Modeling Faith: Discipleship Across Generations

 

Summary

Good morning, church family. Today, we gathered to witness the baptism of young Daniel Estep, a powerful symbol of his commitment to Jesus Christ. Baptism, much like a wedding ring, is an outward sign of an inward reality, showing the world that we belong to Jesus. It is not the water that saves us, but the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin. As we celebrate Daniel's step of faith, we are reminded of the importance of modeling our faith for the next generation.

In our series on generational discipleship, we explore the vital role each generation plays in discipling the next. Today, we focus on moving from teaching the truth to modeling the life. Just as Paul instructed Timothy, we are called to be role models in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Our lives should reflect the teachings of Christ, showing others what it means to follow Him.

Parents, in particular, have a profound influence on their children's spiritual lives. Studies show that 68% of Christians come to faith before the age of 18, highlighting the importance of setting a godly example at home. Our actions speak louder than words, and children often emulate what they see in us. Therefore, we must live out our faith authentically, demonstrating love, integrity, and devotion to God.

Paul's letter to Timothy also emphasizes the importance of using our spiritual gifts for God's glory. Each of us has been uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit, and we are called to serve the church and the world with these gifts. By doing so, we not only fulfill our purpose but also inspire others to do the same.

Finally, we are reminded of the need for perseverance in our faith journey. We must continually grow in our relationship with God, striving to live out His Word in every aspect of our lives. As we do, we motivate others to follow Christ, creating a legacy of faith for future generations.

Key Takeaways:

- Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing our commitment to Jesus Christ. It is not the act of baptism that saves us, but the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin. This powerful symbol reminds us of the importance of living out our faith authentically. [01:28]

- Parents are the primary spiritual influencers in their children's lives. By modeling a godly lifestyle, we can lead our children to Christ and instill in them a love for God and His Word. Our actions speak louder than words, and children often emulate what they see in us. [39:16]

- We are called to be role models in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Our lives should reflect the teachings of Christ, showing others what it means to follow Him. By living out our faith authentically, we inspire others to do the same. [46:37]

- Each of us has been uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit, and we are called to use these gifts for God's glory. By serving the church and the world with our gifts, we fulfill our purpose and inspire others to do the same. [56:42]

- Perseverance in our faith journey is essential. We must continually grow in our relationship with God, striving to live out His Word in every aspect of our lives. As we do, we motivate others to follow Christ, creating a legacy of faith for future generations. [01:00:10]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Baptism of Daniel Estep
[37:20] - Role Models in Faith
[39:16] - Influence of Parents
[41:15] - Generational Discipleship
[44:28] - Paul's Instructions to Timothy
[46:37] - Character vs. Reputation
[48:24] - Setting an Example in Speech
[55:34] - Magnifying the Word of God
[56:42] - Using Spiritual Gifts
[57:30] - Servant's Spirit in Ministry
[58:45] - Importance of Every Member
[01:00:10] - Perseverance in Faith
[01:06:03] - Inspiring the Next Generation
[01:08:03] - Invitation to Faith and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Timothy 4:11-16

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Observation Questions:

1. What analogy is used in the sermon to describe baptism, and what does it signify about one's relationship with Jesus? [01:28]

2. According to the sermon, what percentage of Christians come to faith before the age of 18, and what does this imply about the role of parents? [39:16]

3. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul lists five areas in which believers should set an example. What are these areas, and why might they be significant for Timothy's ministry?

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between character and reputation, and why is this distinction important for believers? [46:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the analogy of baptism as a wedding ring help us understand the public declaration of faith? What does this mean for someone considering baptism? [01:28]

2. Why might Paul emphasize setting an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity to Timothy, and how does this relate to the concept of generational discipleship? [41:15]

3. The sermon mentions the importance of using spiritual gifts for God's glory. How can believers discern and develop their spiritual gifts in a way that serves the church and the world? [56:42]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of perseverance in the Christian faith, and how does this contribute to creating a legacy of faith for future generations? [01:00:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own baptism or public declaration of faith. How does it continue to influence your daily walk with Christ? If you haven't been baptized, what steps might you take to explore this commitment? [01:28]

2. As a parent or mentor, how are you currently modeling a godly lifestyle for the younger generation? Identify one specific area where you can improve or be more intentional. [39:16]

3. Consider the five areas Paul mentions in 1 Timothy 4:12. Which area do you find most challenging to model, and what practical steps can you take to grow in that area?

