The Older Teach the Younger

I. Introduction: Godly experience is a valuable asset. Living a life with God will make you rich in wisdom, wisdom that can be shared with others. A principle of the New Testament is for the older to teach the younger. (Replace with real introduction)

II. Parents teaching children

A. The most natural way that the older teach the younger is parents teaching their children.

B. Parents teach by example.

C. Many parents have been embarrassed to hear their child repeat something that they said in anger or frustration. Children emulate their parents from a very young age: putting on their parents shoes, trying makeup, trying to sit like the parent. The way we deal with situations—our calmness, frustration, fairness, or anger—will teach them to react to similar situations the same way.

D. Our children watch everything we do, therefore we must be diligent to show a proper example.

E. 1 Corinthians 11:1 – we must be able to say like Paul, “Imitate me.” Young people, when your parents mess up, and they ask you to forgive them for a bad example in something that they did, please forgive them and learn with them.

F. Parents, if you did not handle a situation correctly, do not explain it away, try to rationalize it, but promptly seek forgiveness from your God and, if necessary, your children.

G. You will teach them not to rationalize things but to accept responsibility. You will become stronger by accepting responsibility.

H. Parents teach by word.

I. Ephesians 6:4 – Fathers have the special responsibility to teach their children the faith.

J. Some have given this responsibility to the mothers citing lack of time or knowledge. Fathers have no right to abdicate this responsibility, mothers have their role, but the fathers have been commanded to teach. Fathers, if you feel that you do not have enough time, look at your schedule, something must go to make time for this great responsibility. Fathers, if you feel that you do not have the knowledge, you must make a special effort to get that knowledge, if it means great sacrifices, you must make them; your family is depending on you. If you build a house, it will eventually crumble and be destroyed; if you write a book, it will be forgotten; if you build up a business, it may fail; but if you build character, spirituality, and godliness—if you build a Christian—your work will last for generations and, ultimately, for an eternity.

K. Parents teach their children by bringing them to Bible class.

L. Read “Mary Had A Little Boy” The church here is blessed with many talented teachers and the children are able to learn the Bible in such an effective way. The children also see other godly examples—the teachers in their classes. They will not and cannot get all of their spiritual education here, but it is an important addition to their knowledge.

M. Remember, if we think that they are too young to learn, we are likely wrong.

N. Even Annalyn, who will soon be two, can fill in the names of Bible songs (such as the apostles).They can learn a lot and we must teach them before they can even speak.

III. Older people teach younger people

A. Much has been made of the “mentor” relationship in the business world.

B. As we get older, we can continue to learn from those who are more experienced and have handled things correctly. As we are discussing this point, remember, the younger may be in their 30’s or 40’s. The older and more experienced brethren have much good advice for dealing with problems in the church, business, and home based on their experience and trials.

C. We are foolish not to seek their guidance.

D. 1 Kings 12:1-16 (summarize) Proverbs 1:5: “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” Proverbs 12:15: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Get wise counsel, listen to those who have been successful with the issue that concerns you (ie., child-rearing, business)

E. We teach by example

F. In business meetings or dealing with our brethren the older men teach the younger men how to behave, treat one another, respect one another but they can also teach pettiness, maliciousness, arrogance, and divisiveness. In public service—prayers, singing, the Lord’s supper—men are teaching the boys how to lead; we should do so with a fervent heart, diligent effort and reverence. Others will follow our example.

G. By teaching them lessons.

H. Regardless of the age, older people—men and women—teach younger people, by taking the time to admonish, encourage and even rebuke. Proverbs 9:8-9: “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 15:31-33 We must love our brethren enough to point out things that are wrong. We must love our brethren enough to point out things that are right.

I. We must take time with those who are younger, to supplement their parental teaching with wisdom and encouragement.

J. An older man (only about 15 years older) taught me much about computers, something that has helped me all my life. He also taught me principles, when I wanted to copy a computer program he reminded me of the effort that went into a program that we had written and then applied the golden rule: would you want someone to take it? If you depended on that for your livelihood, would you want someone to copy it without paying you? I learned much about preaching, and developed a good work ethic from an older preacher who was concerned enough to help me grow. We must seek opportunities to reach out to others, to help them grow; we must look beyond the walls of our house for those who could use our friendship, a helping hand, and perhaps guidance.

IV. Older women teach the younger women, Titus 2:3-5.

A. We do not have the family structure like generations before where the family lived and worked together.

B. Young mothers, struggling with the kids, their spouse, and perhaps a job, could use sage advice from someone who has been down that road.

C. Why teach “love of husbands and children?”

D. We would think that this is natural. Wives need wisdom dealing with husbands. We can be illogical, selfish, insensitive, childish brutes at times. However, things get stressful, confusing, frustrating, and hopeless. A wise woman, who has been through this can point to the light at the end of the tunnel, and can give wisdom for handling it all. I believe that many marriages that have failed could have been saved if young married couples, in the midst of seemingly insurmountable problems, would seek the advice of those who have been happily married for years, who have reared good children; instead of seeking advice from their friends who are in the same boat.

E. Age and wisdom can lead many troubled people and troubled couples through the storms and to a quiet harbor.

F. Ask for advice and help! Don’t be proud and stubborn. There is a lot of bad advice around, ask someone who has been successful with the issue you have. If you are asked, don’t dismiss the question or give a witty or pithy answer; honestly answer the questioner with your wisdom.

V. Conclusion: God gave us to one another. Let us use one another as counselors so that through our shared wisdom and experience, we can help one another through life and on to heaven.

VI. MARY HAD A LITTLE BOY

VII. Blake Martin

VIII. Mary had a little boy,

A. His soul seemed white as snow.

IX. He never went to Bible class

A. ‘Cause Mary wouldn’t go.

X. He missed the Bible stories

A. That thrill the childish mind;

XI. While other children went to class

A. This boy was left behind.

XII. And as he grew from babe to youth,

A. Mary — to her dismay —

XIII. Saw the soul that once seemed white.

A. Was turning dingy gray.

XIV. Knowing now that he was lost,

A. She tried to win him back.

XV. Alas! The soul of the boy she loved

A. Had turned an ugly black.

XVI. Now Mary goes to Bible class

A. And stays for preaching, too;

XVII. She begs the preacher, “Isn’t there

A. A thing that you can do?”

XVIII. He tries and fails and then he says,

A. “We’re just too far behind.”

XIX. “You warned me years ago,” she cries

A. “But I would pay no mind.”

XX. And so another soul is lost

A. That once seemed white as snow.

XXI. He would have gone to Bible class

A. But Mary wouldn’t go.