Generational Faithfulness is God’s plan. This is something that God wants us to do.
As parents, it is our duty to teach the Bible and share the gospel with our children continually. Once our children are saved, then we need to spiritually disciple them daily.
When our children eventually leave our homes, and marry spouses, they will also teach the Bible and share the gospel with their own children. Once they are saved, they, in turn, will also spiritually disciple their own children.
Only when we do this can we say we have generational faithfulness being passed on in our homes.
Generational faithfulness will also be a tremendous blessing in our churches and we will see the light of Jesus Christ shining through our children and grandchildren in this lost and fallen world.
If you are married, or would like to marry someday, remember one of the most important purposes that God had for marriage is to raise a family for the Lord.
Malachi 2:14-16 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That He might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.
Here we see that in Israel there was the sin of divorce happening. Malachi used a simple illustration how that God created one woman to be Adam’s wife. God’s plan has always been one woman for one man and for a godly seed or godly children from Adam’s time to the present.
Moreover, God hates “putting away” — God hates divorce. Marriage is not just to have children. No, we see here that it is to have godly children that are saved and serving the Lord. These children will pass on their faith to the next generation. One of the greatest purposes of marriage is to produce godly children. That is God’s plan.
Let’s turn to Psalm 78
The history of Israel is rehearsed as a parable of God’s dealings with His people, setting forth the conduct and experience of believers in all ages. The psalmist introduces the psalm by inviting God’s people to hear.
Psalm 78:1-2 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
The word translated as ‘parable’ has the sense of a proverb. The thought here, likely is of an allegory of spiritual truth found in the history of Israel.
Psalm 78:3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
In the early centuries of Israel, history was often transmitted orally from father to children. The psalmist now puts into writing the oral tradition of Israel taught to him by his father.
Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
The greater truth was the praise due to their God. Indeed, the coming generations are a resource which continually need to be taught the things which God has done.
Psalm 78:5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
Notice it says “our fathers.” A major reason that God has given us the Bible is so that parents, ESPECIALLY FATHERS – might teach the truth of God to their children. For parents – especially fathers – one of the major focuses of God’s work is in instructing our children.
Psalm 78:6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
Three generations are in view here:
1. The present generation has a duty from God to see to it that
2. the generation to come might know the gospel and the lessons of God’s Word. That would be the grandchildren.
3. Moreover, it is our duty to so train our children that they in turn can teach their children the things of God. That would be the great grandchildren.
I always tell our children, “I will know if your mom and I have spiritually trained you properly. When you all get married and have your own families, God willing, your mom and I will come into your home and clearly see if the gospel and the lessons of God’s Word are being passed onto our grandkids.
We will see if there is a bunch of rebellious little children running around, doing their own thing or if there is a home with peace and order and children who are taught the Word of God, where there is a family altar, prayer and praising the Lord.
We will see that very quickly. And if I see them serving the Lord with all their hearts, I will be excited. Then we have done well in spiritually discipling my children. However, if I don’t see that in my children’s home, I will leave with my head bowed low and a heavy heart because we will know that I have failed to spiritually disciple my children.”
Fathers, listen to me carefully. The major vehicle for the training of children remains the home; it is not the church. Scripture points discipleship to the home, over and over again. The church is to teach how to be godly parents, but the church cannot spiritually train your children. God gives that responsibility to Christian parents.
Psalm 78:7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
Three positive goals in this regard are set forth:
1. It is our duty to so train our children that they set their hope in God. The word translated as ‘hope’ also has the sense of confidence. The greater thought therefore is that we so train our children that they place their confidence or trust in God.
2. It is our duty as parents to so train our children that they forget not the works of God. The Bible is a detailed history of all that He has done. Our job is to train our children therein.
3. And then, it is our duty as parents to so train our children that they keep His commandments. Obedience to the Word of God is a major objective in the training of any child.
Psalm 78:8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
In addition, we should so train our children that they do not fall into the error of past generations who were stubborn, rebellious, who had hearts that were not right with God and who were not steadfast with God. The word translated as steadfast essentially means ‘faithful.’
We could read the rest of the chapter, but sadly it is summed up in one verse. The children of Israel fell into sin and did not seek to have a real personal relationship with God on a daily basis. Therefore, they did not disciple their children. What was the cost?
Psalm 78:63 The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage.
The result of the parents not having a real relationship with God and not discipling their children was that
1. They did not have generational faithfulness.
2. They did not pass on their faith to their children.
3. There was total destruction of the home.
Sadly, that is the example we see here in Psalm 78.
Parents, we need to spend time teaching our children so we will have generational faithfulness.
Now, having said that, to teach a child takes time. To discipline, and correct a child takes time, but the rewards are huge. It is a full-time job being a parent, 365 days a year.
