Empowering the Next Generation Through Prayer and Servanthood
Summary
In today's gathering, I shared my reflections on the incredible potential of the younger generation within our church community. Observing the spiritual maturity and understanding of God among the students at Eternity Bible College, I am filled with hope and excitement for what God will accomplish through them. These young individuals are grasping profound truths about God that many of us only came to understand later in life. This realization compels us to pray fervently for them, as they are the future leaders who will carry the torch of faith forward.
Our church has been blessed with a culture of nurturing and sending out leaders, as evidenced by the successful church plants in Ohio, Idaho, and other areas. This is a testament to our commitment to investing in the next generation, ensuring they are equipped to surpass our faith and achievements. Psalm 71:17-18 reminds us of our responsibility to declare God's power to the next generation, urging us to live with the purpose of passing on our faith.
In Luke 22, we find a simple yet profound teaching from Jesus during the Last Supper. The disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest, but Jesus redirected their focus to servanthood. He emphasized that true greatness in His kingdom is found in serving others, not in seeking power or authority. This call to servanthood challenges us to examine our lives and relationships, asking whether we are known as servants in our families, workplaces, and communities.
Moreover, Jesus' words to Peter highlight the spiritual battle we face. Satan desires to sift us like wheat, but Jesus reassures us that He has prayed for our faith not to fail. This underscores the power and necessity of prayer in our lives. As a community, we must commit to praying for one another, recognizing that our strength lies in our dependence on God and the prayers of our fellow believers.
Key Takeaways:
- The younger generation in our church is grasping profound truths about God, and we must fervently pray for them as they are the future leaders who will carry the torch of faith forward. Their understanding and spiritual maturity are a testament to God's work in their lives, and we should support and encourage them in their journey. [01:07]
- Psalm 71:17-18 reminds us of our responsibility to declare God's power to the next generation. We must live with the purpose of passing on our faith, ensuring that the next generation surpasses our own understanding and achievements in their walk with God. [08:18]
- True greatness in God's kingdom is found in servanthood, not in seeking power or authority. Jesus' teaching in Luke 22 challenges us to examine our lives and relationships, asking whether we are known as servants in our families, workplaces, and communities. [12:43]
- Satan desires to sift us like wheat, but Jesus reassures us that He has prayed for our faith not to fail. This highlights the power and necessity of prayer in our lives, urging us to commit to praying for one another and recognizing our dependence on God. [26:12]
- Our strength lies in our dependence on God and the prayers of our fellow believers. We must not take for granted the spiritual battle we face, and instead, actively engage in prayer for ourselves and others, trusting in God's power to sustain us. [30:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Introduction to Mark Sne
[01:20] - The Future of Our Youth
[02:50] - Church Plant Updates
[04:19] - Investing in the Next Generation
[06:06] - Surpassing Our Faith
[07:55] - Psalm 71: A Call to the Older Generation
[09:26] - Living for the Next Generation
[10:22] - Transition to Luke 22
[11:18] - The Disciples' Dispute
[12:43] - Jesus' Teaching on Servanthood
[16:58] - The Example of Jesus
[19:03] - Walking with Jesus
[21:00] - Assurance of Our Kingdom Position
[26:12] - The Spiritual Battle and Prayer
[30:13] - The Power of Prayer
[34:21] - Encouragement to Pray for One Another
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 71:17-18
- Luke 22:24-32
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 71:17-18 emphasize about the responsibility of the older generation towards the younger generation? How does this relate to the sermon’s focus on investing in the next generation? [08:18]
2. In Luke 22:24-27, what were the disciples arguing about during the Last Supper, and how did Jesus respond to their dispute? [12:43]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus praying for Peter in Luke 22:31-32, and how does this highlight the importance of prayer in spiritual battles? [26:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the current spiritual maturity of the younger generation in the church, and what is the congregation encouraged to do in response? [01:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Psalm 71:17-18 challenge the older generation to live with purpose, and what might this look like in practical terms within the church community? [08:18]
