Guiding the Next Generation: Identity, Truth, and Hope

 

Summary

In today's discussion, we explored the multifaceted challenges facing the younger generation, particularly focusing on identity, truth, and the role of the church in guiding them. The world bombards young people with messages about self-identity, often encouraging them to find their worth in gender, sexuality, or personal achievements. This contrasts sharply with the biblical perspective, which teaches that true identity is found in being created in the image of God and being united with Christ. The church's role is to shepherd young people through these challenges by grounding them in foundational doctrines and offering a community where they can grow in faith.

We also touched on the pervasive issues of anxiety, depression, and disillusionment among young people. These emotional struggles are often exacerbated by societal pressures and the constant comparison facilitated by social media. The church must approach these issues with humility and empathy, acknowledging past failures in addressing them and striving to create an environment where young people feel heard and understood.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of teaching young people the foundational truths of Scripture and the gospel. In a world that often views the Bible with hostility, it is crucial to affirm its trustworthiness and relevance. The church must model a life of faithfulness to these truths, demonstrating their applicability to contemporary issues.

Finally, we addressed practical ways parents can prepare their children for the challenges they will face, particularly as they transition to college. This includes grounding them in key doctrines, ensuring they find a supportive church community, and maintaining open lines of communication. For young people who have strayed from biblical teachings, the message is one of forgiveness and grace, emphasizing that God's mercy is greater than any sin.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity in Christ: In a world that encourages self-definition through personal achievements or characteristics, it's vital to remember that our true identity is found in being created in the image of God and being united with Christ. This perspective provides a stable foundation amidst the shifting sands of societal expectations. [05:20]

2. The Role of the Church: The church must approach the younger generation with humility, acknowledging past oversights and striving to create an environment where young people feel heard and understood. This involves engaging with them on their terms and demonstrating the relevance of biblical truths to contemporary issues. [07:55]

3. The Importance of Foundational Doctrines: Teaching young people the foundational truths of Scripture and the gospel is crucial in a world that often views the Bible with hostility. These doctrines provide a framework for understanding identity, morality, and purpose. [09:10]

4. Hope in the Gospel: Amidst disillusionment and uncertainty, the gospel offers hope. As young people navigate life's challenges, they can be beacons of hope to their peers, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. [21:58]

5. Forgiveness and Grace: For young people who have strayed from biblical teachings, the message is one of forgiveness and grace. God's mercy is greater than any sin, and there is always an opportunity to return to Him and experience His love and forgiveness. [24:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Challenges Facing Young People
- [01:05] - Identity and Truth
- [01:48] - Theological Challenges
- [02:24] - Anxiety and Depression
- [02:55] - Gender and Justice Issues
- [04:13] - Communication Gaps
- [05:20] - Shepherding the Younger Generation
- [06:33] - Generational Regret
- [07:55] - Humility and Engagement
- [09:10] - Trusting God's Word
- [10:21] - Teaching Basic Doctrines
- [11:43] - Peer Pressure and Identity
- [14:16] - Encouragement and Hope
- [19:26] - Preparing for College
- [24:12] - Addressing Sin and Forgiveness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:27 - "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
2. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 - "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
3. 1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are some of the key challenges facing the younger generation today as discussed in the sermon? [00:25]
2. How does the sermon describe the world's message about identity compared to the biblical perspective? [05:20]
3. What role does the church have in addressing issues of anxiety and depression among young people, according to the sermon? [02:24]
4. How does the sermon suggest parents can prepare their children for the transition to college? [19:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being created in the image of God provide a stable foundation for identity in a world that encourages self-definition through personal achievements or characteristics? [05:20]
2. In what ways can the church demonstrate humility and empathy when engaging with young people on contemporary issues? [07:55]
3. How can the foundational doctrines of Scripture and the gospel be effectively taught to young people in a world that often views the Bible with hostility? [09:10]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of hope in the gospel for young people facing disillusionment and uncertainty? [21:58]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of identity. How does the biblical perspective of being created in the image of God challenge or affirm your current view of yourself? [05:20]
2. Think about a time when you felt the church did not address your concerns or struggles. How can you contribute to creating an environment where young people feel heard and understood? [07:55]
3. Identify a foundational doctrine of Scripture that you find challenging to understand or accept. What steps can you take to explore this doctrine further and integrate it into your life? [09:10]
4. Consider a situation where you felt disillusioned or uncertain. How can the hope offered by the gospel provide comfort and direction in that situation? [21:58]
5. If you are a parent, what practical steps can you take to prepare your child for the challenges they will face in college, particularly in finding a supportive church community? [19:26]
6. Reflect on a time when you strayed from biblical teachings. How can the message of forgiveness and grace encourage you to return to God and experience His love and forgiveness? [24:59]
7. How can you engage with young people in your community to share the hope and transformative power of the gospel in a way that is relevant and meaningful to them? [21:58]

