TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION FOR GOD’S GLORY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Supporting Texts: Psalm 78:5-7, Proverbs 22:6, 2 Timothy 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Judges 2:10
INTRODUCTION:
The next generation holds the future of the Church, the nation, and the advancement of God’s kingdom. If we fail to train them in the ways of the Lord, the light of truth will be lost, and darkness will rise in its place. God has entrusted us with a divine assignment—to pass on faith, values, discipline, and purpose to those coming after us.
Many challenges today stem from the breakdown of spiritual mentoring and godly parenting. We cannot assume the next generation will just find God—they must be taught, shown, guided, and trained deliberately. Training is more than instruction—it is impartation, example, correction, and consistent investment.
In this sermon, we will look at God’s expectation for raising the next generation, and how we can position ourselves to ensure that His glory continues to be revealed through them.
1. GOD COMMANDS US TO TEACH THE NEXT GENERATION
Training the younger generation is not optional; it is a divine instruction from the Lord.
a) Teaching the Word Diligently (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
We are called to teach God’s Word at home, in daily life, and through every opportunity.
b) Transmitting Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness (Psalm 78:5-7)
Children must hear how God has worked in your life, so they can trust Him too.
c) Raising Them with God’s Standards (Proverbs 22:6)
Training should be intentional, not cultural or convenient.
d) Making the Faith Practical and Visible (Deuteronomy 6:8-9)
Let your life be the Bible your children read and follow.
Biblical Example: God instructed the Israelites to pass down His commandments to their children as a covenant responsibility.
2. GOD USES FAMILY LEGACY TO TRANSFER FAITH
Families are God’s primary tools for shaping the next generation for His glory.
a) Faith Begins at Home (2 Timothy 1:5)
Timothy’s faith began with his grandmother and mother, showing the power of godly parenting.
b) Discipleship Starts in the Family (Genesis 18:19)
God trusted Abraham to command his household after Him.
c) Children Imitate What They See (Philippians 4:9)
Your example is louder than your words.
d) Build a Spiritual Heritage, Not Just Wealth (Psalm 112:1-2)
God wants families to be rooted in righteousness for generations.
Biblical Example: Timothy became a faithful servant of God because of the consistent faith of his mother and grandmother.
3. TRAINING MUST BE SPIRITUAL, MORAL, AND PURPOSEFUL
The next generation must not only be trained academically or morally—they must be prepared spiritually and purposefully.
a) Equip Them with the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15-17)
God’s Word prepares them for every good work and builds spiritual maturity.
b) Teach Them to Know God Personally (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Knowing about God is not enough—they must encounter Him.
c) Instruct Them in Holiness and Character (Titus 2:6-8)
Their lifestyle must reflect Christ in every area of life.
d) Guide Them to Discover and Fulfil Purpose (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
When purpose is clear early, they avoid destructive paths.
Biblical Example: Samuel was trained by Eli in the temple and grew up serving in God’s presence.
4. IF WE FAIL TO TRAIN THEM, WE WILL LOSE THEM
The cost of neglecting this assignment is spiritual decline and generational darkness.
a) Spiritual Illiteracy Will Rise (Hosea 4:6)
When people are not taught, they perish for lack of knowledge.
b) They Will Chase Worldly Trends (2 Timothy 4:3–4)
If not trained in truth, they will turn to deception and vanity.
c) They May Forget the God of Their Fathers (Judges 2:10)
A generation arose who didn’t know the Lord because no one taught them.
d) Revival Will Be Replaced by Rebellion (Romans 1:28–30)
A neglected generation becomes a rebellious one.
Biblical Example: After Joshua’s generation died, a new generation arose that did not know the Lord and served other gods.
CONCLUSION:
Raising the next generation for God’s glory is not just the job of pastors or parents—it is a corporate kingdom responsibility. The Church must wake up to this call. We must invest time, truth, prayer, mentorship, and example into the lives of the youth and children around us. That is how we preserve revival, sustain the move of God, and prepare a people for His return.
Let us rise and be intentional about training a generation that will glorify God in their thoughts, actions, and pursuits.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me grace and wisdom to train those around me for Your glory.
2. Father, ignite a passion in me to disciple the next generation.
3. I declare my home will raise godly seeds for Christ.
4. Let every negative pattern in my lineage be broken for the sake of the next generation.
5. Lord, empower me to be an example of truth and righteousness.
6. Raise spiritual fathers and mothers who will mentor with purpose.
7. We silence every voice of confusion speaking to the youth in our generation.
8. Holy Spirit, guide our children to walk in truth and divine purpose.
