Bringing the Generations Together Bringing the Generations Together.

Bringing the Generations Bringing the Generations TogetherTogether

We face a great challenge in bringing We face a great challenge in bringing different groups together.different groups together.

• It takes the wisdom of God to bring us It takes the wisdom of God to bring us together. together. (Jn 17:20-21)(Jn 17:20-21)


• John 17:20-21John 17:20-21 - " I do not pray for these - " I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 "that they all Me through their word; 21 "that they all may be one, as You, Father, may be one, as You, Father, are are in Me, in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.sent Me.


• When we are crucified then we have When we are crucified then we have placed others ahead of ourselves.placed others ahead of ourselves.

• Satan works to exploit these natural Satan works to exploit these natural differences. differences. (Gal 2:11-13; Acts 6:1; (Gal 2:11-13; Acts 6:1; James 3:14-16)James 3:14-16)


• Galatians 2:11-13 - Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.


• Acts 6:1 Acts 6:1 Now in those days, when Now in those days, when the the number of number of the disciples was multiplying, the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily widows were neglected in the daily distribution.distribution.


• James 3:14-16 James 3:14-16 14 But if you have bitter 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but wisdom does not descend from above, but is is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking where envy and self-seeking exist, exist, confusion and every evil thing confusion and every evil thing are are there.there.

• It takes little skill to tear down, but great It takes little skill to tear down, but great wisdom to build.wisdom to build.


• Every generation struggles with relationship Every generation struggles with relationship with previous generations.with previous generations.

• Because we believe in God and His wisdom Because we believe in God and His wisdom revealed in the scriptures, then we have a revealed in the scriptures, then we have a blueprint to deal with these differences.blueprint to deal with these differences.

• When we work together we can use the When we work together we can use the wisdom and experience of one wisdom and experience of one generation and combine it with the strength generation and combine it with the strength of another.of another.


• John wrote to “fathers, young men and John wrote to “fathers, young men and children” and commended the stage of children” and commended the stage of growth that each had reachedgrowth that each had reached. . (1 Jn 2:12-14)(1 Jn 2:12-14)


• 1 John 2:12-14 1 John 2:12-14 12 I write to you, little 12 I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. 13 I write to you, you for His name's sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him fathers, Because you have known Him who is who is from the beginning. I write to you, from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the children, Because you have known the Father. Father.

We face a great challenge in We face a great challenge in bringing different groups together.bringing different groups together.

• 14 I have written to you, fathers, Because 14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him you have known Him who is who is from the from the beginning. I have written to you, young beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.overcome the wicked one.

Characteristics of GenerationsCharacteristics of Generations

• The age of a generation should bless it with The age of a generation should bless it with wisdom based on faith and experience. wisdom based on faith and experience. (Prov 20:29)(Prov 20:29)

• Proverbs 20:29 Proverbs 20:29 29 The glory of young men 29 The glory of young men is is their strength, And the splendor of old men their strength, And the splendor of old men is is their gray head.their gray head.

• This is not always true! Consider the This is not always true! Consider the generation that came out of Egypt and the one generation that came out of Egypt and the one that took the promised land. that took the promised land. (Heb 3:16-19)(Heb 3:16-19)


• Hebrews 3:16-19 Hebrews 3:16-19 16 For who, having 16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it was it not all who not all who came out of Egypt, came out of Egypt, led led by Moses? 17 Now by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? with whom was He angry forty years? Was it Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of that they could not enter in because of unbelief.unbelief.


• The next generation was led by Joshua The next generation was led by Joshua and was greatly blessed.and was greatly blessed.

• The experience of a generation can be a The experience of a generation can be a blessing or a curse.blessing or a curse.

• Consider the generation that followed Consider the generation that followed Joshua. Joshua. (Judges 2:7-10)(Judges 2:7-10)


• Judges 2:7-10 Judges 2:7-10 7 So the people served 7 So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel. of the LORD which He had done for Israel. 8 Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant 8 Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died of the LORD, died when he was when he was one one hundred and ten years old. hundred and ten years old.


