Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

From Generation to Generation

Mark Robinson · July 2, 2022

Psalm 78

sharonrpc.org/sermons/from-generation-to-generation

Summary

Psalm 78 retells Israel's history so that each generation will hope in God, remember his works, and keep his commandments.
God ordinarily advances his church across generations, calling adults to teach children who will in turn teach children not yet born.
Covenant succession requires deliberate instruction in God's works and words; trust and obedience do not arise through mere proximity or habit.
Israel's repeated rebellion exposes the deeper problem of an unsteadfast, divided heart even amid abundant outward covenant privileges.
External instruction is necessary, but only the Holy Spirit can renew a stony heart and produce warm, steadfast love for God.
The central story is God's faithfulness in the face of human faithlessness: in compassion he provides atonement and does not abandon his purpose.
Psalm 78 ends with Judah, Zion, and David, directing hope toward Jesus Christ, David's greater Son and the atoning Savior.
The church therefore serves with a long view, planting and teaching in hope that God will preserve a faithful people for generations to come.

Why does Psalm 78 rehearse Israel's history instead of merely listing commands for the present generation?
What three purposes for teaching the next generation appear in Psalm 78:7?
How does a long, generational view protect the church from discouragement over a difficult moment?
What responsibilities belong to parents, older believers, children, and the whole congregation in passing on the faith?
Why did Israel's outward blessings and instruction fail to produce faithfulness in many hearts?
How can catechesis serve the Spirit's work without being mistaken for the power that changes a heart?
Where does Psalm 78 locate hope when God's people repeatedly prove faithless?
What can this congregation do now for the spiritual good of generations it may never personally see?

Covenant succession: The passing of God's truth and worship from one generation to the next through faithful teaching and the Spirit's blessing.
Hope: Confident expectation that God will fulfill his promises to his people through Jesus Christ.
Catechesis: Deliberate oral instruction in God's Word and the truths of the Christian faith.
Steadfast heart: A heart firmly fixed on God in trust, love, and covenant faithfulness rather than divided among rival desires.
Covenant privilege: The outward blessings of receiving God's Word, worship, care, discipline, and life among his people.
Atonement: God's provision for guilt through sacrifice, fulfilled by Jesus Christ bearing sin for his people.
New heart: The Spirit's inward renewal that replaces rebellion with living faith and love for God.
Generational faithfulness: Serving faithfully now with deliberate concern for children, grandchildren, and believers not yet born.