4. How do you currently use your spiritual gifts within your church community? Identify one new way you can serve using your gifts in the coming month. [56:42]

5. Think about a time when you faced a challenge in your faith journey. How did perseverance play a role in overcoming it, and how can you encourage others to persevere in their faith? [01:00:10]

6. Identify a specific way you can magnify the Word of God in your daily life, whether through personal study, family devotions, or sharing with others. How can you make this a consistent practice? [55:34]

7. Reflect on the influence you have on others as a role model. What is one specific action you can take this week to positively impact someone who looks up to you? [46:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as a Symbol of Commitment
Baptism is a profound public declaration of one's faith in Jesus Christ. It serves as an outward symbol of an inward transformation, much like a wedding ring signifies a marital commitment. The act of baptism itself does not save; rather, it is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin. This powerful symbol reminds believers of the importance of living out their faith authentically, demonstrating to the world their allegiance to Christ. As we witness baptisms, we are encouraged to reflect on our own faith journey and the ways in which we can visibly express our commitment to Jesus. [01:28]

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you publicly demonstrate your commitment to Christ in your daily life, beyond the act of baptism?


Day 2: The Influence of Parental Example
Parents hold a significant role as the primary spiritual influencers in their children's lives. Studies indicate that a majority of Christians come to faith before the age of 18, underscoring the importance of setting a godly example at home. Children often emulate what they observe in their parents, making it crucial for parents to live out their faith authentically. By modeling a lifestyle of love, integrity, and devotion to God, parents can lead their children to Christ and instill in them a love for God and His Word. [39:16]

"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." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to model a godly lifestyle for your children or young people in your life?


Day 3: Living as Role Models in Faith
Believers are called to be role models in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Our lives should reflect the teachings of Christ, demonstrating to others what it means to follow Him. By living out our faith authentically, we inspire others to do the same. This call to be role models is not limited to words but extends to every aspect of our lives, challenging us to embody the character of Christ in all we do. [46:37]

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more intentional about setting a Christ-like example for others?


Day 4: Using Spiritual Gifts for God's Glory
Each believer has been uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit and is called to use these gifts for God's glory. By serving the church and the world with our gifts, we fulfill our purpose and inspire others to do the same. This call to service is not just about fulfilling a duty but about living out our God-given potential and contributing to the body of Christ. As we use our gifts, we encourage others to discover and utilize their own, creating a vibrant community of faith. [56:42]

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:6-8, ESV)

Reflection: What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you, and how can you use them to serve your church and community this week?


Day 5: Perseverance in the Faith Journey
Perseverance is essential in the journey of faith. Believers are called to continually grow in their relationship with God, striving to live out His Word in every aspect of their lives. This ongoing growth not only strengthens our own faith but also motivates others to follow Christ, creating a legacy of faith for future generations. As we persevere, we are reminded of the importance of remaining steadfast in our commitment to God, even in the face of challenges. [01:00:10]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you need to persevere and seek growth, and what steps can you take to pursue this growth today?

Quotes


Thank you all for braving the elements for coming out today. Amen. I just hope that we're all safe going home because it's not supposed to start until later. You know, this water is just Hartford County well water. It doesn't save us. And I've said before, it doesn't cleanse us either. Sometimes I feel dirtier getting out of it than I was when I came into it. But it's the blood of Jesus that washes away our sins. [00:00:14] (27 seconds)



There is someone who looks up to you, who looks at you, and sees you as a role model. You might not even be aware of it, but people are watching what we do all the time. I also agree with Charles Barkley. When he said parents should be role models, just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids. That's exactly right. [00:39:24] (20 seconds)



Paul gives us four ways in the Scripture how we should be following the leader. Number one, we should model a lifestyle for God. A personal anecdote. I started coming to church here around 2001. I felt called down. I went to ministry in 2004. I was licensed and ordained here. I was working as a printer up in Bel Air. [00:44:28] (22 seconds)



I said, David, I only have a two-year associate's degree. I have no formal training. That church is never going to vote me in, and he said something that was so poignant to me. It almost brought me to tears. He said, anybody can get an education, and experience will come. I want you for your character, and I just said, David, if this is God's will, it will happen, and guess what? It did. [00:45:37] (26 seconds)



A sociologist named Albert Bandura did some research, especially on the issue of learned violence from media caricatures. He found that the most powerful educational tool on the planet is modeling, being a good example for people around you, providing an observable pattern of behavior, and then doing it consistently. [00:47:30] (22 seconds)



God gives us different gifts, spiritual gifts, that we can use to glorify him. Now, you can use a natural gift to glorify God. We see folks up here singing, playing, doing things like that every single week. But spiritual gifts are given by the Lord and empowered by God. We are all gifted children. [00:57:30] (20 seconds)



But with regard to these gifts, there's three things we have to remember. God equips every believer with spiritual gifts. God enables every believer to recognize those gifts. And God expects every believer to use those gifts in service to the church and to the world. So every link in a chain is important. [00:59:12] (19 seconds)



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Transcript
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