• 9 And they buried him within the border of his 9 And they buried him within the border of his inheritance at Timnath Heres, in the inheritance at Timnath Heres, in the mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of Mount Gaash. 10 When all that generation Mount Gaash. 10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.Israel.

• Some generations have to fight for their faith Some generations have to fight for their faith and gladly paid a price.and gladly paid a price.


• Consider the early church and then the Consider the early church and then the church a few generations later. church a few generations later. (Acts 8:3-4; 2 Tim 4:2-4)(Acts 8:3-4; 2 Tim 4:2-4)

• Acts 8:3-4 Acts 8:3-4 3 As for Saul, he made havoc 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing dragging off men and women, committing them them to prison. 4 Therefore those who to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.preaching the word.


• 2 Timothy 4:2-4 2 Timothy 4:2-4 2 Preach the word! Be 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season ready in season and and out of season. out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, doctrine, but according to their own desires, because because they have itching ears, they will they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn will turn their their ears away from the truth, and ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. be turned aside to fables.


• We naturally associate and listen to the We naturally associate and listen to the generation we belong to.generation we belong to.

• My sports illustrations often need updating My sports illustrations often need updating for a younger generation!for a younger generation!

• Consider the phases of life and the shared Consider the phases of life and the shared experiences of others. What would be the experiences of others. What would be the differences between a college student and differences between a college student and a couple with young children?a couple with young children?


• Look at the reaction of two generations to Look at the reaction of two generations to the laying of the foundation of the new the laying of the foundation of the new temple. temple. (Ezra 3:11-13)(Ezra 3:11-13)


• Ezra 3:11-13 Ezra 3:11-13 11 And they sang 11 And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD: "For the LORD: "For He is He is good, For His mercy good, For His mercy endures endures forever toward Israel." Then all forever toward Israel." Then all the people shouted with a great shout, the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. laid.


• 12 But many of the priests and Levites and 12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers' heads of the fathers' houses, houses, old men who old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.sound was heard afar off.

How God’s wisdom brings the How God’s wisdom brings the generations togethergenerations together

• There is unselfish communication with all. There is unselfish communication with all. (Deut 32:1-7)(Deut 32:1-7)


• Deuteronomy 32:1-7 Deuteronomy 32:1-7 "Give ear, O "Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; And hear, O heavens, and I will speak; And hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 Let my earth, the words of my mouth. 2 Let my teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, As raindrops on the tender as the dew, As raindrops on the tender herb, And as showers on the grass. 3 For herb, And as showers on the grass. 3 For I proclaim the name of the LORD: Ascribe I proclaim the name of the LORD: Ascribe greatness to our God. greatness to our God.


• 4 4 He is He is the Rock, His work the Rock, His work is is perfect; For all perfect; For all His ways His ways are are justice, A God of truth and justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright without injustice; Righteous and upright is is He. He. 5 "They have corrupted themselves; 5 "They have corrupted themselves; They They are are not His children, Because of their blemish: not His children, Because of their blemish: A perverse and crooked generation. 6 Do A perverse and crooked generation. 6 Do you thus deal with the LORD, O foolish and you thus deal with the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? unwise people? Is Is He not your Father, He not your Father, who who bought you? Has He not made you and bought you? Has He not made you and established you? established you?


• 7 "Remember the days of old, Consider 7 "Remember the days of old, Consider the years of many generations. Ask your the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; Your elders, father, and he will show you; Your elders, and they will tell you:and they will tell you:

• A love for the truth will train one to have an A love for the truth will train one to have an open ear. open ear.

• There is also an open ear amongst There is also an open ear amongst brethren because we love each other. brethren because we love each other. (Prov 18:13)(Prov 18:13)


• Proverbs 18:13 Proverbs 18:13 13 He who answers a matter 13 He who answers a matter before he hears before he hears it, it, It It is is folly and shame to him.folly and shame to him.

