HoHum:
A preaching video of Kanon Tipton became an overnight YouTube sensation. The footage of his sermon was recorded as he spoke to a congregation in Mississippi and led to several television appearances. What made this so special? Kanon is 4 years old. On the other end of the spectrum is Samuel Akinbode Sadela, who at 111 years is still preaching weekly at a church in Lagos Nigeria. Amazingly, he has been preaching at this same church for almost 80 years. These two preachers, who represent opposite ends of the spectrum illustrate that in the church both young and old can speak.
WBTU:
All of us preach whether we know it or not. In the church every generation is designed to speak into the life of the church. It can be hard for the young and the old to find their voice in a congregation. This difficulty may be because each of these age categories carries with it significant stereotypes, realities and attitudes associated with each. Still, each generation has a unique opportunity to speak. We’ll allow 2 well known Bible characters to represent the biblical voice of each of these generations.
Thesis: Timothy will represent the younger generation and King David will represent the older
For instances:
Timothy: The Young Generation
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12, NIV.
Talked about this verse this past Wednesday night. This tendency seems to be a natural response from older, more experienced people to the younger generation. Young leaders were looked down on in the 1st century church and not much has changed in 2,000 years.
Older people often despise or disregard young people simply because they are young and inexperienced. Many churches, through policy and culture, often prevent the inclusion of younger voices on boards, committees and ministry teams. This silences a whole generation.
While Timothy may not be typical of most young Christians, since he is an evangelist at Ephesus, the advice that Paul gives is practical advice for all Christian young people. Didn’t talk much about the last part of that verse. In this verse Paul gives 5 different ways that a young person can leave his/her mark on the church.
In speech- Many times young people are ignored because of the way they speak. Some times they use language that leaves a bad impression. This kind of speech can include an irreverent, unappreciative tone, an arrogant attitude or even crude or questionable slang. Work to clean out words from our vocabulary that are foul for the sake of holiness and to increase our voice. Need to avoid being argumentative but be gracious with words. The best way to find an audience with an older generation is to pay attention to these common message killers. Need to begin with a humble attitude and watch what we say and how we say it. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29, NIV.
In conduct (life- NIV)- Those who are in their tens, twenties, and thirties can be heard loudest by the life that we live. “Actions speak louder than words,” this is never more true than when it comes to living a life of faith. Children feel like they have control over very little, but even they create their reputation. “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11, NIV.
In love- Loving others is a great way for a young person to preach without talking. If we simply love others the way Christ has loved us, we earn the right to be heard by them. Older people are hesitant to follow the lead of a younger voice, but they are more likely to listen to anyone who will take the time to truly love them. Spend time with older generations talking about their lives, dreams, fears and failures. Pray with them. Really listen. Help in tangible ways if we can. Give them a hug and smile when we see them. Call them by name.
In faith- Paul began 1 Timothy 4 by saying, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1, NIV. Stay anchored to the truth, or we’ll be caught in the undertow of error. Guy was asked, “What do you believe?” He said, “The same thing my church believes.” Then asked, “What does your church believe?” He said, “The same thing I believe.” Then asked, “What do you both believe?” He replied, “We both believe that same thing.” Bottom line: he didn’t know what he believed! Need to know or be swept away
In purity- If we want to be heard we must live a pure life before God. While purity can be displayed in several ways, the biggest challenge for young people in this culture is to be sexually pure. Will we keep far from places where we are tempted to lust? Will we live out all relationship with those of the opposite sex according to biblical standards? If we are dating, will we be devoted to abstaining from sex until we are married? If we are married, will we honor our spouse and save all intimacy for them alone? Need to prayerfully consider these questions. People tune out an impure person speaking on God’s behalf.
King David: The Older Generation (Psalm 71)
Psalm 71 hints at an older author (“when I am old and grey”- vs. 18). No mention of author’s name, but many attribute it to David, and it sounds like something he would have written. If this is David, we can imagine him in the cold marble palace during the Jerusalem winter. Crackling fire pots and the sound of rain on the palace roof as David wraps his robe closely around him to ease the chill. His body is tired now. Still, his mind is sharp and his soul is in a reflective mood. He summons a servant to bring him a small harp, and he begins to speak in song. And in this song we learn what those seasoned with time are uniquely qualified to speak for God.
“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” Psalms 71:8. The older generation has a unique voice among the fellowship of believes. Why? Let’s consider the physical realities of old age. At this point, David spent most of his time napping, enjoying the view of the Kidron Valley from his palace, sharing meals with his family and working on blueprints for the temple. At the end of life, activities tend to slow, and this slowing allows one to enjoy a different awareness of God. Often, in our younger years, the pace of life is so fast that we have to work to squeeze in prayer time here, some Scripture reading there and a reflective moment whenever we can. In old age, however, the schedule is less hectic, and there is more time for focusing on God. The increased quite moments lend themselves to plenty of praise. An older generation may have the greatest of opportunities in the winter of life to speak more praise to God, because they have time to reflect
“My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.” Psalms 71:15, NIV. Another aspect for David as he praised and reflected on God was that he began to reminisce about his journey and to recall many instances in which God had saved him and his people. David never forgot the day God delivered Goliath into his hands. David recalled some battle scenes when all seemed lost, but somehow God delivered him. He may have recalled the shame of fleeing Jerusalem because of his son’s rebellion and how God had returned him to his throne. In short, God had been faithful. An older generation has the greatest opportunity to speak of God’s righteousness and deeds of salvation simply because they have experienced more of them. Beginning with their personal story of coming to faith in Jesus, an older generation can proclaim many answered prayers, strength through struggles and times when God intervened. Be intentional about this; write some of these down
“Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” Psalms 71:18, NIV. Perhaps David could see the end. He was aware that eventually he would die and that he was closer than ever to that reality. But he wanted to hang on long enough to proclaim God to another generation. Maybe he was thinking of his son Solomon who soon would sit on the throne. The word declare here indicates something that is done in public. Did he mean a sermon he wanted to deliver before all the Israelites at a feast day? Did he mean a final prayer of blessing for his son Solomon and upon all the people? We are not sure what is intended, but we know he desired to pass this message of God’s power onto the next generation. This might surprise some of the older people: many of the younger generation really do want to hear how God has worked in our lives, and we have much to share. Probably not sought after like younger people in demanding leadership roles, but you have something they don’t. You can speak of God’s faithfulness, and there is not a more experienced voice.
So what?
1. If you’re younger, seek out the wisdom of the older. One senior citizen summed up what many feel today: “You know, as I got older I realized I was beginning to come up with some answers to questions of life that so long had stumped me. And just about then I realized that nobody was asking me the questions.” If you have an older person of faith in your family, intentionally ask him or her to share what they have learned. If you don’t, then find someone in this family of faith and get together with him or her.
2. If you’re older, seek out the younger. Have you done everything you can do in your family to declare God’s deeds to the next generation? What plan do you have to do this? Elizabeth mentored Mary, Barnabas believed in Mark, Paul poured into Timothy and Titus. If you’re still alive it’s not too late to share, “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”” Acts 4:20, NIV.
