Passing on Faith: Nurturing the Next Generation
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we focus on the theme of passing on the faith to the next generation, drawing wisdom from Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus. We began by acknowledging the importance of our children and the significant role they play in our faith community. We prayed for our students, teachers, and parents as they embark on a new school year, asking for God's guidance and blessings.
We then delved into the heart of our message, emphasizing the importance of living out our faith authentically. We reflected on how our actions, more than our words, influence our children. Just as my passion for the Miami Hurricanes football team became important to my children, our love for Jesus should be evident in our daily lives, making it easier for our children to embrace the faith.
We explored Proverbs 22:6, which advises us to "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This proverb is not a guarantee but a general principle that highlights the importance of instilling faith in our children from a young age. We acknowledged the pain and challenges parents face when their children stray from the faith, but we also emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and consistent faith practices.
We concluded by encouraging everyone to make passing on the faith a priority. Whether through intentional instruction or by setting meaningful rhythms in our lives, we must strive to create an environment where our children can catch and embrace the faith. We prayed for God's guidance and the Holy Spirit's power to help us live out this calling faithfully.
### Key Takeaways
1. Authentic Faith Living: Our children observe our actions more than our words. If we want them to embrace the faith, we must live it out authentically in our daily lives. This means being consistent in our devotion, prayer, and worship, allowing our children to see that our faith is genuine and central to our lives. [28:22]
2. Proverbs 22:6 - A General Principle: Proverbs 22:6 advises us to train up a child in the way he should go, but it is not a guarantee. It is a general principle that highlights the importance of early faith formation. While some children may stray, the foundation we lay can have a lasting impact. [39:18]
3. Healthy Relationships: The most crucial ingredient for passing on the faith is a healthy relationship with our children. When children feel loved, respected, and cherished, they are more likely to emulate our faith. This requires us to be consistent, forgiving, and grace-filled in our interactions with them. [44:29]
4. Prayer and Hope for Straying Children: For parents whose children have strayed from the faith, there is hope. We must continue to pray for them, seek opportunities to share the hope of Jesus, and trust that the Holy Spirit can work in their hearts. Our prayers and persistent love can make a difference. [46:00]
5. Intentional Faith Practices: Establishing meaningful rhythms and habits in our households is essential for passing on the faith. Whether through family devotions, prayer times, or attending church together, these practices create a framework for our children to understand and embrace the faith. [47:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:25] - Announcements and VBS Recap
[16:10] - Confession and Forgiveness
[17:29] - Apostles' Creed
[18:38] - Blessing Students and Educators
[21:07] - Sending Off SG Kids
[23:04] - Scripture Readings
[23:38] - Introduction to Proverbs
[24:10] - Personal Story: Miami Hurricanes
[28:22] - Importance of Authentic Faith
[39:18] - Understanding Proverbs 22:6
[44:29] - Healthy Relationships
[46:00] - Hope for Straying Children
[47:34] - Intentional Faith Practices
[49:05] - Closing Prayer
[50:03] - Additional Prayers and Offering
[52:34] - The Lord's Prayer and Communion
[53:38] - Final Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
2. Matthew 19:14 - "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"
3. Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 22:6 suggest about the long-term impact of early faith training?
2. How did Jesus respond to the disciples when they tried to prevent children from coming to Him in Matthew 19:14?
3. According to Colossians 3:2, where should believers set their minds, and why is this important for passing on the faith?
4. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the importance of living out one's passions authentically? [24:10]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Proverbs 22:6 serve as a general principle rather than a guarantee? What implications does this have for parents? [39:18]
2. Why is it significant that Jesus welcomed children and said the kingdom of heaven belongs to them in Matthew 19:14? How does this shape our understanding of children's faith?
3. What does it mean to set our minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:2, and how can this mindset influence our daily actions and priorities?