• I will never forget the patient listening of older I will never forget the patient listening of older men of experience.men of experience.

• Respect is taught in the home and in our Respect is taught in the home and in our assemblies. assemblies. (Lev 19:32; Prov 20:29)(Lev 19:32; Prov 20:29)

• Leviticus 19:32 Leviticus 19:32 32 ' You shall rise before the 32 ' You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I man, and fear your God: I am am the LORD.the LORD.


• Proverbs 20:29 Proverbs 20:29 29 The glory of young 29 The glory of young men men is is their strength, And the splendor of their strength, And the splendor of old men old men is is their gray head.their gray head.

• My Dad taught me to respect authority and My Dad taught me to respect authority and those in position of authority.those in position of authority.

• My generation had this drilled into our My generation had this drilled into our heads! This reflects the wisdom of God. heads! This reflects the wisdom of God. (Rom 13:1-2, 7; 1 Peter 2:13-15)(Rom 13:1-2, 7; 1 Peter 2:13-15)


• Romans 13:1-2 Romans 13:1-2 Let every soul be subject to Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.resist will bring judgment on themselves.

• This respect extends to those who are older.This respect extends to those who are older.


• will find a corresponding respect in those that first respect the will find a corresponding respect in those that first respect the completeness of scripture! completeness of scripture! (1 Cor 14:37)(1 Cor 14:37)

• 1 Corinthians 14:37 1 Corinthians 14:37 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.commandments of the Lord.

• We fear God and learn to discern real wisdom. We fear God and learn to discern real wisdom. (Psa 111:10; Prov 15:33)(Psa 111:10; Prov 15:33)• Psalm 111:10 Psalm 111:10 10 The fear of the LORD 10 The fear of the LORD is is the beginning of wisdom; A the beginning of wisdom; A

good understanding have all those who do good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His commandments. His praise His praise endures forever.endures forever.

• Proverbs 15:33 Proverbs 15:33 33 The fear of the LORD 33 The fear of the LORD is is the instruction of wisdom, the instruction of wisdom, And before honor And before honor is is humility.humility.

• 1. There are generations that have not been taught reverence for 1. There are generations that have not been taught reverence for God.God.

• 2. Without reverence then there can be no heart for unselfish learning.2. Without reverence then there can be no heart for unselfish learning.


• Psalm 111:10 Psalm 111:10 10 The fear of the LORD 10 The fear of the LORD is is the beginning of wisdom; A good the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do understanding have all those who do His His commandments. commandments. His praise endures forever.His praise endures forever.

• Proverbs 15:33 Proverbs 15:33 33 The fear of the LORD 33 The fear of the LORD is is the instruction of wisdom, And before the instruction of wisdom, And before honor honor is is humility.humility.

• There are generations that have not been There are generations that have not been taught reverence for God.taught reverence for God.


• Without reverence then there can be no Without reverence then there can be no heart for unselfish learning.heart for unselfish learning.

How Satan sows discord between the How Satan sows discord between the generationsgenerations

• Absalom serves as an example of one who took advantage these differences Absalom serves as an example of one who took advantage these differences • He majored in criticism without ever He majored in criticism without ever having to take on the responsibility of leadershiphaving to take on the responsibility of leadership. . (2 Sam 15:1-6)(2 Sam 15:1-6)• 2 Samuel 15:1-6 2 Samuel 15:1-6 After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 Now Absalom would rise early and stand After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 Now Absalom would rise early and stand

beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, "What city beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, "What city are are you you from?" And he would say, "Your servant from?" And he would say, "Your servant is is from such and such a tribe of Israel." 3 Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case from such and such a tribe of Israel." 3 Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case is is good and right; but good and right; but there is there is no no deputy of the king to hear you." 4 Moreover Absalom would say, "Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I deputy of the king to hear you." 4 Moreover Absalom would say, "Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice." 5 And would give him justice." 5 And so so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. 6 In this manner it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. 6 In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

• 2. He could “preach it round or flat!” No responsibility, just words. He was 2. He could “preach it round or flat!” No responsibility, just words. He was a politician of “hope and change.” a politician of “hope and change.”

