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Relationship Between Young & Old 1 John 2.12-14; Proverbs 20.29 Introduction:
We talk about generations of people and the Bible talks about generations. The
definition of a “generation” is not precise. Generally we think of a certain
age group. Talk about generation X or the baby boomers. Generations do not end
or begin precisely. They overlap where you can have 2, 3, or more generations
living at the same time. This can bring about problems or blessings. We want to
look at what the Bible says about generations and bridging the gap. I)
What Do We Mean By A “Generation Gap?” A)
Appearance – manner of dress where styles changes, hair length and cuts,
language (code words), etc. B)
Codes of morals and priorities tend to change, Judges 2.10 1.
Older generation brought up in a time when people did not “live together”
now it is common. 2.
Older generation tends to value safety and stability more than the younger. C)
Views of authority tend to change from one generation to another D)
Excessive pride of one generation 1.
Rehoboam was full of himself, 1 Kings
12.6-12 2.
Baby boomers grew up with a some what self centered attitude. 3.
Each generation tends to view itself as being the most important. II)
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Older Generation – “You
have known Him from the beginning” A)
Wisdom – age by itself does not develop wisdom (no fool like an old fool) 1.
Wisdom is developed by study and years of living the Christian life, Hebrews 5.14 2.
They have seen all the “new fads”, heard the modern arguments in times past.
They know there is nothing new under the sun. Proverbs
16.31 3.
Age does not make one wise but it is hard to have wisdom without age. B)
Their endurance and long suffering, Hebrews 12.1-2 1.
Those of the older generation reared their families during the “Great
Depression” or “World War II” or the “Cold War” etc. 2.
They have seen all the problems – endured financial problems, family problems,
ridicule from their neighbors, health problems, death of family members, and
even “church problems” 3.
They remained faithful until the end, Revelation
2.10 4.
Faithfulness is a virtue C)
They provide encouragement and a good example 1.
One reason older Christians are important is their example. 2.
Older Christians are to be “active” in the Lord’s work, Titus 2.1-4 3.
The Bible does not talk about retiring or getting too old to do good. 4.
Young children will remember your example long after you are gone. D)
Weaknesses 1.
Physical limitations, Ecc. 12
a. Get tired
b. Can no longer do what you used to be able to do 2.
Some develop a retirement mentality and do not work with the younger generation. 3.
Getting set in one’s ways, unwillingness to listen to new ideas or try
something different. III)
Strengths And Weaknesses of The Younger Generation A)
Their physical strength, Ecc. 12.1 1.
The ability to go to work for the Lord 2.
Greater endurance, do not grow tired B)
Their zeal, sense of enthusiasm 1.
To a young person many things are new and exciting 2.
Every congregation needs people with a sense of fire, Titus 2.14 C)
The lack of prejudice 1.
Young people tend to think “outside the box” which can be good or bad. They
do not accept “pat answers” and are not afraid of asking questions. 1 Timothy 4.12-16 2.
They have a willingness to think for themselves and admit their faults. D)
Spiritual development 1.
With proper study they will grow spiritually, 2
Timothy 2.15 2.
They are the next generation of workers, preachers, teachers, elders, deacons,
etc. E)
Weaknesses 1.
Tend to focus on the here and now. Patience tends to not be a strong point with
the young. 2.
Can be self centered – what do I get out of this, why should I do this, etc. 3.
May act without knowledge, Romans 10.2-3 4.
Example of group at FC that met chanting 5.
The temptations of sin and foolish pleasure is acute in one’s youth. 6.
Tendency to not take life seriously and shrug off warnings. Conclusion:
There are more examples of young faithful servants in the Bible than older
servants of God. Yet some of the best servants were older. Just remember the
next time you think I am too old, that Abraham was not called out until he was
75 and did not have a child until he was 100. Moses did not lead the children of
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