2. What does Jesus’ teaching in Luke 22:24-27 reveal about the nature of true greatness in God’s kingdom, and how does this contrast with worldly views of power and authority? [12:43]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that prayer is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare, as seen in Jesus’ prayer for Peter? How can this understanding impact the way the church community prays for one another? [26:12]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the potential impact of the younger generation on the future of the church, and what role does the current generation play in supporting this? [01:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on Psalm 71:17-18. How can you personally contribute to declaring God’s power to the next generation? What specific actions can you take this week to invest in the spiritual growth of younger individuals in your community? [08:18]
2. Considering Jesus’ teaching on servanthood in Luke 22, how can you embody a servant’s heart in your daily interactions at home, work, or in your community? Identify one area where you can practice servanthood this week. [12:43]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer in spiritual battles. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? Is there someone specific you feel led to pray for this week? [26:12]
4. The sermon highlights the spiritual maturity of the younger generation. How can you encourage and support young leaders in your church? Is there a young person you can mentor or pray for regularly? [01:07]
5. Reflect on the idea of surpassing the faith of the previous generation. What steps can you take to deepen your own faith journey and set an example for others? [06:06]
6. In what ways can you create a culture of servanthood within your family or small group? Discuss practical ways to encourage each other to serve more selflessly. [24:08]
7. How can you remain vigilant against spiritual attacks in your life? What role does community play in supporting each other through prayer and accountability? [26:12]
Devotional
Day 1: The Emerging Leaders of Faith
The younger generation within the church is demonstrating a remarkable understanding of God, grasping profound truths that many only come to realize later in life. This spiritual maturity is a testament to God's work in their lives, and it fills the community with hope and excitement for the future. As these young individuals are the future leaders who will carry the torch of faith forward, it is crucial to fervently pray for them. Supporting and encouraging them in their journey is essential, as they are poised to surpass the faith and achievements of previous generations. [01:07]
"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." (Isaiah 44:3, ESV)
Reflection: Who is a young person in your life that you can pray for today, asking God to guide and strengthen their faith journey?
Day 2: Passing the Torch of Faith
Psalm 71:17-18 reminds believers of their responsibility to declare God's power to the next generation. Living with the purpose of passing on faith ensures that the next generation surpasses the understanding and achievements of those who came before. This commitment to investing in the spiritual growth of the younger generation is vital for the continued flourishing of the church community. By nurturing and equipping them, the church can ensure that the legacy of faith endures and thrives. [08:18]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally share your faith with someone younger this week, helping them to grow in their understanding of God?
Day 3: Servanthood as True Greatness
In Luke 22, Jesus teaches that true greatness in His kingdom is found in servanthood, not in seeking power or authority. This teaching challenges individuals to examine their lives and relationships, asking whether they are known as servants in their families, workplaces, and communities. Embracing a life of servanthood aligns with the values of God's kingdom and reflects the example set by Jesus Himself. It calls for a shift in focus from self-promotion to selfless service. [12:43]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life can you practice servanthood today, prioritizing the needs of others over your own desires?
Day 4: The Power of Prayer in Spiritual Battles
Satan desires to sift believers like wheat, but Jesus reassures that He has prayed for their faith not to fail. This highlights the power and necessity of prayer in the lives of believers, urging them to commit to praying for one another. Recognizing the spiritual battle faced by the community, it is essential to depend on God and the prayers of fellow believers for strength and perseverance. Prayer becomes a vital tool in overcoming challenges and maintaining faith. [26:12]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can commit to praying for regularly, asking God to strengthen and uphold them in their spiritual journey?
Day 5: Dependence on God and Community
The strength of the church community lies in its dependence on God and the prayers of fellow believers. Engaging in prayer for oneself and others is crucial in recognizing the spiritual battle faced and trusting in God's power to sustain. This collective commitment to prayer fosters a supportive environment where individuals can grow in faith and resilience. By actively participating in this spiritual practice, believers can experience the transformative power of prayer in their lives. [30:13]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine, both for your own spiritual growth and in support of your community?
