Building a Godly Legacy for Future Generations

 

Summary

Legacy is a profound theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of what we pass on to future generations. Proverbs 13:22 highlights that a good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, underscoring the necessity of thinking beyond the present and planning for the future. This three-generational mindset is crucial for being deemed a good man in God's eyes. The story of Judges illustrates the chaos that ensues when a generation fails to know God, leading to a society where everyone does what is right in their own eyes. This societal chaos is often rooted in the failure of men to build a spiritual legacy, as God holds men responsible for the legacy they leave behind.

The Bible consistently places the responsibility of legacy on men, as seen in the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is not to diminish the role of women but to highlight the accountability placed on men. The story of Asher, the seventh son of Jacob, serves as a powerful example. Raised in a dysfunctional family, Asher's early life was marked by chaos and deception. His father, Jacob, was known as a trickster, and this trait was passed down to his sons, leading to the betrayal of their brother Joseph. Despite this tumultuous background, Asher's story is one of transformation and redemption.

The key message is that one's past does not have to dictate their future. Regardless of how dysfunctional or chaotic one's upbringing may have been, there is always the opportunity for change and the creation of a new legacy. This principle applies to everyone, but it is especially pertinent to men, who are called to rise to the challenge of biblical manhood. By embracing this responsibility, men can break the cycle of dysfunction and build a legacy that honors God and blesses future generations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Generational Mindset: A good man is one who thinks generationally, planning not just for his immediate future but for his children's children. This mindset aligns with God's view of goodness, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning and legacy building. [00:48]

2. Consequences of Neglect: The chaos described in Judges serves as a warning of what happens when a generation fails to pass on spiritual values. Without a spiritual legacy, society descends into chaos, as everyone does what is right in their own eyes. [01:55]

3. Responsibility of Men: God holds men accountable for the legacy they leave. This responsibility is not about diminishing the role of women but about recognizing the unique role men play in shaping the spiritual and moral fabric of their families. [03:06]

4. Transformation is Possible: Asher's story is a testament to the possibility of transformation. Despite a dysfunctional upbringing, he was able to change his legacy, demonstrating that one's past does not have to determine their future. [06:28]

5. Breaking the Cycle: The opportunity to change one's legacy is available to all, regardless of past mistakes or family dysfunction. By embracing biblical principles, individuals can break the cycle of dysfunction and create a new, God-honoring legacy. [06:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - The Importance of Legacy
- [00:33] - Three-Generational Thinking
- [01:03] - The Good Man's Responsibility
- [01:22] - Biblical Examples of Legacy
- [01:38] - The Chaos of Judges
- [01:55] - Spiritual Baton Transfer
- [02:28] - Societal Chaos and Legacy
- [03:06] - Men's Accountability
- [03:48] - Introduction to Asher
- [04:10] - Asher's Family Background
- [05:08] - Dysfunctional Upbringing
- [06:14] - Transformation of Asher
- [06:55] - Changing Your Legacy

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Legacy and Responsibility

Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 13:22 - "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children."
2. Judges 2:10 - "After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel."

---

Observation Questions:
1. According to Proverbs 13:22, what distinguishes a "good man" in terms of legacy? How does this relate to the concept of a three-generational mindset? [00:33]
2. What was the consequence in Judges 2:10 when a generation failed to know God? How did this affect the society described in the book of Judges? [01:38]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of men in building a spiritual legacy, and what biblical examples are used to illustrate this responsibility? [02:28]
4. What transformation did Asher undergo, and how does his story serve as an example of changing one's legacy? [06:28]

---

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the responsibility of men in shaping the spiritual and moral fabric of their families? What implications does this have for understanding biblical manhood? [02:47]
2. In what ways does the story of Asher illustrate the possibility of transformation despite a dysfunctional upbringing? How does this relate to the sermon's message about legacy? [06:28]
3. How does the sermon connect the societal chaos described in Judges to the failure of passing on spiritual values? What lessons can be drawn from this connection? [01:55]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of planning for future generations, and how does this align with God's view of goodness? [00:48]

---

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are you currently thinking generationally in your planning and actions? What steps can you take to ensure you are leaving a positive legacy for future generations? [00:48]
2. Consider the spiritual values you are passing on to others. How can you be more intentional in transferring these values to the next generation? [01:55]
3. If you have experienced a dysfunctional upbringing, how can Asher's story inspire you to transform your legacy? What practical steps can you take to initiate this change? [06:28]
4. How can you embrace the responsibility of biblical manhood in your family or community? What specific actions can you take to fulfill this role? [02:47]
5. Identify an area in your life where you may be doing what is right in your own eyes rather than following God's guidance. How can you realign your actions with biblical principles? [01:55]
6. Think about a past mistake or family dysfunction that you feel has impacted your life. What is one tangible way you can begin to break that cycle and create a new, God-honoring legacy? [06:55]
7. How can you support others in your community who are striving to change their legacy? What role can you play in encouraging and guiding them? [06:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Generational Vision for Legacy
A good man is one who thinks generationally, planning not just for his immediate future but for his children's children. This mindset aligns with God's view of goodness, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning and legacy building. Proverbs 13:22 highlights this principle, urging individuals to consider the impact of their actions on future generations. By adopting a three-generational mindset, one can ensure that their legacy is not only material but also spiritual, fostering a lineage that honors God and upholds His values. This approach requires intentionality and foresight, as it involves making decisions today that will benefit descendants tomorrow. [00:48]

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate." (Psalm 145:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure that your legacy positively impacts your children's children, both materially and spiritually?


