Another Generation

Advancing to Another Generation

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 darkness into his marvellous light:

It is a selected generation, separate and different from others.

A royal priesthood raised up and prepared to share this good news.

A peculiar people signifies that you are special and specific property of God Almighty.

There is a PURPOSE for your lives. It is to shine in this world of darkness and to walk in His wonderful light.

Acts 13:36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

Here is a great example. David is king. The Bible says that he served his generation. He did not sit around expecting everyone else to serve him. He was occupied in serving his own generation.

The decision to serve speaks of maturity, of being responsible, and a desire to help others.

We need a generation that will think beyond number one.

Let this generation become "gap fillers'.

Ezek. 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Judges 2:10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

We cannot take respnsibilty for the actions on inactions of past generations, but we have a duty to do something that can impact this generation.

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua took the initiative to be leader in his generation. He proclaimed it and led the way as an example as they took possession of the promised land.

Num. 32:13 And the LORD'S anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed.

A previous generation (40years) provoked the anger of God This brought forth sad consequences.

Let us consider 3 Generations of Faith

Abraham = the father of faith

Isaac = 2nd generation

Jacob = 3rd generation

Principle---What one generation allows in moderation, the next will practice in excess.

The first generation knew the Lord of the Work

The second knew the Work of the Lord

The third knew neither the Lord nor His Work

1. Abraham. He received a name change as well as a character change.

Gen. 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee

A, Abraham built Altars

An altar signifies a prayer life, hunger for a move of God, and willingness to sacrifice.

B. Abraham dug Wells

This speaks of hard work, self-denial, and a willingness to perpetually bless others.

2. Isaac Inherited the Blessing

In his time of crisis he ran to the wells that his father dug. The wells had not been maintained and the enemy had stopped them up.

Isaac never had a name change. Evidently, he never felt the need to change.

Just because you are born in a christian family does not make you a christian.

3. Jacob

His name reveals his character = deceiver.

This is the generation that had no idea what revival is. They have a mask of religion.

Look at some of the characteristics of Jacob

--a spirit of competitiveness

--pretender

--unsatisfied

--unstable

It may not be your fault that you are living in this generation, but you are reaping the consequences of it nonetheless.

This is a generation of SUBSTITUTES

Praise of men vs. Approval of God

Sensation vs. Worship

Exalting the flesh vs. Denying the flesh

Being religous vs. Being holy

Don't accept failure. There is still a REMEDY!

Gen. 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

Brought to a crisis point and feeling all alone. There he entered a wrestling match with God.

In verse 27, God asks him "What is thy name?" God already knew his name, so what is up? Jacob had to confess to God that he was "deceiver". By his humble admission, the door was being opened for a great change. Jacob became Israel.