• 3. He took advantage of the hurts of others and nourished them!3. He took advantage of the hurts of others and nourished them!• 4. This would appeal to a younger generation who fought no battles but 4. This would appeal to a younger generation who fought no battles but

could indentify with the youth and “relevance” of one of their generation. could indentify with the youth and “relevance” of one of their generation.• B. Absalom showed no reverence for God and His word nor for his father David.B. Absalom showed no reverence for God and His word nor for his father David.• 1. He openly discarded the “traditional rules” of morality in the most public 1. He openly discarded the “traditional rules” of morality in the most public

way. way. (2 Sam 16:22)(2 Sam 16:22)• 2 Samuel 16:22 2 Samuel 16:22 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the top of the house, and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the top of the house, and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.• 2. A generation that places “relevance over reverence” will follow such men.2. A generation that places “relevance over reverence” will follow such men.• 3. Absalom never appeals to God and His word but he still wins the heart of 3. Absalom never appeals to God and His word but he still wins the heart of

the people! These people are, untrustworthy and unstable. the people! These people are, untrustworthy and unstable.• C. Absalom and his companions ate the fruit of their “non-traditional” wisdom.C. Absalom and his companions ate the fruit of their “non-traditional” wisdom.• 1. Absalom was now in charge and in need of real wisdom.1. Absalom was now in charge and in need of real wisdom.• 2. Without reverence he did not stand a chance! He could have learned from 2. Without reverence he did not stand a chance! He could have learned from

his dad rather than fighting him. his dad rather than fighting him. (Prov 1:7; 19:20-21)(Prov 1:7; 19:20-21)• Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs 1:7 7 The fear of the LORD 7 The fear of the LORD is is the beginning of knowledge, the beginning of knowledge, But But fools despise wisdom and instruction.fools despise wisdom and instruction.• Proverbs 19:20-21 Proverbs 19:20-21 20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. 21 There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the 20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. 21 There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the

LORD's counsel -- that will stand.LORD's counsel -- that will stand.• 3. He sought “wisdom” just like Solomon’s son did. 3. He sought “wisdom” just like Solomon’s son did. (1 Kings 12:6-8)(1 Kings 12:6-8)• 1 Kings 12:6-8 1 Kings 12:6-8 6 Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who stood before his father Solomon while he still lived, and he said, "How do you advise 6 Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who stood before his father Solomon while he still lived, and he said, "How do you advise me me to answer these to answer these

people?" 7 And they spoke to him, saying, "If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will people?" 7 And they spoke to him, saying, "If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever." 8 But he rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him.be your servants forever." 8 But he rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him.

• 4. Absalom paid with his life for his short term relevance.4. Absalom paid with his life for his short term relevance.


• 2 Samuel 15:1-6 2 Samuel 15:1-6 After this it happened that After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 Now horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, "What city say, "What city are are you from?" And he would you from?" And he would say, "Your servant say, "Your servant is is from such and such a from such and such a tribe of Israel." tribe of Israel."


• 3 Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, 3 Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case your case is is good and right; but good and right; but there is there is no no deputy of the king to hear you." 4 Moreover deputy of the king to hear you." 4 Moreover Absalom would say, "Oh, that I were made Absalom would say, "Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice." 5 And give him justice." 5 And so so it was, whenever it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. kiss him.


• 6 In this manner Absalom acted toward all 6 In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.Israel.

• He could “preach it round or flat!” No He could “preach it round or flat!” No responsibility, just words. He was a responsibility, just words. He was a politician of “hope and change.”politician of “hope and change.”

• He took advantage of the hurts of others He took advantage of the hurts of others and nourished them!and nourished them!