Day 2: The Perils of Spiritual Neglect
The chaos described in Judges serves as a warning of what happens when a generation fails to pass on spiritual values. Without a spiritual legacy, society descends into chaos, as everyone does what is right in their own eyes. This lack of spiritual direction leads to moral relativism and societal disarray, highlighting the critical role of spiritual inheritance. By neglecting to instill spiritual values in the next generation, individuals risk contributing to a culture devoid of moral compass and divine guidance. It is a call to action for each person to actively engage in the spiritual formation of those who follow, ensuring that God's principles are upheld and passed down. [01:55]

"And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." (Judges 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in passing on spiritual values to the next generation to prevent societal chaos?


Day 3: Men's Unique Role in Legacy
God holds men accountable for the legacy they leave. This responsibility is not about diminishing the role of women but about recognizing the unique role men play in shaping the spiritual and moral fabric of their families. The Bible consistently places this responsibility on men, as seen in the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Men are called to rise to the challenge of biblical manhood, embracing their role as spiritual leaders and moral guides. By doing so, they can create a legacy that honors God and blesses future generations, ensuring that their influence extends beyond their lifetime. [03:06]

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace your role as a spiritual leader in your family, and how can you begin to implement this today?


Day 4: Transformation Beyond the Past
Asher's story is a testament to the possibility of transformation. Despite a dysfunctional upbringing, he was able to change his legacy, demonstrating that one's past does not have to determine their future. This principle applies to everyone, offering hope and encouragement that change is possible regardless of past circumstances. By embracing God's transformative power, individuals can break free from the chains of their past and create a new legacy that reflects God's love and grace. It is a reminder that redemption and renewal are always within reach for those who seek it. [06:28]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What aspects of your past do you need to let go of to embrace the new legacy God has for you?


Day 5: Breaking the Cycle of Dysfunction
The opportunity to change one's legacy is available to all, regardless of past mistakes or family dysfunction. By embracing biblical principles, individuals can break the cycle of dysfunction and create a new, God-honoring legacy. This involves a conscious decision to reject the patterns of the past and to forge a new path rooted in faith and obedience to God. It is a call to action for individuals to take responsibility for their legacy, ensuring that it reflects God's values and blesses future generations. [06:55]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: What specific patterns or behaviors do you need to change to break the cycle of dysfunction in your life and create a God-honoring legacy?

Quotes


the bible has a lot to say about legacy about what is passed on to the next generation and beyond in fact proverbs chapter 13 verse 20 2 says a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children translation a bad man leaves no inheritance to his children's children so if there is no future planning you cannot be dubbed a good man because a good man is not only thinking about what's happening with him today but what will happen on a three-generational level he's concerned about today he's concerned about his children and that he's concerned about his children's children his grandchildren so a man who's not three generationally minded god says he's not a good man because he's not thinking long term he may only be thinking about today as though tomorrow will never come so every man all of us as christians but specifically to men a good man has to be generationally minded at least three generations long for god to call you good [00:01:12]

in judges chapter 2 verse 10 it says that they grew up a generation who did not know joseph who did not know as god and as a result chaos ensued and when you read the book of judges you have a culture in perpetual chaos because there was a transfer of the spiritual baton that did not occur in fact the book of judges says and every man did that which was right in his own eyes because there was no king in those days there was no standard that had been passed on today we live in a day of societal chaos and that chaos can be rooted back to men who refuse to build a spiritual legacy many refuse to man up to god's requirement for biblical manhood and like it or not god starts with holding the man responsible for how the legacy works out or does not [00:01:38]

god says i am the god of abraham isaac and jacob he never says i am the god of sarah rebecca and rachel it's not because he's against the women it's just that the man was responsible the whole condemnation of the human race is tied to a man the bible says in adam all die doesn't say in adam and eve only in adam the man all die that is because the man was held responsible so like it or not or not that's just the way it is [00:03:06]

asher is the seventh son of jacob he is the first son of zilpah the seventh son of jacob if he's the seventh son of jacob that means he's been raised in a dysfunctional family because as far as jacob's family was concerned papa was a rolling stone wherever he laid his hat was his home because jacob had 12 kids by four different women jacob created chaos in his family asher the seventh son of jacob participated with his brothers in putting joseph into the pit so he was part of the conniving group of siblings that wanted to ruin their brother's life his daddy jacob was known as the trickster or deceiver he knew how to game and so he played games all of his life and that rolled over to his children so jacob the patriarch created havoc in his family due to his deception it rubbed off on his boys his boys destroyed or tried to destroy one of their brothers he wasn't raised in a good healthy home environment it wasn't the kind of environment that would been have been inducive to an orderly family structure [00:04:10]

there are men here and since he had a daughter there are women here who have been raised in dysfunctional families well before you ever get the first chronicles chapter seven that's asha that's his history and his background it's not a pretty one it's not to be one to be proud of but somewhere along the line there was a transformation that occurred in the life of ashland because when we read about him here in 1st corinthians chapter 7 we're going to give you some good news so the good news that i want to give all of us here today especially the men but the principle applies to all of us is that your past doesn't have to determine your future that no matter how messed up your yesterday was does not have to control what your tomorrow will be like that you have an option to change your legacy [00:06:14]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 07, 2021. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?