August 12, 2018

Flannelgraph Faith: Passing it on
August 12, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Parents will tell you how difficult it was the first time they left their infant in the church nursery or day care! Placing them on a school bus for the first time usually brings on tears for Mom. Why is it so hard to trust the responsibility of our precious possessions to someone else?

We are continuing our series of learning lessons from Bible characters who were strong in the faith, using the vintage style flannel-graph with modern-day technology. Today we see how Paul rejoiced that his passion of taking the gospel to all places was to be handed off to the next generation. The years were passing, enemies increasing, and Paul knew his time on earth would eventually end. Let’s join him in Acts, chapters 16 to 20, learning from him how to pass our faith on to those who will hold dear the beloved Scriptural doctrines.

 

Discuss:

Changing Our World Must Include the Next Generation

  • Read Acts 16:3-5. What kind of reputation did Timothy probably have that Paul would have taken him “under his wing” for mentoring?
  • Paul was continually subjected to persecution (2 Cor. 11:23-28) and knew his ministry needed to be given to those who could carry it forward after he was gone. Why was/is this necessary?
  • Why is it normally so hard to turn our responsibility over to the someone in the younger generation?

Trusting the Next Generation

  • Read Acts 17:14. Paul, Timothy and Silas arrived in Berea, only to have Paul’s dissenters attack him again. Why was he willing to leave Timothy and Silas in Berea and himself leave that area?
  • How are you pouring your life into someone who will be able to carry on your love for Jesus? Why is it important that you are willing to give what you value most into their possession?
  • Share some ways in which you are trusting someone of the next generation.
  • For those who are parents, what was it like to come to a milestone: school, driving, college, even marriage? Why?

Commissioning the Next Generation

  • Read Acts 19:22. How did Paul show Timothy that he trusted him to carry on Paul’s burden for the churches?
  • What did your teen understand the first time you confidently handed them the car keys and asked them to go pick up ______ (sibling, grocery, etc.)?
  • How will you know when it is time to hand over responsibility?

Celebrating the Next Generation

  • During the next couple of chapters, we read of Paul having reunions with his co-workers. What must the joy have been as they reported to each other?
  • Read 2 Tim. 1-2. What relationship did this older apostle have with the younger one whom he had mentored? Do you have a son or daughter in the faith? How are they carrying out what you passed on?
  • There is no greater joy for the Christian than to see one’s children walking in truth! (3 John verse 4) Can you describe the feeling?

Take Away:

  • Are you raising the next generation for Christ? What are you doing?
  • Are you sending out the next generation (are you handing them the keys?)
  • Younger generation: are YOU ready to take over?

 

 

 

Close:

As you read from these chapters in Acts, it is impossible not to mentally examine your life to make certain there is someone from the next generation, whether grandchild, child, friend, etc., that you are investing your life in. Are you praying that they are ready to receive the baton and carry the church forward? All investments in life indicate that there has been time put into knowing the person or firm. One does not knowingly invest their precious goods into something or someone whom they do not trust. Who in the next generation are you investing in?

The investing of your time and talents may seem a small thing. You may not see results in your lifetime, but God has the timeline, not you. As long as you are faithful as a steward in your Father’s house, He will bring about the increase. Let those you love see you putting what you love into God’s work. It will pay great dividends one day!

Key Verse: Acts 18:5: When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

Focal Passages: Acts 16-20. Take some time this week to read these four chapters that tell of Paul’s trials and victories!