Building a Lasting Legacy for Future Generations

 

Summary

Summary:

As we embark on a new year, I want to propose a word that can guide us not just for this year, but for our entire lives: legacy. Each of us will leave a legacy, and the question is, what will it be? For followers of Jesus, the Bible is clear that our legacy should focus on the next generation. Our greatest investment, outside of our immediate family, should be in building a strong, outward-focused church to pass on to those who come after us. This requires time and commitment, but the impact will last for eternity.

Psalm 145:4 reminds us that one generation commends God's works to another. Someone did this for us, and now it's our turn to do it for others. Whether you're a teenager, a young adult, a millennial, or part of the older generation, you have a role to play. For the younger generation, you are called to be an example in your faith, love, and purity. Millennials, with your influence and responsibility, are urged to serve God's purpose in your generation by investing in the next. Older generations are encouraged to disciple and support younger adults, sharing wisdom and faith.

The church is a multi-generational community, and each generation has a unique contribution to make. Whether through direct involvement in kids or youth ministries, or through prayer and mentorship, everyone can play a part in building a legacy that honors God. The purpose of the church is to reach new generations with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and together, we can ensure that the glorious deeds of the Lord are proclaimed to those who come after us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Legacy of Faith: Our lives are meant to build a legacy that honors God by investing in the next generation. This legacy is not just about what we leave behind, but how we live now, focusing on equipping and empowering future followers of Jesus. [29:32]

2. Generational Responsibility: Each generation has a responsibility to pass on the faith. Whether you're young or old, you have a role in discipling and encouraging those who come after you, ensuring that the church remains strong and vibrant. [31:17]

3. Empowering the Young: Young people are called to be examples in their faith, love, and purity. Despite their age, they have the Holy Spirit with them, empowering them to lead and set a pattern of godliness for others to follow. [35:07]

4. Millennial Influence: Millennials, as the largest generation, have significant influence and responsibility. Like King David, they are called to serve God's purpose in their generation, using their resources and influence to build a legacy for those who follow. [39:29]

5. Wisdom of the Elders: Older generations are essential to the church's future, tasked with discipling and supporting younger adults. Their wisdom and experience are invaluable in guiding the next generation in faith and life. [53:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [27:42] - Engaging the Heart for the Lord
- [28:06] - Word for the Year
- [29:17] - The Word: Legacy
- [30:04] - Building a Legacy for the Next Generation
- [31:03] - Eternal Impact Through Time Investment
- [32:14] - The Church's Role in Legacy
- [33:37] - A Call to Younger Generations
- [35:07] - Be an Example in Faith
- [37:01] - Opportunities for Young Adults
- [38:07] - Millennials: The Most Common Generation
- [39:29] - Serving God's Purpose in Our Generation
- [41:56] - Making Time for the Next Generation
- [50:58] - A Word to the Older Generations
- [54:03] - The Power of Prayer and Mentorship
- [56:01] - Investing in the Younger Generation
- [58:07] - The Church's Purpose and Our Role

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Legacy

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 145:4 - "One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts."
2. 1 Timothy 4:12 - "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
3. Acts 13:36 - "Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Psalm 145:4, what is the role of one generation in relation to the next? How does this relate to the concept of legacy discussed in the sermon? [31:17]

2. In 1 Timothy 4:12, what are the specific areas in which young people are encouraged to set an example? How does this align with the sermon’s call to empower the young? [35:07]

3. How did King David serve God’s purpose in his generation according to Acts 13:36, and how is this used as an example for Millennials in the sermon? [39:29]

4. What are some ways the sermon suggests that older generations can support and disciple younger generations? [53:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of legacy in the sermon challenge the way individuals currently invest their time and resources? What might need to change to align with this vision? [30:19]

2. What does it mean for young people to be a "pattern of godliness" as mentioned in the sermon, and how can this be practically demonstrated in their daily lives? [35:24]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of serving God’s purpose in one's own generation. How can individuals discern what God’s purpose is for them personally? [41:56]

4. How can older generations effectively disciple younger ones, and what might be some barriers to this that need to be overcome? [53:26]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current commitments. Are there areas where you can make time to invest in the next generation, as the sermon suggests? What specific steps can you take this week to begin this process? [30:47]

2. For those in the younger generation, how can you actively set an example in faith, love, and purity in your current environment, such as school or work? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [35:07]

3. Millennials, consider your influence and resources. How can you use these to serve God’s purpose in your generation? What is one practical way you can start doing this in your community or church? [39:29]

4. If you are part of the older generation, what is one way you can begin to disciple or mentor someone younger? Consider reaching out to someone this week to offer your support or guidance. [53:26]

5. The sermon calls for a multi-generational church focused on the next generations. How can you contribute to this vision in your church community? What role can you play in fostering this environment? [57:51]

6. Identify a young person in your life who you can encourage or support in their faith journey. What is one specific way you can reach out to them this week? [54:03]

7. Consider the legacy you are currently building. What changes might you need to make to ensure it aligns with the biblical vision of passing on faith to the next generation? [29:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Building a Legacy of Faith
Our lives are meant to build a legacy that honors God by investing in the next generation. This legacy is not just about what we leave behind, but how we live now, focusing on equipping and empowering future followers of Jesus. The concept of legacy in a Christian context is deeply rooted in the idea of passing on faith and values to the next generation. It is about living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus and inspires others to do the same. This requires intentionality and a commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of those who will come after us. By investing time, resources, and love into the lives of others, we create a ripple effect that can impact countless lives for eternity. [29:32]

"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." (Deuteronomy 4:9, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally invest in today to help build a legacy of faith? How can you start this process?


