READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The Bible is filled with examples of generations, e.g. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc. How do we honour the generations? Research has shown that we are living in a unique point where there are at least 5 generations living and working together. Each generation has been shaped by different formative experiences:
- The Silent Generation [1928-1945] (moulded by World War 2 and the Great Depression) are strong and choose to suffer in silence. They are tough, resilient, and not easily fazed.
- The Baby Boomers [1946-1964] are focused, disciplined, and have strong work ethics.
- The Generation X [1965-1980] is independent, well-educated individuals who value work-life balance.
- The Millennials/Generation Y [1981-1996] prefer to collaborate, are motivated by meaningful work and are digital natives.
- The Generation Z [1997-2012] values social responsibility and diversity. They desire stability and flexibility.
- The Generation Alpha [<11 years old]
There are common trends that can be observed from the different generations. We can learn from the resilience of the Silent Generation or the tech savviness of the Millennials. During the pandemic, we saw how we can learn from one another. The differences in generations have resulted in misunderstandings and conflicts. The key is to honour one another just as Romans 12:10 encourages. We honour, not only, those in our nucleus family, but also the church family that we are part of. All of us have a divine destiny and assignment by God. We are to relate to one another in whatever life stage or positions we are in, and to honour one another.
Honouring The Generations
1.By Loving God Wholeheartedly (Deuteronomy 6:4-6)
Hear that Yahweh is our true living God and He is the focus of our worship. As Jesus said in Mark 12:30-31 that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart and all our soul and with all our mind and with all our strength. Do we love God enough? How are we loving God in all areas? We need to make time and deepen our relationship with Jesus every day. We must be ready to give our entire life for Him.
2. By Being Intentional In Discipling the Next Generation (Deuteronomy 6:7-9, 20-2)
Discipleship is intentional. Scriptures say to repeat them again and again to our children. Sit down with our family and make time to reflect God’s word together. Praying before meals is a good family ritual to remind us to look to God and give thanks for the food that He provides. Bedtimes are also discipleship moments with our children. Our home should be the setting for God’s truth.
3. By Fearing God and Serving Him (Deuteronomy 6:13)
Do we have the fear of the Lord in our lives? Not that we are afraid of God, but that we are in awe and respect for our mighty and sovereign God. We come in full submission and worship to Him. It changes the way we live our lives and our priorities. It is not just fearing the Lord, but also serving Him. Intentional discipleship takes place when we serve together across generations. We serve together as one family of Christ.
4. By Pleasing God (Deuteronomy 6:18)
We should aim to please God in every aspect of our lives by doing what is good and right in the Lord’s sight. The values that we impart is caught more than taught. To effectively lay the foundation in our next generation, we need to first model these values in our own lives. Each generation must answer to God. Ephesians 6:1-4 tells us that as much as children must honour our parents and seniors, parents should also treat the young rightly. We honour the generations with how we live our lives today. Our children will see our love for God through our families and our church.
Whatever life stage we may be in, we can do our part in laying the foundation for the next generation so that Kingdom multiplication can take place. Let us be a Church who Honours the Generations, by Honouring the Generations before us and Honouring the Generations to come, so that each Generation can tell the next Generation of God’s mighty acts and proclaim His power!
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What is one key takeaway for you from this message?
- What is honour to you?
- How can you honour the Generations before us and after us?
- How are you loving God wholeheartedly in your life today?
- If you are a parent or have young relatives in your family, how are you nurturing the Next Generation in the way of Christ?
- Are there areas that you are currently serving or can prayerfully consider serving in the Next Generation Ministries here in Wesley MC?
