Establishing God's Truths for Future Generations

 

Summary

On this Father’s Day, we are reminded of the unique calling that fathers have, but also of the shared calling that belongs to all who follow Jesus: to live as children of our Heavenly Father. Drawing from Ephesians 4:1 and Psalm 78, we see that God has established certain truths in the world and in our lives, and He calls us to establish these same truths for the next generation. The psalmist points to five foundational things God has established—His character, His Word, our confidence in Him, the celebration of His works, and His commandments—and invites us to carry these forward.

First, we are called to establish the character of God. The testimony of Jacob is a powerful reminder that God’s faithfulness and mercy persist even when we make a mess of things. Jacob’s story, and our own stories, are not about our failures but about God’s relentless grace and faithfulness. Each of us has a testimony of how God’s character has been revealed in our lives, and we are called to share these stories so others can see God’s goodness.

Second, we are called to establish the content of Scripture. God gave His people His Word, not just to be read but to be lived out. Jesus Himself built His teaching on the foundation of Scripture, urging us to build our lives and families on this rock. The Scriptures are not just words on a page; they are to be inscribed on our hearts and homes, shaping our daily lives and interactions.

Third, we are called to establish confidence in God. The next generation will set their hope in God if they see us living with real trust in Him. Our prayers, our faith in the face of trials, and our willingness to walk through the valley of the shadow of death with hope all testify to our confidence in God’s power and goodness.

Fourth, we are called to establish the celebration of God’s works. God instituted feasts and celebrations so His people would remember and rejoice in what He has done. We continue this today as we celebrate Christmas, Easter, baptisms, and communion—not as empty rituals, but as living reminders of God’s saving work in Jesus.

Finally, we are called to establish the commandments of God. The Ten Commandments, given on Mount Sinai and expounded by Jesus, are not relics of the past but living guides for our lives. In a world full of false gods and empty promises, we are called to declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” and to live out God’s truth with integrity and faithfulness.

Key Takeaways

- Establishing the character of God means sharing real stories of His faithfulness, mercy, and grace in our lives. Our testimonies are not about our achievements but about God’s relentless pursuit and transformation of us, even in our failures. When we share these stories, we invite others to see God’s character at work and encourage faith in the next generation. [09:02]

- The content of Scripture is not just to be known but to be lived. Our homes and lives should be marked by the Word of God, not only in visible reminders but in the way we treat others, forgive, and show humility. The Scriptures call us to a life shaped by the gospel, where we recognize our need for mercy and extend it to others. [13:14]

- True confidence in God is demonstrated through prayer, trust, and faithfulness in the face of uncertainty and adversity. The next generation learns to hope in God by watching us walk through trials with courage and trust, believing that God is able even when outcomes are uncertain. Our confidence is not in ourselves, but in the God who walks with us through every valley. [16:58]

- Celebrating God’s works is essential for remembering and proclaiming His faithfulness. Whether through holidays, sacraments, or personal milestones, these celebrations anchor us in the story of God’s redemption and remind us of His ongoing work in our lives. They are opportunities to proclaim the gospel and to pass on a legacy of gratitude and worship. [20:01]

- Establishing the commandments of God means choosing daily whom we will serve and rejecting the false gods that compete for our allegiance. The commandments are not burdens but gifts that guide us into true life and freedom. As we live them out, we declare with Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” and invite others to join us in wholehearted devotion. [25:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Our Calling as God’s Children
[02:30] - Introduction to Psalm 78
[04:44] - What Does It Mean to Establish?
[07:00] - The Testimony of Jacob
[09:02] - Sharing Your Testimony of God’s Character
[11:54] - Establishing the Content of Scripture
[13:14] - Living Out the Word in Daily Life
[14:33] - Humility and the Gospel in Practice
[16:17] - Establishing Confidence in God
[16:58] - Faith in the Face of Trials
[18:37] - What the Next Generation Sees
[19:13] - Celebrating God’s Works
[20:01] - Communion as Proclamation
[22:50] - Establishing the Commandments of God
[24:07] - Walking Through the Ten Commandments
[25:21] - Choosing to Serve the Lord

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Establishing God’s Truth for the Next Generation