Deuteronomy 6:1-2 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
Here we clearly see Moses instructing the children of Israel. Moses then tells them (1) they “might do them” in the land they were about to possess; (2) they might “fear the LORD;” and (3) they might “keep all his statutes and his commandments.” Notice what is said here in verse 2, “which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life”.
Here we clearly see generational faithfulness. They were to follow the commandments and then they were to teach the commandments to their children.
It also says “thy son and thy son’s son.” That gives the responsibility to parents and grand parents, not to the church. The church can teach you what to do but it is parents who are responsible to ensure their children learn.
Deuteronomy 6:3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
Once again, the greater principle was how God would categorically bless His people for obedience to His Word. Obeying the Bible always brings blessing to the home.
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Again, here we are told there is only one God.
Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
God’s people to this day therefore have been commanded to “love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Clearly shown here is the trichotomy of man’s body, soul, and spirit. The human heart is the seat of our spirit. Our soul the seat of our mind, and our might resides in our body. In other words, we and Israel have been commanded to love the Lord with all our being. This was confirmed by Jesus in Matthew 22:37.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Training a child involves saturating both our own life and the life of our child in the character-building principles of the Word of God and requiring him/her to do them.
Deuteronomy 6:8-9 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
The forehead speaks of the open testimony that we give of our love for God. When we “set the Bible continually before” us, people take notice – especially our children. We can apply the writing on the doorposts to the testing of everything we allow in our house against God’s Word. What are you watching; what are you reading; what music you listen to in your house – that is a huge testimony to your children. They are watching parents and they will imitate us a parents, no question about that.
Parents, also remember that discipleship of your children is something you do year after year. That all takes time. Years of time. The missing ingredient of parents in raising children is the realization that it does take time.
One man gave a good illustration of observation of this. He said, “My wife and I were married almost eight years before our daughter was born. Until then,
Buff, our dog, got much of the attention a child normally receives. When I came through the door, I greeted her and she jumped all over me; I played with her. When I had a snack to hold me over until dinner, we shared it. If I found some leftovers in the refrigerator at bedtime, Buff and I both ate.
Then suddenly, the combination of a new baby, increased responsibilities on my job, and deep involvement in political and educational projects in the community took all of my time and interest. When I was home, I played with the baby, talked to the baby. My wife and I sang to the baby. When I came into the house, I was often too preoccupied with pressing responsibilities to pay attention to the dog or even greet her.
Several years passed. The dog got fed, walked, and cared for. Her physical needs were met, sometimes grudgingly. She aged noticeably. She no longer came jumping when I came through the door. When I did try to call her, she did not respond, even though I was just a few feet from her. She just did not seem to hear. We first thought the apparent loss of hearing and loss of interest was due to aging, but then we noticed that she seemed to respond to some noises, some sounds.
It appeared that if I got her attention and stimulated her, she could hear, just as she always did. It finally became obvious that our dog was not actually deaf. We had just gotten too busy to talk with her, play with her and love her. She quit listening because she no longer expected to be talked to. It was a sad day when we realized how we had gotten so preoccupied that we so sadly neglected our little dog.”
Tragically, the same thing is happening to thousands of parents today when they are raising their children. So many parents have cared so little to spiritually disciple their children. Had they cared more, they would have taken the time and gotten to know how to shape and influence their children’s lives spiritually in the right direction.
The home is the best place in the world to teach the Bible. That is where God puts the responsibility.God clearly commands that His Word be taught to children in the home. Only then do we see generational faithfulness.
We have looked at the OT, now let’s look at the NT.
Again, Ephesians 6:4 says, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
‘Nurture’ is translated from a word usually translated ‘chastening’ or ‘correcting the child’, and the “admonition of the Lord” means teaching and spiritually training the child.
Fathers are to bring up their children in the teachings of the Word of God. It
must be observed that God addresses “ye fathers” about the Bible teachings in the home. Fathers and husbands are first accountable for the Christian life in the home, and so are responsible for seeing that the children are taught the Bible.
Listen carefully, Parents. The biggest testimony that you are have here on this earth …
is not to the world,
and is not to the church.
The first and most important testimony is to your children and your grand-children.
The Bible is God’s instruction manual for life. The Bible tells man how to live, govern himself, manage his affairs, train his children, etc. It also tells sinful men how to be saved. The Bible, with its message, has the power to change lives. It gives individuals the desire and ability to live for Christ and to live for others.
The Biblical Principles, including sharing the gospel with your children and praying for their salvation, are the foundations of stable families and stable societies. Obedience, respect for authority, truthfulness, thrift, diligence, hard work, punctuality, dependability — these are all Bible based.