Day 2: Embracing Generational Responsibility
Each generation has a responsibility to pass on the faith. Whether you're young or old, you have a role in discipling and encouraging those who come after you, ensuring that the church remains strong and vibrant. This responsibility is not limited to a specific age group but is a collective effort that requires the participation of everyone in the church community. By embracing this responsibility, we ensure that the teachings of Jesus are preserved and that the church continues to thrive. It is a call to action for all believers to actively engage in the spiritual development of others, fostering an environment where faith can flourish across generations. [31:17]

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

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to encourage and disciple someone from a different generation in your church community?


Day 3: Empowering the Young
Young people are called to be examples in their faith, love, and purity. Despite their age, they have the Holy Spirit with them, empowering them to lead and set a pattern of godliness for others to follow. This empowerment is not just about personal growth but also about influencing others positively. Young believers are encouraged to live out their faith boldly, demonstrating the love and purity that comes from a relationship with Jesus. By doing so, they become role models for their peers and even for older generations, showing that age is not a barrier to spiritual maturity and leadership. [35:07]

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you, as a young person, be an example of faith and purity in your community today?


Day 4: Leveraging Millennial Influence
Millennials, as the largest generation, have significant influence and responsibility. Like King David, they are called to serve God's purpose in their generation, using their resources and influence to build a legacy for those who follow. This involves recognizing the unique position they hold in society and the church, and using it to further God's kingdom. Millennials are encouraged to be proactive in their faith, leveraging their skills, talents, and networks to make a positive impact. By doing so, they can help shape the future of the church and ensure that the message of Jesus continues to reach new audiences. [39:29]

"For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption." (Acts 13:36, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you use your influence and resources to serve God's purpose in your generation?


Day 5: Valuing the Wisdom of the Elders
Older generations are essential to the church's future, tasked with discipling and supporting younger adults. Their wisdom and experience are invaluable in guiding the next generation in faith and life. This involves sharing insights gained from years of walking with God and providing mentorship to those who are still growing in their faith. The elders in the church are called to be pillars of support, offering encouragement and guidance to younger believers. By doing so, they help to create a strong foundation for the church, ensuring that it remains steadfast and resilient in the face of challenges. [53:26]

"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" (Job 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you seek out and learn from the wisdom of an elder in your church this week?

Quotes


As we embark on a new year, I want to propose a word for you for each and every one of us. It's the same word, and it's not just a word for this year, but it's a word that I think can really guide us for however many years we live this life, and the word is legacy. [00:29:17]

The legacy of every Christian should be the Next Generation, the Next Generation that comes behind after us. In other words, how well did we equip and empower and encourage the followers of Jesus who come after us? What kind of church did we hand over to them, including our own kids? [00:29:57]

If you make time to make a difference in the next generation of this church, your legacy will last for eternity. It's true, and that's the pattern that's given to us in scripture. I think we see this most clearly that if you make time to make a difference, it's going to build an eternal destiny. [00:30:47]

Someone somewhere at some point in your life, they told you that there is a mighty holy God who loves you and who sent his son Jesus Christ to this world. That Jesus came to serve us, he came to save us from our sin by giving his life for us on the cross. [00:31:36]

If you're a teenager or you're in your 20s right now, I want you to know there's a generation that's coming up after you that needs someone to tell them about Jesus. So let me speak a word to the younger Generations, those of you who are like Gen Z, your Gen Alpha. [00:33:37]

Be an example to all believers in what you say and in the way you live and in your love, your faith, and your purity. I love that phrase, be an example to all Believers. The literal translation of that is become a pattern of those believing, become a pattern of what it means to follow Jesus. [00:35:07]

Millennials, those of you in your 30s, those of you in your 40s, I just have to ask you, are we doing this? Are we living in a way that serves God's purpose in our generation? Is that what occupies our mind the most, or are we letting other things even really good things take up most of our attention? [00:39:29]

David's purpose in his generation was to pour into the Next Generation coming right behind him. He used his influence and his power and his resources to build a strong, healthy Kingdom not just for himself but for those who had come after him. He was building his legacy all throughout his life. [00:40:22]

For those of you in your 30s or 40s right now, this is your time. This is your time, this is our time to serve God's purpose in Our Generation by pouring ourselves out into the Next Generation. And I know you probably think you don't have time, but I am urging you to make time to make a difference. [00:41:56]

Older Generations are to disciple and build in and pour your life out and your wisdom out into younger Generations in the church. And so the reason that you in your 50s, 60s, 70s, and above, the reason that you are essential to the future of this church is that you get the opportunity to disciple and encourage. [00:53:26]

We will tell the Next Generation about the Glorious Deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. If we're going to be healthy as a church, if we're going to be strong as a church, if we're going to be sustainable as a church, if we're going to help more people than ever get to know and follow Jesus. [00:57:01]

The purpose of the church is always to be focused on the Next Generation. The purpose of the church is always to reach more people in new generations with the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. And so my hope, my prayer, and I've been praying for you all week, is that we will all have a heart to tell the Next Generation. [00:58:07]

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Transcript
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