Passing the Baton: Sharing Faith with the Next Generation
Summary
In the heart of our faith lies the unshakable truth that God is awesome. His love for us is so profound that He sent His Son to die for our sins, and through Jesus' resurrection, He demonstrated His power over death, offering us eternal life. This is the message we are entrusted to pass on to the next generation. We are not merely spectators of God's wondrous works; we are participants in His divine narrative, called to share the gospel and the stories of His faithfulness with those who come after us.
God commands us to pass the baton of faith to the next generation. This is not a suggestion but a divine mandate. As we stand before God, we will account for how we stewarded this precious gift. We must remember that our faith is not solely for our benefit; it is a treasure to be shared. Our greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be our personal achievements but the spiritual legacy we leave through those we raise and influence.
To effectively pass on our faith, we must first help others fall in love with the Bible. My own mother instilled in me a love for God's Word by having us listen to sermons and encouraging personal quiet time. It is crucial that we model this love for Scripture, perhaps by reading a physical Bible where our children can see us engaged in the Word.
We must also talk about God throughout our day, making faith a natural part of our daily conversations. It is not enough to live a life that silently exemplifies the gospel; we must use our words to teach and share the good news. This includes making church a priority, not as a formula for faith, but as a partnership in discipleship, while also speaking well of spiritual leaders to foster respect and receptivity in our children.
Authenticity is key. We must share not only biblical stories but also how God is actively working in our lives. Our faith is often caught rather than taught, so we must be intentional in creating moments where our children can witness faith in action. This could be through prayer walks or simply involving them in our spiritual routines.
We must be willing to engage in spiritual conversations even when we are exhausted, following the example of Jesus who, despite His fatigue, had a life-changing conversation with Nicodemus. Invite God into every situation, offering prayer and seeking His wisdom rather than relying solely on our own advice.
Lastly, we must approach God with childlike faith, humbly acknowledging our dependence on Him for salvation and daily living. This humility is essential not only for our own spiritual journey but also as we seek to influence the next generation.
Key Takeaways:
- God's love and the resurrection of Jesus are the cornerstones of our faith, and it is our responsibility to communicate this to the next generation. We must share the gospel with conviction, ensuring that the message of eternal life through Christ is passed on. [09:57]
- Our actions and words must align when teaching about God. It is not enough to live a good life; we must also articulate the truths of our faith. This includes discussing God's Word and His works openly, especially with our children, to foster a deep, personal faith. [16:16]
- Church is not just a place we attend; it is a community where we grow together. As leaders in our homes and communities, we must prioritize church involvement, recognizing that it is part of a larger discipleship process that complements our personal spiritual influence. [18:01]
- Authenticity in sharing our faith journey is crucial. Our children and those we mentor should see a genuine reflection of our walk with God. This transparency allows them to understand that faith is not just about knowledge but about a living relationship with the Lord. [20:52]
- Humility is the gateway to spiritual inheritance. We must approach God and the task of passing on our faith with the simplicity and dependence of a child. This posture allows us to receive God's grace and empowers us to effectively share our faith with others. [29:30]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 78:4-7 (NIV)
> "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands."
2. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)
> "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
3. Luke 18:15-17 (NIV)
> "People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 78, what are we commanded to tell the next generation about? ([04:27])
2. In Deuteronomy 6, what practical steps are given for impressing God's commandments on our children? ([15:02])
3. How does Jesus describe the attitude we must have to enter the kingdom of God in Luke 18? ([27:08])
4. What are some characteristics of Generation Z mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the need for authentic relationships? ([07:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to help the next generation fall in love with the Bible, and how can this be practically achieved according to the sermon? ([12:14])
2. How does making church a priority contribute to passing on faith, and what role does the church community play in this process? ([18:01])
3. What does it mean to have a faith that is "caught, not taught," and how can parents and mentors create opportunities for this kind of faith transmission? ([21:26])
4. How does approaching God with childlike faith, as described in Luke 18, influence our ability to pass on our faith to the next generation? ([27:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experience: How did your parents or mentors help you fall in love with the Bible? What specific actions can you take to instill a love for Scripture in the next generation? ([12:14])
2. How often do you talk about God in your daily life? Identify one routine or activity where you can naturally incorporate discussions about faith. ([15:02])
3. Think about your church involvement: How can you make church a more integral part of your family's life? What steps can you take to ensure that church is seen as a priority and not just an option? ([18:01])
4. Share a recent experience where you saw God working in your life. How can you make sharing these stories a regular part of your conversations with your children or those you mentor? ([20:52])
5. Identify a moment when you were exhausted but still engaged in a meaningful spiritual conversation. How can you prepare yourself to be available for such moments in the future? ([23:38])
6. When giving advice, how can you ensure that you are also inviting God into the situation? Think of a recent conversation where you could have done this and plan how you will approach similar situations differently next time. ([24:47])
7. Reflect on your own faith journey: How can you cultivate a childlike faith in your daily walk with God? What specific steps can you take to demonstrate this humility and dependence to the next generation? ([27:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Cornerstone of Faith
God's love and the resurrection of Jesus form the bedrock of Christian belief, a truth that must be actively communicated to future generations. This foundational message is not just historical; it is the transformative power of the gospel that offers eternal life through Christ. Believers are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that this message is not lost but rather fervently passed on with conviction. It is through this sharing that the promise of salvation remains alive and continues to offer hope to every new generation.