Devotional

Day 1: True Identity in Christ
In a world that encourages self-definition through personal achievements or characteristics, it's vital to remember that our true identity is found in being created in the image of God and being united with Christ. This perspective provides a stable foundation amidst the shifting sands of societal expectations. The younger generation is often bombarded with messages that suggest their worth is tied to their gender, sexuality, or accomplishments. However, the biblical perspective offers a counter-narrative, emphasizing that our identity is rooted in our relationship with God. This understanding can provide a sense of peace and purpose, helping young people navigate the complexities of modern life. [05:20]

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed societal expectations to define your identity? How can you begin to embrace your identity in Christ more fully today?


Day 2: Humility and Engagement by the Church
The church must approach the younger generation with humility, acknowledging past oversights and striving to create an environment where young people feel heard and understood. This involves engaging with them on their terms and demonstrating the relevance of biblical truths to contemporary issues. The church has sometimes failed to address the emotional struggles of young people, such as anxiety and depression, with the empathy and understanding they require. By creating a supportive community, the church can help young people feel valued and understood, providing a safe space for them to explore their faith and grow spiritually. [07:55]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to making your church a more welcoming and understanding place for young people? What specific actions can you take this week to engage with them on their terms?


Day 3: Trusting in Foundational Doctrines
Teaching young people the foundational truths of Scripture and the gospel is crucial in a world that often views the Bible with hostility. These doctrines provide a framework for understanding identity, morality, and purpose. In a society that frequently challenges the authority and relevance of the Bible, it is essential for the church to affirm its trustworthiness. By modeling a life of faithfulness to these truths, believers can demonstrate their applicability to contemporary issues, helping young people see the value of a biblical worldview. [09:10]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: What foundational doctrine of the Christian faith do you find most challenging to understand or accept? How can you seek to deepen your understanding of this doctrine in the coming days?


Day 4: Hope in the Gospel
Amidst disillusionment and uncertainty, the gospel offers hope. As young people navigate life's challenges, they can be beacons of hope to their peers, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. The gospel message provides a source of hope and encouragement, reminding believers of God's love and faithfulness. By living out the gospel in their daily lives, young people can inspire others and offer a glimpse of the hope that is found in Christ. [21:58]

"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." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the hope of the gospel through your actions and words? How can you intentionally share this hope with them today?


Day 5: Embracing Forgiveness and Grace
For young people who have strayed from biblical teachings, the message is one of forgiveness and grace. God's mercy is greater than any sin, and there is always an opportunity to return to Him and experience His love and forgiveness. The church must emphasize the message of grace, reminding individuals that no matter how far they have wandered, God's love remains constant. This assurance can encourage those who feel distant from God to seek reconciliation and embrace the transformative power of His forgiveness. [24:59]

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and grace? How can you take a step towards experiencing His mercy today?

Quotes

BINGHAM: So, how can the church shepherd this younger generation through some of these issues, given that, as you've even suggested, that their level of concern is very different than our level of concern, perhaps even their worldview is a little different, because we get to the identity question that you brought up, Dr. Nichols, and the world is telling young people, whether they're inside the church or not, "Believe in yourself, trust in yourself, find your identity in your gender, your sexuality, your identity," like that is what grounds you. Where, biblically speaking, we find our identity not by looking within, but by looking outside of ourselves in the image of God, or as a Christian, one who is united to God. So, how do we shepherd this younger generation, help them see the importance of some of these issues and help them work through it. What is the role of the local church there? [00:04:59]

KIM: I actually want to hear Dr. Nichols speak, but fools rush in first. So let me, let me try my hand at this. I feel like, and this is a generational, forgive me for saying it this way, but generational regret. In, in many of these things, we're trying to correct things now that the church should have been addressing twenty, thirty, forty years ago. And, and because we are late to the game in terms of addressing these issues, not, this is not every church, but in general, in general, evangelical Christians and Reformed Christians alike, were preoccupied with many other things. But in terms of faithfulness to some of the fundamental teachings of the Word was not necessarily on the forefront of our minds always. Maybe this is not the right crowd to even mention it, and to now take corrective action. [00:05:53]