4. How can the pastor's story about his love for the Miami Hurricanes help us understand the impact of our passions on our children? [24:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily actions. Are there areas where your behavior might not align with your professed faith? How can you address these inconsistencies? [29:21]
2. What are some practical ways you can establish healthy relationships with your children to help pass on the faith? Consider specific actions you can take this week. [44:29]
3. If you have children who have strayed from the faith, how can you continue to support and pray for them? What specific steps can you take to maintain hope and trust in God's work in their lives? [46:00]
4. Think about the rhythms and habits in your household. What intentional faith practices can you implement or improve to create a framework for your children to embrace the faith? [47:34]
5. How can you make passing on the faith a priority in your life? Identify one specific change you can make in your daily routine to reflect this priority. [33:36]
6. Consider the importance of authentic faith living. How can you demonstrate your love for Jesus in a way that is visible and impactful to your children? [28:22]
7. Reflect on the role of prayer in your family life. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer times with your children? What specific prayers can you start with this week? [46:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Authentic Faith Living
Our children observe our actions more than our words. If we want them to embrace the faith, we must live it out authentically in our daily lives. This means being consistent in our devotion, prayer, and worship, allowing our children to see that our faith is genuine and central to our lives. Just as the speaker's passion for the Miami Hurricanes football team became important to his children, our love for Jesus should be evident in our daily lives, making it easier for our children to embrace the faith. [28:22]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (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."
Reflection: Think about your daily routines. How can you incorporate visible acts of faith, such as prayer or reading Scripture, into your everyday life so that your children can see and learn from your example?
Day 2: Proverbs 22:6 - A General Principle
Proverbs 22:6 advises us to train up a child in the way he should go, but it is not a guarantee. It is a general principle that highlights the importance of early faith formation. While some children may stray, the foundation we lay can have a lasting impact. This proverb encourages parents to be diligent in teaching their children about faith from a young age, understanding that the seeds planted early can grow and flourish over time. [39:18]
Isaiah 54:13 (ESV): "All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children."
Reflection: Reflect on the ways you are currently teaching your children about faith. What new practices or teachings can you introduce to help lay a stronger foundation for their spiritual growth?
Day 3: Healthy Relationships
The most crucial ingredient for passing on the faith is a healthy relationship with our children. When children feel loved, respected, and cherished, they are more likely to emulate our faith. This requires us to be consistent, forgiving, and grace-filled in our interactions with them. Building a strong, loving relationship with our children creates a safe space for them to explore and embrace their faith. [44:29]
Ephesians 6:4 (ESV): "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
Reflection: Consider your relationship with your children. Are there areas where you can show more love, respect, or grace? How can you strengthen your bond with them to create a more nurturing environment for their faith?
Day 4: Prayer and Hope for Straying Children
For parents whose children have strayed from the faith, there is hope. We must continue to pray for them, seek opportunities to share the hope of Jesus, and trust that the Holy Spirit can work in their hearts. Our prayers and persistent love can make a difference. Even when it seems like our children are far from God, we must hold onto hope and continue to intercede on their behalf. [46:00]
Jeremiah 31:16-17 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope for your future, declares the Lord, and your children shall come back to their own country.'"
Reflection: Think of a child or loved one who has strayed from the faith. How can you commit to praying for them daily? What specific prayers or actions can you take to show them the love of Jesus?
