
[34:29] - The Patience and Reward of Spiritual Investment
[36:56] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Investing in the Next Generation

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### Bible Reading

2 Timothy 2:1-7 (ESV)
> 1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
> 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
> 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
> 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
> 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
> 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
> 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Timothy 2:1, what does Paul say is the source of Timothy’s strength for ministry?
2. What three images does Paul use in verses 3-6 to describe the Christian life and spiritual investment? What does each image highlight?
3. In the sermon, what was the significance of the stories about Jonah and Sam? ([07:29])
4. What does Paul instruct Timothy to do with the truth he has received? Who is he supposed to entrust it to? ([16:09])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize grace as the foundation for spiritual influence, rather than personal effort or perfection? ([14:25])
2. What does it mean to “entrust” the truth to faithful people, and why is intentionality important in this process? ([16:09])
3. The sermon talks about a “crisis of passivity” among men in the church. What are the consequences of this, according to the message? ([21:47])
4. How do the images of the soldier, athlete, and farmer help us understand the kind of perseverance and mindset needed for spiritual investment? ([31:09])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that God’s grace is both the starting point and the ongoing strength for all spiritual investment. When have you felt inadequate or weary in your role (as a parent, mentor, or leader)? How can you rely on God’s grace in those moments? ([14:25])
2. Think about someone who invested in your faith journey (like Paul did for Timothy, or Timothy’s mother and grandmother). What did they do that made a difference? How can you intentionally invest in someone else’s faith this month? ([10:40])
3. The message challenges us to “entrust truth to faithful people.” Who in your life could you begin to intentionally disciple or encourage in their faith? What would that look like practically? ([16:09])
4. The sermon addresses the problem of passivity, especially among men, and the need for spiritual leadership in homes and the church. If you are a man, what is one step you could take to lead spiritually in your family or community? If you are a woman, how can you encourage and support spiritual leadership while also embracing your own God-given role? ([21:47])
5. Paul uses the images of a soldier, athlete, and farmer. Which of these do you relate to most right now, and why? What is one way you can grow in perseverance, discipline, or patience in your spiritual investment? ([31:09])
6. The sermon says, “The world is a battleground, not a playground.” What are some of the biggest challenges or threats to faith that you see facing the next generation? How can you help prepare them to stand firm? ([33:24])
7. Sometimes we don’t see immediate results from our spiritual investment, like the farmer waiting for a harvest. Is there an area where you are tempted to give up? How can you trust God with the results and keep going? ([34:29])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray for God’s grace to strengthen each person in their unique role, for faithfulness in passing on the truth, and for perseverance in investing in the next generation. Ask God to show you one specific step to take this week.

Devotional

Day 1: Be Strengthened by the Grace That Is in Christ Jesus
Grace is the foundation of the Christian life, not our own achievements or efforts. It is by God’s grace that we are saved, sustained, and empowered to make a difference in the lives of others, especially the next generation. When we feel inadequate or imperfect as parents, mentors, or leaders, we can rely on the unending grace of God to carry us through, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Grace is not something we earn, but a gift that enables us to keep going, to love, and to serve faithfully. [14:25]

2 Timothy 2:1 (ESV)
"You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel most inadequate or unworthy, and how can you invite God’s grace to strengthen you in that area today?


Day 2: Entrust Truth to Faithful People
Passing on the truth of the gospel is not meant to stop with us; we are called to entrust it to faithful people who will continue the work. This means intentionally investing in others—men and women—who will teach and disciple the next generation. It requires discernment, courage, and a willingness to let go, trusting that God will multiply our efforts as we pour into others who will, in turn, pour into more. The ripple effect of faithful discipleship can impact families, churches, and communities for generations. [16:09]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can intentionally invest in this week by sharing God’s truth or encouraging their faith journey?


Day 3: Guard the Good Deposit Entrusted to You
We are called not only to receive the truth but to guard it with vigilance and courage. Guarding the good deposit means protecting the gospel and biblical teaching from distortion, compromise, or neglect. This requires spiritual alertness, a willingness to confront falsehood, and a commitment to uphold God’s Word even when it is unpopular. As spiritual leaders in our homes and communities, we must be proactive in defending the faith and ensuring that what has been entrusted to us is preserved for future generations. [25:38]

2 Timothy 1:14 (ESV)
"By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to guard the truth of God’s Word in your home, workplace, or church?


Day 4: Persevere with Purpose Like a Soldier, Athlete, and Farmer
Making a difference in the next generation requires perseverance and intentionality. Like a soldier, we must train for spiritual battle and seek to please the One who enlisted us. Like an athlete, we must discipline ourselves to live according to God’s rules and standards. Like a farmer, we must be patient, trusting that God will bring a harvest in due time, even when we do not see immediate results. Each role calls us to endure hardship, stay focused, and keep our eyes on the ultimate goal of honoring Christ and passing on the faith. [34:29]

2 Timothy 2:3-6 (ESV)
"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops."

Reflection: Which of these three images—a soldier, athlete, or farmer—do you most relate to right now, and how can you persevere with purpose in your current season?


