We Need a Generation…

1. Judges 2:10, “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.” We Need a Generation…

2. “Another Generation Arose” • It is pleasant to see a younger generation growing up in the Lord’s church. • Yet, what must we do to make sure they are a successful generation? • After Joshua and his generation died, a new generation replaced them. • Judges 2:8-12 says of the new generation, • “Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died when he was one hundred and ten years old…When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger.” • If we hope to avoid this stigma we need a generation…

3. Of Separation • In Joshua’s day, Israel worked hard to drive out the foreign nations (Joshua 24:18). • Yet, the next generation did not separate themselves from the pagan nations. • Notice the repetition of Judges 1:19, 21,27,29,30,31,32,34 • Their refusal to completely drive out the foreign nations had consequences (Judges 2:2-3). • All the work of the previous generation was ruined by the spoiled, upcoming generation. • Likewise, the church today needs a generation of separation from sinful influences. • 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 • Romans 12:1-2 • James 4:4

4. Of Reflection • Perhaps, Israel would have been wise to go back and reflect upon the words of their aged leader, Joshua. • Joshua 24:14-15 • As Jeremiah says, • “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls” (6:16). • When Rehoboam divided the kingdom, it was largely due to a failure to heed his elders. • 1 Kings 12:6-20 • Real progress may mean going backwards, not forwards (Revelation 2:4-5). • Individuals may need to take a step back to see where they went wrong. • Churches may have to listen to preachers of generations past to realize the danger of current trends. • The church today needs a generation of introspection and reflection if we hope to build where others have left off.

5. Of Restoration • In the days of the Judges, they could be relieved by restoration. • All they needed to do was go back to their original promise and renew it (Joshua 24:16-18). • We could solve many ills by just going back to God’s Word and obeying it. • National discord • Family woes • Church division • Individual shame and guilt • The simple lesson of Matthew 7:24-27 still stands.

6. Of Dedication • Those in Joshua’s day were dedicated to the purity God demanded (Joshua 24:19-24). • Yet, such religious purity was long lost a generation later (Judges 2:11-12). • We need a generation of Christians completely dedicated to righteousness. • Avoiding all evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). • Regardless of earthly consequences (Matthew 10:34-38). • Half-hearted, hypocritical Christians will do more harm than good (Matthew 15:14). • God does not want a part of you, He wants all of you (Matthew 22:37-38).

7. Of Proclamation • In Joshua’s day, He made a monument that proclaimed their vow (Joshua 24:25-27). • It was a constant reminder of their contract and proclaimed their faith. • Yet, this monument alone was not enough as the next generation did not know the Lord (Judges 2:10). • It has been said, “All it takes for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.” • Likewise, the cross may serve as a reminder of God’s love and the sacrifices we must make. • Yet, we need a young generation willing to proclaim “the message of the cross.” • 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 says, • “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”

8. We need a generation of… • Separation—turning from all sin. • Reflection—listening to wisdom. • Restoration—going back to God’s original commands. • Dedication—unwilling to compromise with error and standing by the truth. • Proclamation—courage to voice God’s Word to a world that desperately needs it. • It is wonderful to see young people. • Yet, how much more wonderful will it be if we instill these values in our young people! • What kind of generation will we be?

9. Titus 2:3-7, “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Becoming a New Generation…Starts with Regeneration!