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This Generation Ezra 9.5-12 Introduction:
My children one time asked me, “What is their generation called?” Terms such
as “Baby Boomers”, “Generation @” and “.com generation” has become
part of our vocabulary. While the term generation is loosely defined it is used
to refer to a certain group of people. Each generation has different
experiences, attitudes, dress codes, conduct, and standards of morality.
Somebody called my parents generation the “Greatest Generation.” I)
Definition A)
Generation 1.
Refers to lineage, descendants, for instance the generations of Abraham. 2.
All of most of the men living in a given period of time, Mark
13.30
a. This did not mean no body would die until the Kingdom was established
but most were alive when the Kingdom came. 3.
Or a class of people characterized by a certain quality,
Matthew 12.39
a. This can be either good or bad.
b. The 60’s generation has been characterized as a rebellious
generation B)
Facts 1.
There can be a distinction between the individual and their generation
a. There are good people in every generation (Noah, Daniel, Jeremiah,
Isaiah, etc) Acts 13.36
b. There are bad people in every generation. Joshua had to deal with
Achan.
c. A generation can be thought of being good or bad, Deut.
32.5 2.
The values of one generation is not necessarily the values of the next
generation, see Judges. 3.
God can and has judged generations, Jeremiah
15.1-6. 4.
God can also protect the righteous of that generation, Jeremiah
15.11 II)
Different Generations In The Bible A)
The generation that God gave up on, Deut. 1.29-38 1.
They were left to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. 2.
This was not to teach them a lesson as much as their children. 3.
God was not waiting for them to repent and change their hearts. B)
The generation that was faithful, in book of Joshua 1.
Those in the Book of Joshua did take the land. 2.
They made some mistakes but listen and pledge their allegiance to God, Joshua 24.16-18. C)
The generation that knew not God, Judges 2.10-12 1.
They did whatever was right in their own eyes. 2.
Read of homosexuality, idolatry, and other sins in Judges. D)
The generation that forgot God, Jeremiah 2.31-32 1.
Turned to false prophets, ungodly priest, neglected God’s law. 2.
Keep in mind they knew God but forgot Him. Hosea
4.6 III)
How About This (My) Generation? A)
My generation is now part of the establishment 1.
Parents, bankers, executives, politicians, etc. 2.
There is a time when we can see the fruits of each generation and should ask
some questions. B)
How will God judge this (my) generation? 1.
Have we been quick to shed innocent blood or have we protected the innocent? Jeremiah
19.4
a. Murder rate and punishment of criminals.
b. Abortion vs. animal cruelty 2.
Have we properly judged between good and evil? Micah
3.1-2
a. Read Psalm 52.1-5 to see the sin with the tongue and its punishment
b. Are we any better than they were?
c. Is there an outcry when evil is done or do we look the other way? 3.
Have we stood up for the truth bought into situation ethics?
a. Our culture is eaten up with political correctness
b. It is OK to live together without marriage; OK to lie; OK to take what
does not belong to me if I need it, etc. C)
How about this generation of Christians? 1.
Have we been diligent to study our Bibles or have we placed our feelings over
the scriptures? 2 Timothy 2.15
a. We know what the Bible says but explain it away
b. Are we good Bible students? 2.
Have we learned to discern between good and evil? There is not as much gray area
as some people want you to think. Movies, manner of dress, etc. 3.
Have we taught our children to love God above all else? 4.
Have we taught our children to discern good from evil? 2
Timothy 1.5 5.
Have we refused to address issues such as dancing, immodest clothing,
attendance, etc. 6.
Have we used our time wisely and developed into Bible teachers, preachers,
deacons, and elders? Or, have we relied on others to do this for us? 7.
Have we been diligent to teach the lost? Conclusion:
The words of Peter ring out, “Be saved from this perverse generation” Acts
2.40. Those who are righteous can take refuge in 2
Timothy 2.19. Those who are not righteous have the time and opportunity to
repent and come to the Lord. |