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!" - 2 Timothy 2:8-9 ESV
Reflection: How can you demonstrate the power of the resurrection in your interactions with others today, showing that your hope is not in this world but in the life to come? [07:40]
Day 2: Aligning Actions with Words in Faith
The integrity of one's faith is displayed when actions and words are in harmony, especially when imparting the truths of Christianity to others. It is insufficient to merely live a moral life; one must also articulate the doctrines and stories of faith. This includes openly discussing the Bible and God's works, thereby nurturing a deep and personal faith in others, particularly in children. By doing so, believers can foster an environment where faith is not just observed but also understood and embraced.
"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 is one way you can incorporate God's Word into a conversation with someone today, showing the relevance of Scripture in everyday life? [16:16]
Day 3: Church as a Community for Growth
Church is not merely a location to visit, but a community where believers come together to grow in faith and support one another. Recognizing the church as an integral part of the discipleship process, believers are called to prioritize their involvement within this spiritual family. It is within the church that individuals, especially leaders, can find partnership in nurturing their faith and the faith of others, complementing personal spiritual practices with communal worship and learning.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of someone in your church community this week, perhaps through encouragement, service, or mentorship? [18:01]
Day 4: Authenticity in Sharing Our Faith Journey
Genuine faith is not only about knowledge but also about living out a relationship with God in a way that others can see and learn from. Transparency in sharing one's faith journey allows others, especially the younger generation, to witness the reality of a life transformed by God. This authenticity helps to bridge the gap between biblical stories and contemporary experiences, showing that God is actively at work in the world today.
"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 ESV
Reflection: Can you share a recent experience where you saw God at work in your life with someone who might be encouraged by your testimony? [20:52]
Day 5: Humility as the Gateway to Spiritual Inheritance
Approaching God with childlike faith and humility is essential for both receiving His grace and for effectively sharing faith with others. This humble posture acknowledges human dependence on God for salvation and daily sustenance. It is through this humility that believers can truly influence the next generation, demonstrating a reliance on God that is both sincere and inspiring.
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3-4 ESV
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to adopt a more childlike faith, trusting God's provision and guidance more fully? [29:30]
Quotes
1) "Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but someone you raise. So what you're doing raising children is one of the most important things God's called you to do." [11:40] (Download | )
2) "Help them fall in love with the Bible... How often do your kids see you reading the Bible?... when your kids come down in the morning they see you reading the word and they realize that's important to my mom, that's important to my dad." [14:26] (Download | )
3) "Talk about God as you go about your day... You're just talking about God all throughout your day... Talk about God some of us believe the lie it's a soapbox thing for me where we we quote uh what's his name St Francis of Ace great guy his quote is on the screen preach the gospel at all times use words if necessary." [15:39] (Download | )
4) "Make Church a priority... It takes a village and what we have with two River kids and Two River Youth and our church in general it's a partnership that we have with you." [18:01] (Download | )
5) "Your faith is often caught not taught. This is important. Be intentional in the car ride, be intentional when you go to bed, what are your bedtime routines, be intentional on how you navigate dinner time." [21:26] (Download | )
6) "If you want to reach a child, you want to pass the Baton to the children, you want to pass the Baton to the Next Generation, you need to become like a child." [27:08] (Download | )
7) "If you're going to pass the Baton, Jesus is saying you got to become like a kid. If you want to be the goat, you got to be a kid, pun intended Jesus sorry Dad." [31:13] (Download | )
8) "Be willing to stay up late with your student or your kid because that is going to be prime time to have talks. Don't talk when you're ready, talk when they're ready." [24:15] (Download | )
9) "Invite God into the situation instead of just giving advice... always brought God into the situation and that's as spiritual leaders what we're called to do." [25:51] (Download | )
10) "We got to use words and some of you were like yes I'm going to teach them the homiletics and the hermeneutics... but you're falling short when it comes to talking about how God's working in your life." [20:52] (Download | )
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