Introduction

• Judges 2:6-10 – “know” means to regard or esteem God. They knew of God, but did not esteem Him.
• Apostasy doesn’t happen overnight. It often happens after years of unaddressed spiritual problems.
• Apostasy often has outside help. Possibly even parents and elders.

Things that can produce “another” generation

Young people not encouraged to ask “why”

• Acts 17:11 – This advice is good for others and for us.

• John 20:24-25

  • There are two kinds of doubt:

    • “I doubt it!” – refusal to budge from a position

    • “I doubt it?” – honest doubt seeking answers

  • Thomas had the right kind of doubt. He was willing to believe, but wanted reason to.

• Paul Little, paraphrased – Children who ask questions to adults with a high shock index are quickly taken aback by their reaction and switch to towing the party line. They quietly wait until the pressure to conform is reduced and then leave a faith that was never really their own.

Pressure to become a Christian

• Galatians 4:19
• We can’t force people to be Christians. We should be leading people to Christ.
• Even after people are baptized, don’t leave them. Help them grow.
• I Peter 3:15
• We need more real disciples of Christ!
• Luke 17:20-21 – The kingdom of God is within you! Kingdom here means the rule of God in your heart.

Self-righteous people

• Luke 18:9
• II Corinthians 10:12

Hypocrites

• Romans 2:17-24 – The name of the Lord was blasphemed because of their hypocrisy!
• Little eyes and ears pick up on hypocrisy and it can stay with them for years.
• Galatians 5:13-15 – Don’t bite and devour each other!