Day 5: Men and Women Both Have Vital Roles in God’s Plan
God’s design for the church and family includes unique and complementary roles for men and women. While men are called to lead with courage and faithfulness, women are called to invest deeply in the lives of other women, children, and youth. Both are essential for a healthy, thriving church and for the spiritual formation of the next generation. Embracing our God-given roles with humility and service allows the body of Christ to flourish and ensures that the truth is passed on effectively and faithfully. [30:21]

Titus 2:3-5 (ESV)
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."

Reflection: How can you embrace and live out your God-given role—whether as a man or woman—to invest in the next generation this week?

Quotes

Paul loved this young man like a father. Um, some, uh, more than 50 % of kids in today's time grow up in a fatherless home. This young man had a good grandma and a good mom. How many of you have been impacted by your mom or your grandma? Give them some kudos. Raise your hand. There you go. Um, Timothy's, uh, mother and grandmother had a huge impact and Paul took them in kind of as a mentor father, a spiritual father. [00:10:37] (32 seconds)  #MentorsShapeFaith Edit Clip

And so what does that mean? Well, what it means is, is that God has caused us by his grace. And God wants to use you to make a difference in the lives of young people. For a parent to your kids, a grandparent to your kids, as a teacher, professor, an aunt, an uncle, it doesn't matter. God wants to use us to make a difference. And the foundation of our ministry is not what we achieve, it's actually God's grace. [00:14:30] (31 seconds)  #GraceEmpowersMinistry Edit Clip

That word entrust means to give something valuable or important to someone else's care. Um, for me, I have to, uh, just very, uh, quickly, I'm going to entrust my daughter to, uh, be married, uh, to this other man. She is my treasure. She is my, my sweetheart. My, my daughter that I'm handing over. And I will officiate a wedding in the spring, very likely right in that courtyard. I will walk down that aisle. I will take her hand and I will entrust her hand in marriage to this young man. And that is not easy for me. [00:19:18] (43 seconds)  #HandingOverWithLove Edit Clip

The problem is, is so many men are passive. They don't wanna lead in their faith. They don't wanna lead in their family. They don't wanna lead in their church. And yet, God's called them to do that. And so, there's a problem of passivity. [00:20:51] (15 seconds)  #CallToLeadBoldly Edit Clip

The primary job of the preacher -teacher is not just to caress and rally the sheep and say, I love your fluffiness, but it's actually to protect the sheep, hold the staff, guide direct, and then whack the wolf. [00:23:38] (17 seconds)  #GuardTheFaith Edit Clip

Guard is something that is not easy. What does that mean? It means lock the door. It means get the gun. It means hire the lawyer. Guard is a very strong term that does not mean just sit by and let whatever happens. Whoever wants to walk in, walk in. Just come on. Let's just kumbaya. No, that's one phrase right there. That's very strong. Guard the good deposit entrusted to you. [00:25:18] (30 seconds)  #RejectingFalseTeaching Edit Clip

God has a role for teaching and preaching for women as well. And you say, well, what are those parameters? And I'm not going to spend a ton of time. But in Titus chapter 2, women are to teach other women. In Proverbs 31, the same kind of idea. In Ephesians 6, same idea. Romans chapter 16, Paul talks about women, ministry, leaders that are doing a great deal of work. Acts chapter 18, verses 26. And talks about Priscilla and Aquila. [00:28:38] (31 seconds)  #PersevereWithPurpose Edit Clip

So what does this mean for all of us, men and women? Three things. If you think about persevering with purpose, if you're going to make a difference in the lives of your kids and your grandkids and the next generation, number one, you need to be like the soldier. What does the soldier do? The soldier trains for war. And we are in a spiritual battle of good and evil all the time. And the goal of the soldier is to please the one who enlisted him. [00:31:41] (29 seconds)  #BattlefieldParenting Edit Clip

If you're sending your kids to public school, I would advise you to do this. Just learn what they're learning. And there's some things you're going to have to deprogram. You have to deprogram them from the things that they've been taught because it's not true. [00:33:13] (18 seconds)  #DisciplineUnderGodsWord Edit Clip

And that farmer, he has to learn the virtue of patience because he can't control everything. And so many times as parents and youth workers and ministry workers are investing into the lives of kids, grandkids, or nephews and nieces, is that you're investing, but you don't see the return. [00:34:49] (18 seconds)  #HarvestInDueTime Edit Clip