OceanSide church of Christ

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THE POWER OF THE PREVIOUS GENERATION

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   The words “grandparent” and “grandfather” are not found in the Bible.  There is only one place in the Bible where we read the word “grandmother.”  It is found in II Timothy 1:5; and it is used in a positive way.

 

When I call to remembrance the unfeign faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grand- mother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

 

B.    Since the days when the first couple’s children had children, grandparents have existed.

 

C.   There are numerous ways of classifying grandparents:

1.     Proximity and involvement:

a.     Never see

b.    Live away

c.    Live near

d.    Live-ins

e.     Live with

 

2.     Personality:

a.     Pollyanna grandparents:  one who is always available and ready to help

b.    Grumpy grandparents:  grumbles a lot about the grandchildren

c.    Take charge grandparents;  the welfare of the grandchildren depends on them

d.    Migratory grandparents:  swoops in to visit, and then is gone

e.     Laboratory grandparents:  learn, learn, learn

f.     Cool grandparents:  up to date on all things new and techie

 

D.   Regardless of your personality type, if you have a relationship with your grandchildren, you have numerous powers at your disposal.

1.     These powers can greatly impact your grandchildren.

2.     Most of us use them without giving them much thought.

 

I.           THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIP

 

A.   Definition:

1.     An emotional bond that is formed between two or more people.

2.     This bond is held together by love, genuine interest, and communication.

B.    The power comes from the fact that you are not the parent, but you have a connection to the parent.

1.     Advice

2.     Mediator in disputes

3.     Encourager of both grandchildren and their parents

 

II.         THE POWER OF FAITHFULFNESS

 

A.   Definition:  A faithful person is one who is a Christian and who lives his Christian life daily.

 

B.    Proverbs 16:31

 

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

 

C.   This power manifests itself in many ways:

1.     You are able to take your children before the throne of God (I Tim. 2:1).

 

I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.

 

2.     Your knowledge of truth enables you to be a teacher of truth to your grandchildren.  Timothy’s faith dwelled first in his grandmother Lois (II Tim. 1:5).

3.     You are able to live a life of faithfulness before your children.  This life can be one that can be remembered when you die.

 

III.       THE POWER OF REFINEMENT

 

A.   Older individuals have been through the storms and trials of life.  These are intended to refine one’s character.

1.     Romans 5:3-4

 

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulations worketh patience; and patience experience, and experience, hope.

 

2.     James 1:2-4

 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing.

3.     I Peter 1:6-7

 

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

 

B.    Out of a sterling character should come wonderful counsel.

1.     Sinful activities

2.     Proper use of the tongue

3.     Anger

4.     Relationships

5.     Christian living

6.     Work ethics

 

C.   NOTE:  Some older individuals have not developed a good character.  If not, they do not need to try to teach their grandchildren.  Their hypocrisy hinders their proclamation (See Romans 2:24).

 

For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

 

IV.        THE POWER OF TIME

 

A.   Many grandparents are retired, or, they only work part-time jobs.  This gives them time to spend with their grandchildren.

 

B.    Time is a powerful thing that is on your side.

1.     Time helps to build relationships.

2.     Time produces “quality” moments.  (NOTE:  It is difficult to schedule quality time with children without spending much time with them).

3.     Time helps us to build lasting memories.

4.     Time enables us to teach, train, and reinforce important concepts and lessons.

 

C.   We should not take time lightly.  It must redeemed for it soon passes away (Eph. 5:16).

 

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

 

 

 

V.          THE POWER OF SKILLS

 

A.   Most grandparents have been trained in some very special areas that can be passed on to their grandchildren:  cooking, gardening, canning, quilting, yard work, selling, trading, framing, collecting, etc.

 

B.    Many of these skills are lost arts.  Many of these skills are not appreciated by youth.  However, as they get older they wish they could do some of these things.

 

C.   Some suggestions:

1.     Start early.

2.     Be very intentional in your training.

3.     Try to make it as fun as possible.

4.     Teach at least the basics so the child can come back to it later in life.

 

D.   NOTE:  In Judaism, every child was given a trade.  Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3), and Paul was a tent-maker (Acts 18:3).

 

VI.        THE POWER OF MONEY

 

A.   Once children leave the house, parents are often able to accumulate some wealth.  If they have saved well, they have a decent nest egg at retirement.

 

B.    Their funds are often used to spoil their grandchildren.  This is okay to an extent.

 

C.   The power of money, however, can be used to assist in other ways:

1.     Training in skills

2.     Education

3.     Medical

4.     Mission work

5.     Children’s retirement

6.     Production of memories

 

VII.      THE POWER OF HISTORY

 

A.   Grandparents are often the only link their grandchildren have to their ancestry.

 

B.    Family history, ancestors, and stories from the past are exciting and beneficial to children.

C.   Some factors that can aid in teaching the history of one’s family to the grandchildren:  family gatherings, warm evenings, and sitting outside.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Grandparents have more power than they might imagine when it comes to their grandchildren.

1.     It must be realized.

2.     It must be harnessed.

3.     It must be properly applied.

 

B.    Proverbs 17:6

 

Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.