Merge Lesson 1 Raising the Next Generation of Spiritual Leaders Oct. 24

Think About It … What are some ways we define “success” for our children as they are growing up? Today we will look at greatness or success in the context of the Kingdom … service, humility, generosity, etc.  We look at the question of who will be responsible to raise this kind of spiritual leaders.

Listen for parental responsibility spelled out. Genesis 18:18-19 (NIV) Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. [19] For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."

Abraham According to these verses, for what purpose did God choose Abraham? Now, listen for a lesson that Abraham’s son learned.

Listen for a lesson that Abraham’s son learned. Genesis 22:12-18 (NIV) "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." [13] Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.

Listen for a lesson that Abraham’s son learned. [14] So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." [15] The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time [16] and said, "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son,

Listen for a lesson that Abraham’s son learned. [17] I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, [18] and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

Abraham Abraham had obeyed God by being ready to sacrifice the son God had promised him. How did God supply a substitute sacrifice? This was a test of Abraham’s faith … not a test so God would know about Abraham, rather a test for Abraham to know. What lessons did Abraham learn through this experience?

Abraham What lessons do you think Isaac learned? How does God sometimes test our faith? What do both we and our children learn through these situations?

Listen for how God’s truths are to be transferred. Psalm 78:1-7 (NIV) A maskil of Asaph. O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. [2] I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old-- [3] what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. [4] We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

Listen for how God’s truths are to be transferred. his power, and the wonders he has done. [5] He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, [6] so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. [7] Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

Asaph, a Psalmist How were people to learn about God? What kinds of things were to be taught? What would be the results of learning these things? What kinds of things did you learn about God from your parents and grandparents?

Listen for the type of ministry Elijah and John the Baptist would have. Malachi 4:4-6 (NIV) "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. [5] "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. [6] He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their

Listen for the type of ministry Elijah and John the Baptist would have. fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” … Speaking of John the Baptist, Luke 1:17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Elijah and John the Baptist So what would be the nature of the ministry of these men? What do you think it means to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children? What are some ways parents and grandchildren can turn disobedient children (grandchildren) to the “wisdom of the righteous”?

Elijah and John the Baptist Why do you think God gave this task to parents (and grandparents)? Why not school, government? Why not church? Why do you think parents don’t accept the mandate from the Bible that they teach them about the Lord?

Elijah and John the Baptist What steps can you take to become the leader God means you to be? Why is it helpful to include grandparents (even substitute “grandparents”) in some of these roles?

Application This week put these concepts into practice at home – lead spiritually. – Inside the Welcome Guide this morning you will find a “Faith Talk” that you can use with your family. – Set aside sometime this week to sit down with your family and lead them through this discussion.

Application This morning your students are being taught the same lesson that you just heard – They are going to expect you to lead them in this way – As your child’s Spiritual Leader to begin to intentionally influence them for the Lord.

Application Ask God what steps can you take to become the leader God means you to be. – Embrace the Challenge– Willingly accept this responsibility – Learn the Truth – Develop a biblical world view…you can’t “transfer” what you don’t own – Take Up the Task – Don’t accept “I can’t”, remember “You must” – Pray for Power – We are not alone! God Himself empowers you through the Holy Spirit

Merge Lesson 1 Raising the Next Generation of Spiritual Leaders Oct. 24