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### Bible Reading

- Psalm 78:1-8
- Ephesians 4:1
- Joshua 24:15

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### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 78:5-7, what are the specific things God commands fathers (and all believers) to pass on to the next generation?
2. According to Ephesians 4:1, what is the reason Paul urges believers to live a life worthy of their calling?
3. In Joshua 24:15, what choice does Joshua present to the people, and what is his personal declaration?
4. The sermon mentions five foundational things God has established. Can you list them as described in the message? [[04:44]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The psalmist says God “established a testimony in Jacob.” What does it mean for God’s character to be established through someone’s story, even when their life is messy? [[07:00]]
2. The sermon says, “The only Bible that some people ever read is you.” What does this mean for how we live out the content of Scripture in our daily lives? [[13:14]]
3. How does celebrating God’s works (like Christmas, Easter, baptism, and communion) help anchor our faith and the faith of the next generation? [[20:01]]
4. Why does Joshua’s statement, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” still matter today in a world full of “false gods”? [[25:21]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon encourages us to share real stories of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and grace. What is one specific testimony from your life where you saw God’s character at work? Have you shared this with anyone recently? If not, what’s holding you back? [[09:02]]
2. Think about your home or daily routine. In what ways is the content of Scripture visible or lived out? Is there a practical step you could take this week to make God’s Word more central in your home or relationships? [[13:14]]
3. When facing uncertainty or trials, what does it look like for you to demonstrate real confidence in God? Is there a current situation where you need to trust God more openly, especially for the sake of those watching you? [[16:58]]
4. How do you celebrate God’s works in your life or family? Are there any traditions, holidays, or personal milestones you could use more intentionally to remember and proclaim God’s faithfulness? [[20:01]]
5. The Ten Commandments are described as “gifts that guide us into true life and freedom.” Is there one commandment you find especially challenging to live out right now? What would it look like to take a step of obedience in that area this week? [[24:07]]
6. Joshua challenged the people to choose whom they would serve. Are there “false gods” (things that compete for your loyalty or attention) in your life? What is one practical way you can declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” this week? [[25:21]]
7. The sermon says, “The next generation learns to hope in God by watching us walk through trials with courage and trust.” Who is someone in your life who is watching your faith? How can you encourage their faith this week by the way you respond to challenges? [[18:37]]

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Devotional

Day 1: Establishing the Character of God
The character of God is revealed through His faithfulness, mercy, and grace, even in the midst of our failures and shortcomings. Just as God remained faithful to Jacob despite his mistakes and transformed his story into one of redemption, God continues to display His character in our lives, offering us new beginnings and hope. Each of us has a testimony of how God’s character has been established in our journey—moments when His mercy, faithfulness, and grace have been unmistakable. Reflect on the ways God has shown Himself to you, and consider how sharing your testimony can encourage others to trust in His unchanging nature. [09:02]

Psalm 78:5-7 (ESV)
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 specific story from your life where God’s mercy or faithfulness was clear, and who can you share that testimony with this week?


Day 2: Establishing the Content of Scripture
God calls us to not only know His Word but to live it out daily, making Scripture a visible and active part of our homes and lives. The content of Scripture is more than just words on a page; it is the foundation upon which we build our lives, families, and communities. When we meditate on God’s Word, talk about it with others, and inscribe it in our hearts and homes, we become living testimonies of the gospel. The Scriptures remind us of God’s continual work to clean up our messes and offer us grace, and we are invited to embody this truth in humility and love. [14:33]

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV)
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Reflection: Where in your home or daily routine can you intentionally place or speak Scripture so that it shapes your heart and those around you?


Day 3: Establishing Confidence in God
Confidence in God is demonstrated by our trust and faith, especially in difficult or uncertain times. The next generation learns to hope in God by witnessing our unwavering confidence, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God in the fiery furnace, declaring that God is able to save, but even if He does not, their faith remains. Our prayers, our responses to trials, and our willingness to trust God with the unknown all serve as powerful testimonies to those around us. Let your life be marked by a deep confidence in God’s ability and goodness, regardless of circumstances. [18:37]

Daniel 3:16-18 (ESV)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to demonstrate greater confidence in God’s ability, and how can you show that trust today?


Day 4: Celebrating the Work of God
God invites us to remember and celebrate His mighty works, both in the grand story of salvation and in our personal lives. Throughout Scripture, God’s people are called to mark His faithfulness with feasts, festivals, and regular acts of remembrance—celebrating events like the birth and resurrection of Jesus, baptism, and communion. These celebrations are not just traditions but opportunities to proclaim and rejoice in what God has done, is doing, and will do. Make it a practice to celebrate God’s work in your life and in your family, letting gratitude and joy overflow. [20:01]

Psalm 145:4-7 (ESV)
One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally celebrate and remember God’s work in your life or family this week?


Day 5: Establishing the Commandments of God
We are called to establish God’s commandments in our lives and homes, choosing daily to serve the Lord above all else. The Ten Commandments are not just ancient rules but living guidance for how we honor God and love others, shaping our character and our communities. Like Joshua, we are faced with the choice of whom we will serve, and our commitment to God’s ways becomes a testimony to those around us. Let your life and household be marked by a clear decision to follow God’s commands, trusting that His ways lead to true life and blessing. [25:21]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Reflection: What is one commandment or teaching of God that you need to recommit to following, and how can you put that into practice in your home today?

