Passing Down Faith: Shaping Hearts Through God's Word
Summary
This morning, we celebrated the beauty of God’s Word being passed from one generation to the next, as our seniors presented Bibles to our kindergarteners. I reflected on the privilege of receiving my first Bible from my grandparents, and how the Word has been a lamp to my feet throughout my life. This act of passing down the Scriptures is more than a tradition—it’s a living testimony that God’s Word shapes us, guides us, and forms us at every stage of life.
We read from Ecclesiastes, where the Teacher urges us to “remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” This is not just a call for the young, but a reminder for all of us: the habits, affections, and disciplines we form now are shaping who we are becoming. Our character is always being formed, whether we are in kindergarten, high school, or well into adulthood. The world tells us to “follow your heart,” but Scripture warns that our hearts are deceitful and in need of a Shepherd. We need Christ to guide and transform our hearts, lest we be led astray by our own desires.
I shared my own journey—how my childhood dreams shifted, how God called me into ministry, and how that calling was less about a mystical experience and more about daily obedience, a growing love for God’s Word, and a willingness to be formed by Him. Times have changed, and the world our children are growing up in is different from the one we knew. Yet, the call remains the same: to love God passionately, to enjoy Him, and to let Him shape our hearts.
For our students, the call is to follow Jesus today—not to wait for some future moment when they feel ready or qualified. For adults, the challenge is to remember the joy and wonder of encountering God’s Word, to guard against cynicism and hardness of heart, and to keep our affections burning for Christ. As we age, life can become more difficult, and disappointments can harden us. But God invites us to keep our hearts soft, to keep enjoying Him, and to let His Word continue to form us. May we, as a church, treasure God’s Word as eagerly as a child receiving their first Bible, and may we be a people who are always being formed by the love and truth of our Creator.
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Key Takeaways
- The Power of Generational Faithfulness: Passing down God’s Word from one generation to the next is not just a ceremony, but a sacred trust. Each generation is called to treasure, teach, and model the Scriptures, so that the next may walk in the light of God’s truth. This legacy shapes not only individuals, but the entire community of faith. [37:38]
- Formation Happens Now, Not Later: Who we are becoming is shaped by the choices, habits, and affections we cultivate today. Whether young or old, our character is always being formed—there is no neutral ground. The call is to be intentional about what is shaping us, recognizing that spiritual formation is a lifelong process. [57:11]
- Beware the Deceitfulness of the Heart: The world’s advice to “follow your heart” is alluring, but Scripture teaches that our hearts are often misguided and in need of redemption. True wisdom is found not in self-direction, but in surrendering our hearts to Christ, who alone can shepherd and transform us. [01:01:01]
- Enjoying God is Essential, Not Optional: God is not merely to be obeyed or served, but enjoyed. When we lose our delight in Him, our faith becomes dry and our hearts grow hard. Returning to the wonder and joy of God’s presence—like a child with their first Bible—rekindles our love and keeps our hearts soft to His Word. [01:05:12]
- Guard Against Cynicism and Hardness as You Age: As life brings disappointments and challenges, it’s easy to let a shell form over our hearts. The older we get, the more intentional we must be to keep our hearts open to God, to resist cynicism, and to let His Word continue to shape us. Spiritual vitality is maintained by a continual return to God’s loving kindness and truth. [01:06:41]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[37:17] - Introduction of Westover Kids Team
[37:38] - The Gift of God’s Word Across Generations
[38:14] - Bible Presentation Ceremony
[38:48] - Prayer of Blessing for Kindergarteners
[39:43] - Valuing the Reading of Scripture
[40:16] - Sharing Stories of First Bibles
[41:16] - Ecclesiastes Reading
[42:30] - Celebrating Next Gen and Seniors
[44:23] - Remembering Your Creator
[45:08] - Childhood Dreams and God’s Calling
[47:53] - Wrestling with God’s Call
[49:24] - The Changing World and Our Focus
[52:31] - Passion for God Over Self-Righteousness
[53:24] - Students: Follow Jesus Today
[57:11] - Spiritual Formation at Every Age
[59:18] - What Does It Mean to Follow Your Heart?