• This would appeal to a younger generation This would appeal to a younger generation who fought no battles but could identify who fought no battles but could identify with the youth and “relevance” of one of with the youth and “relevance” of one of their generation.their generation.

• Absalom showed no reverence for God Absalom showed no reverence for God and His word nor for his father David.and His word nor for his father David.

• He openly discarded the “traditional rules” He openly discarded the “traditional rules” of morality in the most public way. of morality in the most public way. (2 Sam (2 Sam 16:22)16:22)


• 2 Samuel 16:22 2 Samuel 16:22 22 So they pitched a tent for 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the top of the house, and Absalom Absalom on the top of the house, and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.all Israel.

• A generation that places “relevance over A generation that places “relevance over reverence” will follow such men.reverence” will follow such men.

• Absalom never appeals to God and His word but Absalom never appeals to God and His word but he still wins the heart of the people! These he still wins the heart of the people! These people are, untrustworthy and unstable.people are, untrustworthy and unstable.

•


• Absalom and his companions ate the fruit Absalom and his companions ate the fruit of their “non-traditional” wisdom.of their “non-traditional” wisdom.

• Absalom was now in charge and in need Absalom was now in charge and in need of real wisdom.of real wisdom.

• Without reverence he did not stand a Without reverence he did not stand a chance! He could have learned from his chance! He could have learned from his dad rather than fighting him. dad rather than fighting him. (Prov 1:7; (Prov 1:7; 19:20-21)19:20-21)


• Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs 1:7 7 The fear of the LORD 7 The fear of the LORD is is the the beginning of knowledge, beginning of knowledge, But But fools despise fools despise wisdom and instruction.wisdom and instruction.

• Proverbs 19:20-21 Proverbs 19:20-21 20 Listen to counsel and 20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. 21 There are many plans in a your latter days. 21 There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel -- that will stand.-- that will stand.

• He sought “wisdom” just like Solomon’s son He sought “wisdom” just like Solomon’s son did. did. (1 Kings 12:6-8)(1 Kings 12:6-8)


• 1 Kings 12:6-8 1 Kings 12:6-8 6 Then King Rehoboam 6 Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who stood before his consulted the elders who stood before his father Solomon while he still lived, and he father Solomon while he still lived, and he said, "How do you advise said, "How do you advise me me to answer to answer these people?" 7 And they spoke to him, these people?" 7 And they spoke to him, saying, "If you will be a servant to these saying, "If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever."they will be your servants forever."


• 8 But he rejected the advice which the 8 But he rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the elders had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him, young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him.who stood before him.

• Absalom paid with his life for his short Absalom paid with his life for his short term relevance.term relevance.

How will the generations in the church How will the generations in the church come together?come together?

• There are great pressures to restructure There are great pressures to restructure the church towards a new generation.the church towards a new generation.

• Which wisdom will we choose?Which wisdom will we choose?

• Generational changes based on the flesh Generational changes based on the flesh pit us against one another.pit us against one another.

• In every decade there are “non-traditional” In every decade there are “non-traditional” movements that arisemovements that arise


• Discontentment if found with almost Discontentment if found with almost everything and anything new from everything and anything new from the the old is praised and encouraged.old is praised and encouraged.

• ““Wedge issues” are pushed and anger is Wedge issues” are pushed and anger is nourished.nourished.

• God’s wisdom places us together in God’s wisdom places us together in having a common faith and in a common having a common faith and in a common love. love. (James 3:17-18)(James 3:17-18)


• James 3:17-18 James 3:17-18 17 But the wisdom that is 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.who make peace.

• Let each of us humbly seek to serve one Let each of us humbly seek to serve one another for the glory of God. another for the glory of God.


• Are you separated and out of touch with Are you separated and out of touch with some in the local church?some in the local church?

• What can you and I do to make this church What can you and I do to make this church encouraging to all generations?encouraging to all generations?

Bringing the Generations Together Bringing the Generations Together.

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great wisdom

wisdom of god

young men

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