Session 1 Jesus is sufficient

 

For all time, every senior generation has bemoaned the faults of the younger generation. Socrates said “The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise”. The difference today is that, due to electronic media, the ability of the enemy to sow evil into the hearts and lives of the younger generation has never been greater. Now more than ever the older generation needs to accept the challenge of leading the younger generation.

The purpose of this course is to challenge and equip older mature men to sow into the lives of younger men. One of the primary reasons we are ill-equipped to lead is that the majority of Christian men have become biblically illiterate. 2 Tim 2:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. We cannot be thoroughly equipped for the good work of leading the next generation if we don’t know the scripture ourselves. We cannot provide to the next generation what we don’t possess.

The first step we must take in the leading a new generation is that we must have a second church reformation. Let’s do a quick review of the first church reformation. In 1516 the Greek New Testament was printed. From this Martin Luther translated the Bible into German. Until this time the bible was not available in the common language of the people. The organized church orthodoxy objected to putting the bible in the hands of the common people. They were concerned that the people were theologically uneducated and could come up with all kinds of crazy ideas. Initially their concerns were legitimate. The truth is that did, in fact, happen. Luther accepted the risk and the protestant reformation was begun. One of the five foundational principles of the protestant reformation was Sola Scriptura. It meant that only the scriptures could determine absolute truth. It accepted that traditions and trained teachers could help in our understanding but the final arbiter in any conversation was the bible. No other person or world view could legitimately contradict scripture. This was true not just for theological conversations but in all walks of life.

The second of the five great foundational principles was Solus Christos. It meant in Christ Alone. More specifically it meant that the only mediator between human beings and God was Jesus Christ. If anyone wanted a relationship with God it was only through Jesus Christ. If anyone wanted to be in right standing it was only through Jesus Christ. It also meant that faith in Jesus Christ and following His word was the answer to all of life’s problems.

For over 400 years these foundational principles have been a guiding light for churches around the world. It was dedication to these principles that caused the church to stay on track or to be corrected when necessary. The church has been the greatest provider of humanitarian aid in the history of the world because the scripture said so. When some in the church tried to support slavery and racism it was dedication to the scriptures that lead the way to understanding that all men are created in the image of God. All are equal before God. The examples throughout history are many.

In recent years many of the protestant churches have unknowingly forsaken these two principles. Most will admit that salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone and that learning about Jesus Christ comes through the scriptures. However, as soon as they turn to solving any of life’s complex problems they begin to add to the solution. We have become Jesus “and” culture. They teach for social justice you need Jesus and some other doctrine. They teach for cultural relevance you need Jesus and political power.

Let’s review what Solomon wrote to his son in Pro 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. The first 10 chapters of Proverbs contain Solomon’s words of mentoring his son. A present ruling king was telling a future king for every decision you make from the throne don’t lean on your own understanding. For every step you take in leading this nation acknowledge God and He will give you the wisdom you need. Leaning on our own understanding or that of the world will lead to destruction. We must make that declaration to ones we serve. Do you want to know what to do on the job, in your family, with your health, to gain peace in life, or any other path in life? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and look only to Him for understanding and wisdom.

This course will demonstrate the validity of the truth claim that the solution to all of life’s problems can be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ and through an understanding of His scriptures. Having come to understand the truth and power of Jesus Christ and His scriptures we will learn how to share that truth with a dying generation that so desperately needs to hear.

Ps 119:9-11 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

Notice the progression. A young man learns the word; seeks after God; commits the word to his heart; doesn’t sin against God. Describe how this Psalm refers to every area of life?

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

It is impossible to separate Jesus Christ from being the word of God. He is the word. In Him (and His word) there is no darkness.

Describe in detail how knowing this truth can impact a man’s life in marriage, business relationships, personal habits?

Pro 2:1-9 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, [And] apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, [And] lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as [for] hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth [come] knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; [He is] a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity [and] every good path.

Solomon was teaching his son that to learn and treasure God’s word would provide direction for every area of life. What is it so hard for Christians to put these truths to practice in everyday life?

What can we do to help a younger generation value the word of God in their lives?

How can the older generation lead men into incorporating this truth into their lives?

Ps 71:17-18 O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.

Take the time now to begin writing your story how knowing Jesus and His word has impacted different areas of your life.