[01:01:01] - The Heart’s Deceitfulness and Need for Christ
[01:04:55] - Adults: Rediscovering Joy in God
[01:06:41] - Guarding Against Hardness as We Age
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:1
“Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”
- Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Ecclesiastes 12:1, what does the Teacher urge us to do in the days of our youth? How does the sermon connect this to all ages, not just the young? [[41:54]]
2. According to Psalm 119:105, what role does God’s Word play in our lives? How did the pastor describe this in his own story? [[37:53]]
3. The sermon mentions that the world says “follow your heart,” but Jeremiah 17:9 warns us about something different. What does Jeremiah say about the heart? [[01:01:01]]
4. What was the significance of the seniors presenting Bibles to the kindergarteners in the service? [[38:14]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the Teacher in Ecclesiastes emphasize remembering your Creator specifically in youth? What might be the consequences of waiting until later in life? [[41:54]]
2. The pastor shared that his calling was less about a mystical experience and more about daily obedience and love for God’s Word. What does this suggest about how God shapes and calls people? [[49:24]]
3. The sermon warns that our hearts are “deceitful” and in need of a Shepherd. What does it mean to let Christ shepherd and transform our hearts, rather than simply following our own desires? [[01:01:01]]
4. The pastor challenged adults to “rediscover the joy and wonder of encountering God’s Word.” Why do you think it’s easy to lose this sense of wonder as we age? [[01:05:12]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think back to when you first received a Bible or first became interested in God’s Word. How did you feel then, and how does that compare to how you feel about Scripture now? What might help you recapture that sense of wonder? [[01:05:12]]
2. The sermon talked about passing down God’s Word as a “sacred trust.” Who has passed faith on to you, and who are you intentionally passing it on to? Is there someone younger you could encourage or mentor this month? [[38:14]]
3. The pastor said, “Who you are now is who you are becoming.” What is one habit or affection you are cultivating right now that is shaping your character? Is there a new habit you want to start or an old one you want to let go of? [[57:11]]
4. The world says “follow your heart,” but Scripture says our hearts can be deceitful. Can you think of a time when following your own desires led you away from God’s best? How can you invite Christ to shepherd your heart this week? [[01:01:01]]
5. For students: Are you waiting for a “better” or “more spiritual” time to follow Jesus, or are you willing to follow Him today? What’s one step you can take this week to follow Jesus right where you are? [[53:24]]
6. For adults: The sermon warned about cynicism and hardness of heart as we age. Are there disappointments or hurts that have made your heart less open to God? What would it look like to ask God to soften your heart again? [[01:06:41]]
7. The pastor said enjoying God is essential, not optional. What is one way you can intentionally enjoy God this week—through worship, prayer, time in nature, or another practice? [[01:05:12]]
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Devotional
Day 1: God’s Word Lights Our Path Across Generations
The Word of God is a precious gift, passed down from generation to generation, providing guidance, wisdom, and hope for every season of life. Just as the psalmist declares, God’s Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, illuminating the way forward even when the world around us changes. Whether you are young or old, new to faith or seasoned in it, the Scriptures remain a steady guide, inviting you to cherish, read, and delight in them daily. May you treasure the Bible as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness, and may it shape your journey as it has shaped those who have gone before you. [37:53]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Reflection: How can you intentionally make space today to read and cherish God’s Word, allowing it to guide your decisions and outlook?
Day 2: Remember Your Creator in the Days of Your Youth
God calls each of us, especially the young, to remember Him now—not to wait for a more convenient season or for life to settle, but to seek and honor Him in the present. The days of youth are a unique opportunity to form habits, character, and spiritual foundations that will shape the rest of life. Remembering your Creator means inviting Him into your joys, your questions, and your dreams, trusting that He is forming you even now. Don’t postpone your devotion or your pursuit of God; He desires to walk with you today, shaping your heart and future. [42:11]
Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV)
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.”
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally remember and honor God in your daily routine, starting today?
Day 3: Guard Your Heart—It Needs a Shepherd
The world often tells us to “follow our hearts,” but Scripture warns that our hearts can be deceitful and in need of guidance. True wisdom comes not from blindly following our desires, but from surrendering our hearts to God, who alone can shepherd and transform them. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, offers to lead us, heal us, and direct our affections toward what is good and lasting. Ask yourself who or what is truly guiding your heart today, and invite God to take the lead, trusting that He will judge and shape your innermost being for His glory. [01:01:01]
Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense your heart pulling you away from God’s best, and how can you invite Jesus to shepherd your heart in that area?
Day 4: Rejoice and Be Formed—Every Day Matters
Every day, whether filled with light or shadow, is a gift from God to be rejoiced in and lived with purpose. Our character and spiritual formation are shaped not just by big moments, but by the daily choices, habits, and attitudes we cultivate. No matter your age, you are always being formed—by God’s Word, by your community, and by your response to life’s circumstances. Choose today to rejoice in God’s goodness, to be present, and to allow Him to shape you into the person He’s calling you to become. [56:25]
Ecclesiastes 11:7-9 (ESV)
Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
Reflection: What is one daily habit you can start or renew that will help you rejoice in God and be formed by Him, regardless of your circumstances?
