2. IRRESPONSIBLE CONDUCT (Judges 2:6 - 3:6)

Judges 2:10 "And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel." (KJV)

The generation of Joshua and his immediate successors remained true to the Lord, having witnessed the great works which the Lord had done for Israel (Joshua 24:28-31 ). The conduct of the generation of the history of the Judges is explained:

The elders of Joshua's day did not raise others nor train them, nor, it seems, seek God for continuity of leadership. We need to heed Paul's instructions to Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (NKJV)

Teaching the next generation to know the Lord was a central requirement of God's law.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (KJV)

We cannot leave instruction in knowledge of the Lord to the church or christian school. First responsibility is with us as parents. We should not be content until our children know the Lord in a personal relationship.

The good news we received and were made obedient to, was accompanied with mighty works of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 2:4 "God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?" (NKJV)

Romans 15:18-19"For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." (KJV)

The promise of the same baptism of power is for each generation till Jesus returns.

Acts 2:38-39"Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." (NKJV)

Demonstration and mighty signs of the Lord's mighty works, as proof that He is the risen, living Lord, are His purpose for each generation. Failure in obtaining succeeding leadership, and in teaching knowledge of the Lord and absence through unbelief of the Lord's mighty works, produces a spiritually bankrupt generation.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What do you expect of present day leadership, to ensure that the succeeding generation knows the Lord? (Judges 2:10; 2 Timothy 2:2 ).
2. How important is it for each generation to know the Lord's mighty works? (Judges 2:10; Hebrews 2:4; Romans 15:18-19; Acts 2:38-39 ).