1. Fathers – Have a family altar in your home regularly where the Bible is read and everyone gets to share something they have read or to ask questions on things they might not understand. God commands us as parents to have family altars in our homes.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,and when thou risest up.
A Family Altar is a place where you teach your children the Word of God. Encourage your children to read (if they can read) at least one Bible chapter a day. Have them write a verse down and write down what they learned from reading the Bible. Then ask them to share what they read and what God spoke to them about.
2. Fathers and mothers – Share the gospel with your children over and over again. Many parents want to send their children to Bible camps and hope they get saved. But God clearly over and over in scripture put the responsibility on Christian parents to evangelize their children.
If you are a Christian parent, you will stand before the judgement seat of Christ and give an account for your children. Jesus Christ will ask you if you shared the gospel with your children, not only once, but over and over again. Did you ask questions so they clearly understood? Then did you pray for them.
You will give an account to teach your children diligently.
Diligently means to repeat things to them over and over again, trying always to stamp the Word of God into their minds, and pierce into their hearts.
Just like sharpening a knife, it is turned first on this side, then on that side and then alternating the knife until it gets sharp. Do the same with your children. Sharpen them. Put a spiritual edge on them.
That is our job as parents.
Children must understand two things to get saved:
1. The first is a clear understanding of being lost. They must understand the word ‘hell’, or the term ‘being lost or perishing’. They must understand that is what they are being saved from, that they have sinned and because of their sin, they are going to hell.
2. The second thing is a clear realization that only Jesus Christ can save them. They must understand who Jesus Christ is and that He is able to save them.
When a child understands his/her lost condition and that only Jesus Christ can save him/her from that condition, he/she is basically ready to be saved. Begin teaching early in life. A preschool child very well may be too young to receive Christ as personal Saviour, but that should not prevent you from explaining it.
Teach your children about Jesus. Teach them about salvation and heaven and hell. Finally, teach them they are lost sinners and that only Jesus Christ can save them if they will only trust Him. Once they really understand this, it is time to lead them to Christ.
1. What is sin?
Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
2. Who has sinned?
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
3. What will happen to sinners? Hell is a horrible place.
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
4. Who is Jesus Christ; what did He do on the cross?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
5. Explain what happened at Calvary and how our sin was placed upon Christ and He suffered and died.
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
6. Christ arose and is alive today!
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
7. God had His Son Jesus die for our sins so that He could give us the gift of eternal life – He loved us so.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
8. Jesus is the only way to heaven.
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
9. To go to heaven you have to be sincerely sorry for your sins.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10. Finally, to call to God in prayer asking Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Saviour.
Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Parents, it is important that we teach our children the gospel message over and over again. Teach it when they are young, when their hearts are soft towards the gospel. Having said that, SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH THEM,
BUT don’t push or pressure your children to say the sinners’ prayer. The Holy Spirit is the one who should convict their hearts and not you. Children can be too easily swayed to make a profession of faith which can lead to a false conversion. Share the gospel clearly with them over and over, pray for them and let the Holy Spirit convict them. Eventually, they will come to you as a parent and ask how they can be saved.
That is what happened with Sharon and I with our five children. We shared the gospel over and over with each one of them many times, individually and as a group, and we prayed for them constantly. One day as they were growing up, the Holy Spirit convicted their hearts and they really understood they were sinners and were ready to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Each of them came to us as parents and said they were sinners and needed Jesus Christ to save them. We were so excited. Praise the Lord and thank you Jesus!
3. Thirdly, sing hymns with your children regularly. Teach them the importance of worshipping God from the heart.
Psalm 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
4. Take your family to a Bible-believing church. It is so important that you find a doctrinally-sound Bible-believing church and that you make a decision to attend regularly. Years ago, our family traveled 2:20 minutes to be in a Bible-believing church. God really blessed our family for that.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
5. Go Soulwinning / Visitation as a family. Be a soulwinner. Be involved in evangelism and take your children with you.
They need to understand that people are lost and on their way to hell and
Jesus Christ wants to save them. Help your children get a burden for winning souls to Jesus Christ.
Remember Parents, that the greatest legacy we can leave in this world is Generational Faithfulness.
Psalm 78:1-6
Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
Three generations are in view here.
1. The present generation has a duty from God to see to it that
2. the generation to come might know the gospel and the lessons of God’s Word. That would be the grandchildren.
3. Moreover, it is our duty to so train our children that they in turn can teach their children the things of God.
Generational faithfulness is what God desires.
Parents, always remember that the home is God’s biggest plan for evangelism and discipleship.
We as parents have a huge responsibility to pass on our faith to our children and grandchildren so that generation after generation will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and serve Him with all their hearts.
Pastor Carl Dornn