Quotes
I hope that when you see different people come on the stage you know maybe some younger guys younger girls up here that that you pray for them because I just think the future is so bright here with uh the group of students coming out of the college that I think Lord if they understand this stuff now already and are already gifted and this and that what are they going to be like five years or when they're my age you know what what what are they going to be like and and I hope that you pray for these students. [00:01:18]
The whole goal is I want to teach them everything I know at their their young age I want to share all of my experiences with them so then they can start taking it to the next level and their faith could surpass mine see that's what the church is supposed to do is take the Next Generation and raise them up to surpass our faith and go beyond where we are. [00:06:06]
Since my youth oh God you've taught me and to this day I declare your marvelous Deeds even when I am old and gray do not forsake me oh god Till I declare your power to the Next Generation your might to all who are to come I love that he says God you've been so faithful to me but he goes I'm just asking you one thing. [00:08:18]
He emphasized that true greatness in His kingdom is found in serving others, not in seeking power or authority. This call to servanthood challenges us to examine our lives and relationships, asking whether we are known as servants in our families, workplaces, and communities. [00:12:43]
Jesus says to him he says you know the kings of the Gentiles lorded over them and those who exercise authority over them call themselves benefactors but you are not to be like that instead the greatest among you should be like the youngest and the one who rules like the one who serves. [00:12:43]
Jesus says I've prayed for you I mean would you expect Jesus to say something different than that like Satan's after you but don't worry here I I've got some advice for you I I I wrote down a few steps on how to resist him I've got a counselor I want you to start seeing I've got this I've got that all these different things that we put our trust in and none of those things are bad I'm just saying that do we really believe in prayer that Jesus himself says here's the solution though don't worry cuz I've been praying for you. [00:26:12]
The power is in prayer Jesus even said that you know it's a spiritual war and for us to use our words our knowledge our wisdom or counseling efforts or this or that you know what it's it's like shooting bullets at a ghost you're fighting a a spiritual war with physical weapons that and again those things are fine you know the Bible even talks about them but the real power is in prayer. [00:30:13]
I just need to get some people to the banquet um turn to uh turn to Luke chapter 22 Luke 22 I'm I am so excited about this passage today this is uh this is good stuff Luke chapter 22 and the reason why I love this and I've been excited to preach this is because it's it's so simple so basic and I think this is what the church needs the church in America today needs the basic truth. [00:10:22]
Jesus says but you're not supposed to be like that he goes he goes not you not you you're you're you're not about lording it over these people and having all these people serving you he says to them he goes you're not to be like that instead the greatest should be like the youngest you see in their in their culture which I think is the right thing to do in their culture the youngest would do the menial tasks and they would have respect for the elderly. [00:16:58]
Jesus says to Peter he goes you know what before the rooster crows tomorrow morning you're going to deny me three times that you know me because you you're this far away in fact today you're going to disown me you're going to walk away and that's why I prayed for you guys don't get so arrogant at to say well you don't need to pray for me things are good I don't need people praying for me. [00:34:21]
I just thought wow that's so powerful so powerful that they both just said no I want to be like Christ I want to be more like Christ I'm going to do more than you I'm going to serve you more than you serve me tonight that that was a competition every night you know and I I you guys if we did that there would be no more divorces in this church there wouldn't be there there would not be another divorce in this church if we took this mindset of serving. [00:21:00]
I just need to get some people to the banquet um turn to uh turn to Luke chapter 22 Luke 22 I'm I am so excited about this passage today this is uh this is good stuff Luke chapter 22 and the reason why I love this and I've been excited to preach this is because it's it's so simple so basic and I think this is what the church needs the church in America today needs the basic truth. [00:10:22]
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