Bible examples of generational decline

  • Abraham, Isaac, Esau
    • Genesis 12:7; 13:4, 18; 22:9 – Abraham’s faith
    • Genesis 26:25; 25:28 – Though still faithful, Isaac was more focused on worldly things than his father.
    • Genesis 25:29-34 – Esau had no regard for his birthright.
  • David, Solomon, Rehoboam
    • Acts 13:22
    • I Kings 1:5-6; 11:1-6 – David didn’t rebuke his sons in the way he should have.
    • I Kings 14:22-24
  • Israel
    • Judges 2:7-12

How does this happen?

  • Time is viewed differently
    • Isaiah 6:8; John 8:33, 39-40
  • Authority is viewed differently
    • Genesis 12:4 – “So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him.”
    • Matthew 15:8-9; II Timothy 3:5-7; Romans 10:1-3
  • A different focus in life
    • Hebrews 11:8-10; Deuteronomy 6:10-12; 32:15

How do we stop the decline?

  • For the third generation …
    • Study and teach – Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:7
      • In everything you do, be teaching!
  • For the second generation …
    • Try to remember your place – Revelation 3:14-19
  • For the first generation …
    • Hold onto your faith – I Peter 5:5-9

Conclusion

  • Luke 16:27-31