Lesson 98: Investing in the Next Generation
Key Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:6–7, Titus 2:3–5
Teaching Points
Mature Believers Should Mentor Others
Key Verse:
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
— 2 Timothy 2:2
Mature Believers Should Mentor Others
God never intended for our spiritual growth to stop with us. As we grow in Christ, we should help others grow as well. Paul instructed Timothy to take what he had learned and pass it on to faithful believers who could teach others.
A mature Christian has something valuable to offer—wisdom gained through Scripture, prayer, obedience, trials, failures, and years of walking with Christ. We should not keep those lessons to ourselves.
Mentoring does not require a formal program. It can happen through conversations, Bible study, prayer, serving together, or simply allowing a younger believer to observe how we live.
Ask yourself: Who am I helping to grow spiritually?
Spiritual Wisdom Is Meant to Be Shared
The wisdom God gives us is not merely for our own benefit. Proverbs says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
When mature believers share what they have learned, they help others avoid mistakes, understand Scripture more clearly, and develop greater confidence in their walk with Christ.
We should be humble when we teach. We are not sharing because we know everything, but because God has taught us something that may benefit someone else.
Ask yourself: What has God taught me that could help another believer?
Discipleship Ensures Continued Growth in the Church
A healthy church is a church where believers are continually helping other believers grow. Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Discipleship creates a spiritual chain of influence:
Christ teaches us → we teach others → they teach others.
This is one way the faith is preserved and strengthened from one generation to the next.
The goal is not simply to fill the church with people who attend services. The goal is to develop believers who know Christ, love His Word, live faithfully, and are capable of helping others do the same.
A Challenge for Today
If you are a mature believer, don’t ask only, “How can I grow?” Ask also, “Who can I help grow?”
Someone younger in the faith may need your encouragement. Someone struggling may need your wisdom. Someone beginning to serve may need your example.
Your spiritual maturity becomes even more valuable when you use it to help someone else mature.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the people who have invested in my spiritual life. Help me not to keep what I have learned to myself. Give me opportunities to encourage, teach, and disciple others. Use my life to strengthen Your church and help the next generation of believers grow in faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Discussion Questions
- Who can you encourage spiritually?
- Why is mentoring important?
- What have others taught you?
Practical Application
Intentionally spend time encouraging a younger believer.
Mentoring others
Sharing wisdom
Multiplying disciples