From Generation to Generation

Introduction

The Silent Generation: Born 1928-1945.

Baby Boomers: Born 1946-1964.

Generation X: Born 1965-1980.

Millennials: Born 1981-1996.

Generation Z: Born 1997-2012.

Generation Alpha: Born 2013-2024.

Generation Beta: Projected to be born 2025-2039. 

Raise your had if you recognize this phrase as one your generation used:

“Sus” – suspicious (Gen Z)

“Psych!” – just kidding (Gen X)

“Cat’s meow” – something great or impressive (Silent Generation)

“Gnarly” – both cool and gross (Gen X)

“Groovy” – cool, excellent (Boomers)

“Throw shade” – subtly insult (Millenial)

“Made in the shade” – in a good or easy situation (Silent Generation)

“Catch you on the flip side” – see you later (Boomers)

“Rizz” – charisma or charm (Gen Alpha)

Generations are different. But we learn from each other — or at least, we should.

Psalm 145

This is the last of the Psalms of David in our Bible

It is an acrostic (every letter except nun)

It is certainly a Psalm of Praise - look at all the synonyms for “praise” used in this chapter:

Extol (1)

Bless (1, 2, 10, 21)

Praise (2, 3, 21)

Commend (4)

[God’s wondrous works]

Speak (6)

Psalm 145:7 (ESV) 7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

Give thanks (10)

This Psalm is not only about praising God for His greatness, it is about praising God to the next generation.

Psalm 145:4 (ESV) 4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

 šbḥ sing praises, laud

“Shall commend” is in the Piel form:

Key points about Piel and Yiqtol: 

The Piel often adds nuance to the action, making it stronger, more complete, or more focused. Intensification:

shavar (to break)Qal: 

shibber (to shatter/smash)Piel: 

y'shabber (he will shatter/smash) Yiqtol (Piel):

KJV - shall praise your works

Reasons one generation will tell another:

it’s God’s plan 

It’s plan A and B

It’s a relational method to tell of a relational God

God could give individual revelations to each of us - that would make us persons of God, but we are the people of God 

Hints at family discipleship

It shows the story of God (the gospel) is cross-generational (not just cross-cultural)

Not a fad of one generation

It’s an everlasting method for an everlasting message 

We are going to do application as we do exposition.

The first thing to be praised is:

God’s Greatness (1-3)

Psalm 145:3 (ESV) 3 Great is the Lord, and greatly (strongly)to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

Praise God because of who He is.

What is it that you love most about God’s character?

See Him!

God’s Power (5-7)

Psalm 145:5–7 ESV

5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. 6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. 7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

Praise God for his power

Where have you seen God’s good power at work?

Stand in awe.

God’s Grace (8-9)

Psalm 145:8–9 (ESV) 8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

Praise God because of His grace and kindness.

Where has God shown you His favor and grace?

Thank Him.

God’s Gospel (10-13)

10- “Saints” - faithful - we are saints because of His gospel only

Psalm 145:11–12 ESV

11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, 12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Jesus came to establish God’s kingdom through the gospel.

See how David understands it is to be made known to all humans?

Praise God for using people to advance His kingdom.

How has God used you to spread the gospel?

Be prepared.

God’s Provision (14-21)

14 - Lifts those who are down

Psalm 145:14 ESV

14 The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

15-17 - Provides for physical needs

Psalm 145:15–16 ESV

15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

18-21 - Rescues those in suffering

Praise God because of how He has provided for your needs and your hurts.

Where has God provided for you in an amazing way?

Trust Him.

Psalm 145:21 ESV

21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

Psalm 145:2 ESV

2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.

*Is this true of you? Will you declare to the next / previous generation? How?