A Vision for Generations
November 9, 2023

Duet. 11:18-21

Introduction

Today, we will read some of Moses’ final words to the Israelites as he prepared to see Joshua and his followers off to conquer the Promised Land. Moses reminds them about the importance of the generations to teach what the Lord has done. God delivered them from slavery and protected them from Pharaoh’s great army. He provided them with food, water, and resources for 40 years in the wilderness, and He was taking them to a land flowing with milk and honey!

We must pass the Truth of God’s deliverance and provision on to the next generation so that they can carry on the Truth to a broken and hurting world. To carry out and carry on a biblical vision for generations, we must LIVE out the word of God, TEACH the word of God, and STAND on the Word of God and then receive the PROMISE.

Generations

The Generation of Deliverance: Duet. 6:20-23; Duet 7:8-9
• Plagues
• Being released from slavery
• Parting of the Red Sea and protection from Pharaoh’s army

The Generation of the Wilderness (Provision): Duet 8:2-5 (humbled & tested); Duet 8:15-16
• Manna from heaven
• Cloud by day and pillar of fire by night • Mountain of fire
• Clothes and shoes fit
• Quail
• Water out of the rock

The Generation of the Promise Land: Duet 8:7-9
• Brooks of water, fountains, and springs
• Plentiful in food and resource

To carry out and carry on a biblical vision for generations, we must LIVE out the word of God, TEACH the word of God, and STAND on the Word of God.
LIVE, TEACH, STAND, and then receive the PROMISE!

LIVE Out the Word of God (Deut. 11:18)

• We must personally be impacted and influenced by the word of God.
• This verse tells us that we are to ensure that the Word of God is in our hearts, minds, and souls. It is to be apparent to all those who see us that this is so.
• The word sign, or oath, is often used in scripture in conjunction with covenants.

• We cannot merely talk about God. We must allow the word to saturate our hearts, minds, and souls- which means it will be life-transforming and an outward sign (oath) to those who encounter us.

TEACH the Word God (Deut. 11:18)

• Parents: The responsibility (formal- bible reading, devotional life, prayer life) (informal- situational, in the moment, life applications)
• Community: The responsibility (formal-bible studies, mentoring, Sunday school teachers, camps, outreach events, youth leaders) (informal- CAS, encouragement, praise, correction in love, sharing stories and life experiences, engaging in conversations)
• Strength of Gen. Z- They are among the most compassionate and loving generations yet. They care about people being treated fairly. They care about equality. They care about Love. They care about their environment. If we combine these qualities with the WORD of God and teach them this truth, they can start a revival like we have never seen.
• We must posture ourselves as teachers that students want to learn from.

STAND on the Word of God (Deut. 11:20)

We promote what is in my heart and mind. If we can stand on this stuff, we can stand on the WORD of God.
1. You meditate on it.
2. You memorize it.
3. You promote it.

Conclusion

The Promise to God’s people is found in verse 21, “so that your days and the days of your sons (children, youth, next generation) may be multiplied (become great) on the land which the Lord swore (oath-covenant) to your fathers (previous generation) to give them, as long as the heavens remain above the earth.” When we LIVE out the word of God, TEACH the word of God, and STAND on the Word of God, we receive the PROMISE. We are connected to the generations to come. God’s plan is that we would carry His vision from generation to generation. The scriptures give us a vision that offers us the power to release the regret of things not yet accomplished. Some of us greatly regret how we have lived our lives or raised our families. We are all in different places in our walks with the Lord, but regardless of where we are, what you have done or not done, we have the option to LIVE out the Word of God, TEACH the Word of God, STAND on the Word of God and as a result receive the PROMISE! Many of the Israelites, including Abraham, lived on a promise they would not see in their lifetime, and the generations that followed reaped the harvest of that promise, and so will we!

Discussion Questions

  1. What Generation are you? Deliverance, Wilderness, or Promise land?
  2. What does it mean to Live, Teach, and Stand on the Word of God?
  3. How will you become part of God’s plan for the generations?