KIM: I honestly think that the churches and we ourselves have to be really naively biblical about what we're doing. At the end, "The Bible said so," sounds so anti-modern, but there is really no better answer than to say, "We stand upon the Word as God has given it to us." And then I think our engagement has to be winsome. I know winsome can be stretched in so many different ways, but it can't simply be talking down as if we figured stuff out. Because as I was saying before, I don't think we have. And to be able to engage and hear where they're coming from, a posture of humility, even as an older person, I think maybe a necessary part of that communication line that at times seems disconnected to kind of build up enough trust, because oftentimes the trust is very hard to find, is a necessary part of that conversation within the church. [00:07:41]

NICHOLS: Yeah, I think you're right on track. We're not talking about really complex doctrines here. We're talking about very basic doctrines. We're talking about the image of God. We're talking about the fall and sin. We're talking about who we are in Christ, and we are talking, we have to talk about this foundational truth that God's Word can be trusted. And this, there's a, there's a hostility towards the Bible. There's a sense, you know, it used to be the Bible was the good book, and now it's a, it's a dangerous book. It's full of misogynistic teaching. It's homophobic. It's very cruel. And so, we live in this moment where there's this hostile view to the Bible. We have to come alongside and, and say, "This is God's Word to us. It can be trusted." [00:08:35]

NICHOLS: You know, I think why that is also of value is the fact that a lot of their influencers are really not much different than they are. And, you know, we, we think of this, even this new category of influencer, what does it take to become an influencer? Well, essentially you need to master whatever form of social media happens to be the, the hot, social media that they're on. It doesn't really take substance. It doesn't really take, you know, there's been a battle of ideas and, and you've got this good idea you're putting forth. You just need to master that medium, and now you have a following, and now you're an influencer. And so, to be able to have other voices speak into their lives, I think is, is extremely crucial. [00:17:05]

NICHOLS: Well, I go back to those really key doctrines. And I think understanding what we call the doctrine of humanity is, is really crucial these days. And so, those doctrines related to that are the image of God and that, that's our value, that's our worth being created in the image of God. I think understanding again who we are in Christ and our union with Christ and the gospel. And I also think understanding Scripture and the doctrine of Scripture. So, I think those are some very foundational doctrines. But behind those, of course, are the, is the doctrine of God. And I think that we sometimes think, as you said, these are smart. I have a sixteen-year-old myself. She's, she's very smart. And I think we sometimes sell them short, that they're not ready for these doctrines of God. [00:19:58]

NICHOLS: Well, you certainly say there is forgiveness. And, and that's where we start. And the Bible is full of sinners and scoundrels. David was one, Paul was one, and all of us were one. So, I think we just have to tell them that, that there is forgiveness. There is forgiveness in Christ. And we do call upon to repent. But we stress that our Savior is merciful, and we have, Scripture is so replete with this. The, the Prodigal Son, is just such a powerful image of, of God welcoming us back home through forgiveness. [00:24:33]

KIM: God's great grace is far greater than any sins that we could ever imagine. And, as, as people who are experiencing and knowing more God's grace, I think we can say that with confidence, that indeed His grace is far greater than anything else. And if there's an encouragement, and I know I can't direct people to do anything apart from their own volition and decision, ultimately, at the end, and we're praying, we're praying that the Lord will continue to work in their hearts. But the element of catechesis and what you swim in is such an important one, what you fill your brain with, and just an encouragement for the young people to be saturating their minds and their eyes and their hearts and ears with those things that are sound and good. [00:25:33]

KIM: And here our prayer for our younger brothers and sisters here is that as you seek things to fill your time and energy and, and mind, seek those things that will fill your minds with those things that are lovely, pure, beautiful and good. And all we can do is to encourage you to see those things and pray for that as well. [00:26:44]

NICHOLS: And I think one of the things we can talk about, it’s one of the beautiful words of Scripture is "hope." You know, when Peter talks about the gospel in first Peter 3:15, "Be ready to give an answer," what does he say? He doesn’t say, "Be ready to give an answer for justification by faith in Christ." He turns to the effect of the gospel. "Be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you." That, that our people in our church actually have hope, and as they go off to college, they will be a beacon of hope for their classmates. [00:21:49]

KIM: I want to be able to convince and encourage my younger brothers and sisters that not every stage of life feels like you're a fifteen-year-old. And as you faithfully seek to know and love the Lord, and as we were talking about with RBC students last night, if there's a lesson from the book of Revelation, it's that simple message that Jesus wins. Whether you like it or not, Jesus is going to win. And there has to be this level of both trust and confidence as we go forth, as we as older brothers and sisters, encourage them to realize that who they are, and where they belong is to Christ Jesus alone. Everything else is fluff. [00:14:09]

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Transcript
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