Deuteronomy 6: 1-9 | New Beginnings

Summary

In this sermon, Brennan Fleming reflects on Deuteronomy 6 (The Shema) and its timeless call to love, obey, and fear the Lord while intentionally passing faith on to the next generation. Drawing from his own background as a teacher, husband, father of five, and newly appointed Children’s Ministry Pastor, Brennan reminds us that discipleship does not happen by accident. Instead, it requires purposeful teaching, consistent living, and weaving God’s truth into every part of daily life.

He emphasizes that parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone influencing children are called to model and teach faith both formally (through Scripture and prayer) and informally (through daily conversations, family worship, and how we live). The message underscores two key takeaways:

1. Fear and obey the Lord — reverence for God is the beginning of wisdom.

2. Discipleship is intentional — influencing the next generation requires commitment, time, and action in everyday life.

Key Scripture

• Deuteronomy 6:1–9 — The Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might…”

• Psalm 40:1 — Waiting patiently on the Lord.

• 2 Corinthians 6:17–18 — Living consecrated lives.

• Romans 12:1–2 — Presenting our lives as living sacrifices.

• Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ…”

Practical Applications

10 Practical Thoughts on Discipling Children (from Deuteronomy 6)

1. Worldview — Help children see the world through a biblical lens.

2. Turn Up the Volume — Be bold about spiritual conversations in daily life.

3. Prioritize Your Time — Make worship, family, and eternal things central.

4. Serve — Model service to God and others, especially in the church.

5. Engage with Faith Family — Don’t isolate; grow in community with other believers.

6. Family Worship — Lead intentional times of prayer, singing, and Scripture at home.

7. Music — Use songs to plant Scripture and doctrine deep in children’s hearts.

8. Bedtime — Seize nightly opportunities for connection, prayer, and discipleship.

9. Prayer Sticks — Use creative tools to keep prayer consistent and engaging.

10. The Blessing — Speak words of blessing over your children regularly.

Takeaways

• Obedience flows from reverence and love for God.

• Discipleship requires daily intentionality — children “catch” as much as they are “taught.”

• Faith is lived out in small, consistent ways that add up to a powerful testimony.

Relevant Topics

From the provided list, the five most relevant topics are:

1. Discipleship

2. Faith

3. Serving

4. Leadership

5. Family / Marriage (covered under parenting and generational teaching)