Day 5: Enjoy God—Don’t Let Your Heart Grow Hard
As life brings challenges, disappointments, and the passage of time, it can be easy to lose the wonder and joy of knowing God. Yet, God invites us to continually enjoy Him, to keep our hearts soft and receptive to His Word, and to resist cynicism or hardness. Remember the awe and delight of encountering God’s Word for the first time, and ask Him to renew that joy in you. Protect your heart from growing cold, and let the love and kindness of God rekindle your passion for Him, no matter your age or stage of life. [01:04:55]
Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Reflection: When was the last time you truly enjoyed God’s presence or His Word? What practical step can you take today to rekindle that joy?
Quotes
Students, you are called to follow Jesus today, not later. Not when someone thrusts leadership upon you. Not when you feel like that you are better for it. Not when you have amassed knowledge in some way. You are to follow Jesus today. [00:53:30]
This is important. Why is it important? Because this whole book of Ecclesiastes makes a claim about this that our vitality as we age, as we life comes upon us, it takes a toll on the body. It takes a toll on the mind and it takes a toll on the soul in every way. [00:53:33]
Remember, remind recall. This is something that the Israelites were told to do over and over and over again. But he says to remember your creator in the days of your youth. That's when we are to remember. [00:54:49]
Not when we get to a point to where we feel like we can rejoice. Not to where we have our circumstances placed to where we can rejoice. Not to where we know exactly where we're doing and that we everything is all buttoned up. No. If he lives many days, let him rejoice in them all. [00:56:36]
Your character as middle school students are beginning to be formed. There are things in your life, habits, and disciplines that are going to become a part of your life. You see all these people over here? They're just big middle schoolers. [00:57:31]
If you went back and you looked at their life, there would be things, there would be ways that they carried themselves because each and every day is important. And it forms you. You see, we are always being formed. No matter how old we are, no matter how long that we have studied the Bible, you are always being formed. [00:57:46]
That's why we call it spiritual formation. You're always being formed in one way or another. So I am telling you today, enjoy these days. Enjoy these days. I know that we think about this world and all that we have, whether it be a phone that's in our pocket or even in our in our laps today, and it shows you maybe a world that you are missing or a world that is out there. [00:58:10]
I will tell you, you look around and you see the word of God being read before you and you see the church here. You, as Pastor Tony say, you are the church today. You as high schoolers, you are the church today and enjoy God today because you're going to be formed by one thing or another. [00:58:37]
What does it mean to remember your creator in the days of your youth? Well, looking at the passage in the context, it seems that there's one thing that really needs to be explained in this point. And it actually says this. It says in verse nine, "Rejoice, oh young man, in your youth, and you let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. [00:58:59]
When the Hebrews understood the heart, it would be the instrument panel of your humanity, of your human being. That's where the control panel is. It's your heart. It's the seed of emotions. It's the seed of will. It's the seed of consciousness. This understanding of your heart. [00:59:38]
The Bible actually thinks our heart has a disease, a disruption. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9. Jesus, our great physician, lists the grim symptoms of this broken heart in Matthew 15:19. Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander. [01:00:57]
No, our hearts, following our hearts will not save us. We need to be saved from our hearts. When we think about this being saved from our hearts here, don't hear just follow your heart and everything will be everything will be made good for you. Do not hear this today. [01:01:35]
Everything, every word, every deed, every thought that the creator will judge one day. No person gets an a way out. No person says, "I didn't know." No person says, "I needed to do this before." That our hearts are deceitfully wicked. And we need a guide. We need someone who can shepherd our hearts. [01:03:22]
Through the gospel, he has provided someone for you today. And his name is the word Jesus of Nazareth, the alpha and the omega, the lover of your heart, the one who is and was and is to come, the one who is the chief shepherd of this body named Westover. [01:03:32]
The way your heart is formed towards God is so important. Protect it. Don't become cynical. Don't become cynical towards the church. Keep it open. Don't let it become hard. Because a soft heart to God's word, to God's people, to God's church will go so much farther with you in this world. [01:04:02]
May we be a church that when we pick up our Bibles, we look at it the same way those kindergarters looked at it today. That this is the word of God for the people of God. We you can occupy and you occupy a world that is filled with days that point you to either looking at life like it is so hard or days have been given a creator. [01:07:06]
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