Sunday school lesson: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete lesson downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Title: The Next Generation

Ecclesiastes 1:4
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.

Introduction: I’m sure we are all thankful for the “Great Generation” (WWII). It is a sobering thought to ponder that the generation that fought and sacrificed to maintain our American freedoms and build much of what we enjoy in America today is almost gone.

They were followed by the “Baby Boomer Generation” (post WWII), the generation that went through the sexual revolution and the Vietnam War, but still contributed much to our society. Perhaps they’re the ones that are most concerned with what will happen to their retirement income, Social Security, and their health care as they get older and who’s going to take care of them. Then there is “Generation X” (1965-1990) and the “Millennial Generation” (1990-Present day). Perhaps they’re most concerned with finding where they fit, entitlements, and what the government, the church, and God’s people will do for them (perhaps we can call some of them the “Entitlement Generation”).

And, perhaps today, this general term crosses all generational lines: “The Selfie Generation” (the self-obsessed and self-absorbed generation).

There are real and legitimate concerns that all of us have for ourselves, no matter what generation we were born into. But what about the next generation? Some of us may think, “Well, they have their whole lives to worry about the concerns that I am facing right now. Why should I be concerned about the next generation?”

However, I’m not talking about physical concerns or needs for the next generation. I’m talking about the spiritual needs of the next generation, and I believe each one of us can and must do something constructive and eternal about those needs.

Let’s notice a few things we must consider about serving the next generation:

I. We Have Been Given a Sacred Responsibility to Serve Our Own Generation

II. We Have Been Given a Sacred Trust to Serve the Next Generation

A. We Must Make Known the Word of God to the Next Generation

B. We Must Make Known the Works of God to the Next Generation

III. When We’ve Done Our Best, It’s Good to Understand That God Is in Control and We Must Leave the Results up to Him

A. Our Responsibility Is to Proclaim the Truth

B. There Is Still Hope for the Next Generation: the Children, the Young People, and the Young Adults

Conclusion:

Quote: “The Lord’s work needs laborers world-wide (Matthew 9:37–38). The present generation of young people could well be the ‘Joshua Generation’ who will go and possess the land. If biblically challenged, they will go. They will impact the world in what could well be called ‘the terminal generation.’”

Who will impact them? Will it be me? Will it be you? We all have something to contribute: our example, testimony, investment, prayer, patience, instruction, wise counsel, giving, serving, etc.

1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of the darkness into His marvelous light.

We all can and must invest spiritually in the NEXT GENERATION! We can make a difference!