Recap:
Psalm 145:4 – “One generation will loudly praise your works to another, and they will speak of your mighty actions.”
This morning, you came to the right service because we’re launching a brand-new series—Generational Spiritual Wealth. It’s a mouthful, but this is a word God has been stirring in our church.
This whole idea started with a conversation I had with Kari Pirtle. She told me about a moment God spoke to her about her grandmother’s faith—not her money, not her possessions—but her spiritual wealth. It was an inheritance of faith that shaped her life. That’s what sparked this series.
Over the next several weeks, we’re diving into this concept of spiritual wealth—what it is, how God gives it, and how we’re called to pass it on. And for those of you in Connect Groups, we’ve created a study to go even deeper. If you’re not in a group, now’s a perfect time to jump in. This series isn’t just for us—it’s for the generation coming after us.
Psalm 145:4 is our anchor verse.
Let’s read it together:
“One generation will loudly praise your works to another, and they will speak of your mighty actions.”
This verse makes something clear: what God has done in your life is not meant to stop with you. It’s meant to overflow—to your kids, your grandkids, your neighbors, your coworkers—the next generation.
Let’s talk about wealth.
When you hear “generational wealth,” you probably think of families like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, or Elon Musk passing down billions. But all of that wealth? Temporary. You don’t take it with you when you die.
But the Bible says if you’re a believer in Jesus—you’re spiritually loaded! Paul says in Ephesians 1 that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing:
- We’ve been chosen, redeemed, forgiven.
- We’ve been given wisdom, hope, authority, and an eternal inheritance.
No billionaire can buy what you already have in Christ.
Turn to your neighbor and say, “You’re rich.”
Now turn to your other neighbor and say, “No, really—you’re spiritually rich.”
The Prodigal Son: A Wealth Wake-Up Call
Jesus tells a story in Luke 15 about a son who squandered his father’s wealth. He didn’t value what he had, so he wasted it, ending up broke and eating pig food.
I wonder—how many of us take for granted the spiritual wealth God has given us? We forget the miracle of forgiveness, peace, and the Holy Spirit living in us. Like the prodigal, we walk away from the Father and live independently. And independence leads to ruin.
But then comes the turning point: “He came to his senses.” He ran back to his father, expecting shame—but instead, he received restoration.
The Father Restores:
The father gives three things:
- A ring: Authority. He says, “You represent me. What’s mine is yours.” You have authority over the enemy and access to God’s peace.
- A robe: Honor. You’re clothed in righteousness, seated with Christ, favored by God.
- Shoes: Sonship. You’re not a servant; you’re a son or daughter of the King.
This wealth isn’t just for you to enjoy. It’s for you to steward, invest, and multiply.
A Warning:
Many of us have made Christianity all about me: “I want peace. I want blessing. I want God to fix my life.” If it stops with us, that wealth becomes stagnant. God blesses you so you can bless others. You were meant to take that ring of authority, that robe of righteousness, and those shoes of sonship into a broken world.
The Challenge:
Psalm 145:4 calls us to loudly praise God’s works to another generation.
Here’s your homework: What’s one story of God’s faithfulness you can share this week?
- Parents, tell your kids your salvation story.
- Singles, share with a coworker or friend how God changed your life.
- Empty nesters, open your home and invest in younger believers.
Don’t hoard your spiritual wealth. Invest it. Because we’re not just living for today—we’re investing for eternity.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, we repent for taking your blessings for granted. Open our eyes to see the wealth you’ve given us—authority, honor, sonship. Restore our hearts, and give us boldness to pass it on. May we be a generation that loudly praises your works and tells the next generation about your mighty acts. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Group Questions:
Icebreaker Questions
- What’s one valuable thing (not money) that was passed down to you from a parent, grandparent, or mentor?
- If you could receive an inheritance of any skill or talent from someone, what would it be and why?
- Think of a family tradition that means a lot to you—how did it shape who you are today?
Sermon Recap Prompt
Read Psalm 145:4 together:
“One generation will loudly praise your works to another, and they will speak of your mighty actions.”
This verse paints a picture of faith being intentionally passed down like an inheritance.
Discussion Questions
- Spiritual Wealth Defined:
In your own words, how would you describe “spiritual wealth”? What stood out to you most about this idea from the message? - Taking Inventory:
Ephesians 1 lists blessing after blessing believers have in Christ (forgiveness, peace, authority, purpose, etc.).- Which one of those spiritual blessings do you take for granted most often?
- Which one do you feel most grateful for today?
- Prodigal Son Parallel:
The sermon flipped the story of the prodigal son, asking if we take our spiritual wealth for granted.- Have you ever had a moment where you “came to your senses” spiritually, like the prodigal?
- How did that moment change your walk with God?
- Ring, Robe, Shoes:
The father restored the son with a ring (authority), a robe (honor), and shoes (sonship).- Which of these three symbols speaks most deeply to your spiritual life right now, and why?
- How would your daily life look different if you truly lived in the authority and identity God has given you?
- Passing It Down:
Psalm 145:4 calls us to loudly praise God’s works to the next generation.- What’s one story of God’s faithfulness you could intentionally share with someone younger in the faith this week?
- How can our group help each other be more intentional about “investing” our spiritual wealth?
Action Step
- Identify one person this week (child, friend, coworker, neighbor) with whom you can share a story of God’s faithfulness. Pray for them by name as a group before you leave.
Prayer Focus
Invite group members to:
- Thank God for the “ring, robe, and shoes” He’s given them.
- Repent for taking spiritual wealth for granted.
- Pray for boldness to invest spiritual wealth into others.