Quotes

Therefore, I urge you, I plead with you to live a life worthy of the calling that you have been called to. And so certainly, dads, you have a calling, but we all have a calling as followers of Jesus. [00:02:31]
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, their confidence, their faith in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. [00:03:08]
Dictionary definition says to accomplish something permanently, to make a mark, to make a difference. So the psalmist says, right, he established, right? He put the stake. He put the stake down he's established himself and here's how he has established himself and how he continues to establish himself and in his establishment if you will we are called to continue to do that from one generation to the next. [00:05:05]
There is a promise that was given to Jacob's grandfather, Abraham, passed on from one generation to the next, that they were called to be a blessing to the whole world. And specifically, that blessing was through the Messiah that was to come, God in the flesh, to reconcile his world. [00:06:37]
Jacob, you've made a mess, but I'm going to continue to be faithful to you. I'm going to give you mercy. This promise is still coming through you. The testimony of the character of God in Jacob. [00:07:25]
God's power, God's strength to deal with fear to empower Jacob to walk by faith. [00:08:10]
God is always good. That is the character of God. That is the testimony of Jacob. And so we are called to establish the character of God. [00:08:40]
What's your testimony of the character of God? Do you have a testimony? Has God displayed his character to you and in you? And are you sharing that with others? To establish the character of God. [00:08:58]
The character of God was revealed in my life in such a way to where I knew that that was my issue, that God didn't have an issue with me, that he loved me just as I was, not as I should be. His character of mercy, of faithfulness, of grace. [00:10:08]
The power of God, the ability to say yes and for him to fulfill that that yes, the strength of God displayed in our lives the testimony after testimony right things that were done to me things that are outside of me and just god working through those things those trials bring goodness right the character of god. [00:11:13]
He appointed a law in Israel. He gave Israel the word. He gave them the Scripture, right? To testify to the content of Scripture, right? Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount, right? If you look at Jesus in the Gospels, what's he always teaching on? He's teaching on the Old Testament, right? And he's expounding on it. [00:12:06]
You're going to be a wise man if you build your home, if you build your family, right, on the rock, on the content of Scripture. Because when the winds come, and they will, trials will come, darkness will come, your house will not fall, your family will not fall apart. [00:12:36]
The only Bible that some people ever read is you, right? How do we live out the Bible? If we're going to establish the scriptures, are we establishing them with how we live? [00:13:52]
The content of scripture, right? Is that true? Is that what the scriptures show us to show us the gospel of how God cleans up our mess over and over and over again? That's the content of scriptures, the gospel. [00:15:38]
The gospel, the freedom of the gospel, the forgiveness of sins in Jesus, right? I see some parents out there, right? What do you do all day long? Clean up messes. A mess after mess after mess after mess. What does our Heavenly Father do all day long? Clean up messes. A mess and a mess, a mess. He cleans it up, right? That's the gospel, and that's what he did for us in Jesus. [00:15:54]
The next generation will see our confidence in him. I think for me, when I see this in others, when I see it in you, very practical, the way in which we show that we are confident in God is we pray. That's why we pray, because we have faith in him. We trust in him. [00:16:53]
Our God is mighty to save. He is able to save us. But if he doesn't, we still have confidence in him. Our God is able. Do we really believe that God is able in whatever his will is? [00:17:39]
Even though I walked through the very valley of the shadow of death. What is it? I will fear no evil. Is the next generation seeing confidence? Are they seeing faith? Or are they seeing fear? Are they seeing hopelessness? Are they seeing despair? What are they seeing in us? We are called to establish the confidence of God. [00:18:37]
The psalmist says, do not forget the works of God. Think about this for a moment for those of you who are familiar with the scriptures. In the Old Testament, there are feasts. There are these celebrations, not just a two -hour party, but these parties will go on for days, for weeks. Why did God establish these festivals for his people? So that they would remember his work. What he established. [00:19:24]
We celebrate communion. We have communion to proclaim, to proclaim, to celebrate the cross, the work of the cross, the work of the empty tomb. That's why we have communion. That's why we gather together, right, to celebrate the work of God. [00:21:31]
Establish the commandments of God, right, that's scattered throughout that psalm. We're called to establish the commandments of God. [00:22:17]
Thou shalt have no other gods before me, right? The second commandment, I know there's some confusion with the ordering of the Ten Commandments. Read Exodus chapter 20, you'll see them all there. But the second commandment is, do not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Don't abuse his character. Don't misuse it. [00:23:27]
Honor your mother and your father, right? And it's the commandment actually with the promise that your life would go well. And so thank you, Hallmark, for giving us a day where we can honor our fathers and a day where we can honor our mothers. But hopefully we're doing it all the time. [00:24:07]
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. As for me and my house, we will what? We will what? We will serve the Lord. [00:25:38]

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