Day 5: Intentional Faith Practices
Establishing meaningful rhythms and habits in our households is essential for passing on the faith. Whether through family devotions, prayer times, or attending church together, these practices create a framework for our children to understand and embrace the faith. By setting intentional faith practices, we create an environment where our children can grow spiritually and develop a personal relationship with God. [47:34]
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: Evaluate the current faith practices in your household. What new habits or routines can you introduce to help your family grow closer to God? How can you make these practices a consistent part of your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our Father sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the punishment that we deserve. And it is my privilege to stand up here. And to stand up here before you and speak, not my words, but God's words upon you. That your sin is removed as far as the east is from the west. That there is forgiveness and life in Jesus in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." [16:10] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We hear the words in scripture. Whether it is in Matthew chapter 6. To seek first his kingdom. And his righteousness. We hear the words in Galatians chapter 2. That we have been crucified with Christ. And it is no longer we who live. But it is Christ who lives in us. We hear the challenge. In Colossians chapter 3. That we are to set our minds on things above. Hebrews chapter 12. That we are to fix our eyes on Jesus. Or whether it is Jesus own words. In Matthew chapter 22. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." [28:22] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God I need you to give me forgiveness of sin. And here is the amazing thing about God. God doesn't turn his back on us. God doesn't say. You have given so many excuses. As to why you are not fulfilling this role. Of passing on the faith to your kids. And your grandkids. And you have just given one too many excuses. I am going to turn my back on you. God doesn't say that. God pursues you. He sent his one and only son Jesus Christ. To suffer our punishment. That we deserve on the cross. And he says come here child of mine. Be refreshed and be renewed." [33:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are not going to pass on the faith perfectly. We are not going to bat a thousand percent. Right? We are going to mess up. We are going to make mistakes. We are not going to pass on the faith. In a perfect way. But here is my prayer for each and every one of us. It's my prayer. That we would care enough. About passing on the faith. That we make it a priority in our life. Let me repeat that again. We would care enough about passing on the faith. That it would be an evident priority. In our daily lives." [38:49] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If passing on the faith to the next generation. Isn't important to us. Then I would submit that we are not. Truly. Listening to the full counsel of God. If this isn't something that. Each and every one of us is passionate about. Not just the parents. That have kids under their roof right now. But grandparents. And great grandparents. Or people that we have that are significant in our lives. That are a little bit. Younger than us. If we are not passionate about passing on the faith. To the next generation. Scripture would tell us that. We are not listening to scripture itself." [33:36] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sometimes what we want. And what we think. Is not congruent with what we do. If we were to take an internal audit. Of our lives. We recognize. That what we believe. Is not always lived out. In our everyday life. And little eyes and little ears. Pick up on these inconsistencies. Don't they? Dad and I am speaking myself. Dad I know. I know you love Jesus. And you have got a bible in our house. But how come I don't see you reading the bible. Every single day. Mom I know that you love us. But you are getting us involved. In all these extracurricular activities. Rather than spending time. In a family meal together." [29:21] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are so concerned with our children's schooling. And worldly success. If only we were equally zealous. In bringing them up in the discipline. And instruction of the Lord. That is a knife to my heart. And when I read these words. For the very first time. I am thinking to myself. All these words were written yesterday. These words had to have been written yesterday. Because they speak. To the current and present problem. That parents persistently face. On a daily basis. Well they weren't written yesterday. Well then they had to have been written. In the past decade." [30:27] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We don't do this perfectly. But it's my prayer. It's important to us. That we would make it a priority in our life. And that we would create parameters. So that our faith in Jesus Christ. Might be known. It takes patience. It takes practice. It takes planning. And energy. And time. And may the Holy Spirit guide you. As we pass on the faith." [48:37] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We pass on the faith. Effectively. By first establishing healthy relationships. Did you know. That the number one ingredient. For passing on the faith. Is not going to seminary. It's not knowing your bible. In every single bible verse. It's not even. Being able to clearly articulate. The faith that you have. In Jesus Christ. The number one ingredient for you parents. Passing on the faith. Is a healthy relationship with your kids. And why is that? It's common sense. Your kids want to emulate. Somebody that they respect." [44:29] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you are a Christian parent. And you have three kids or more. Chances are. One of them. Will not walk with the Lord. If they are an adult. Or if your kids reach. An age of adulthood. Chances are. That if you have three or more kids. One of them will not walk with the Lord. Those are sobering statistics. Right? If you look at the statistics. Throughout the generations. It would suggest that six out of ten. Kids that are. Brought into a loving Christian home. Will. Cling to the faith of their parents." [41:21] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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