Building a Lasting Legacy: Impacting Generations for Christ
Summary
Today’s focus is on the value of building a legacy—an intentional, generational impact that outlives our own lives. Legacy is not simply what we leave for people, but what we leave in people: the spiritual, emotional, relational, and missional fingerprints we impress upon those God places in our path. Every one of us is leaving a legacy, whether we realize it or not. The question is not if, but what kind. Our daily choices, our faithfulness, our sacrifices, and our leadership—especially spiritual leadership in our homes—are the building blocks of the legacy we pass on.
Legacy is a generational calling. Scripture calls us to tell our children, and for them to tell their children, so that the faith does not die with us but echoes through generations. This is not accidental; it requires intentionality. It’s not just about what we say, but what we model, what we correct, what we prioritize, and how we live when no one seems to be watching. Our consistency, our worship, our prayer life, and our response to life’s challenges become the blueprint for those who follow us.
Spiritual leadership begins at home. It is not the church’s job alone to disciple our children; it is our responsibility as parents, mentors, and spiritual family. Men are called to set the spiritual tone, but women are equally vital in passing on godliness. Both biological and spiritual family members are called to lead, to mentor, and to invest in others. We are called to be present, not perfect, and to bring God’s presence into our homes and relationships.
Legacy is not about building our own kingdom or seeking to be seen for our own sake. It’s about making Jesus visible in our lives, so that when people see us, they see Him. We must be careful not to pass on unresolved issues or brokenness, but instead to break cycles and build a foundation of faith, wisdom, and truth for the next generation. Our ceiling should become their launching pad, not their floor.
The most powerful legacy is built in the quiet, faithful moments—when we think no one is watching, but in reality, others are always following our example. Let’s be intentional, tell the stories of God’s faithfulness, invest in relationships, and leave a spiritual fire that will burn long after we are gone. Legacy is about eternity, not ego. Let’s live lives that point people to Jesus and build for tomorrow.
Key Takeaways
- Legacy is the impact of your life that outlives you, shaped by your daily choices, faithfulness, and intentionality. It’s not just about what you leave behind materially, but the spiritual and relational imprint you make on others. Every day, you are building a blueprint that others will follow, whether you realize it or not. [02:05]
- Spiritual leadership starts at home, not in the church building. Parents, especially fathers, are called to set the spiritual climate, but mothers and mentors are equally vital. You cannot outsource spiritual formation; your presence, prayers, and example matter more than perfection. [10:04]
- The legacy you leave is built in the ordinary, unseen moments—how you respond to pressure, how you treat others, and how you live out your faith when no one seems to be watching. What you model daily will be mirrored generationally, so consistency in godliness is more powerful than any words you speak. [12:46]
- We must be intentional to break negative cycles and not pass on unresolved issues or dysfunction to the next generation. If we do not deal with our own struggles, our children and those who follow will have to start from our unfinished business. Let your ceiling become their launching pad by pursuing healing and growth. [25:00]
- Legacy is relational and built in the context of real life—through mentoring, friendship, and community. You can’t pass on what you haven’t picked up, and you can’t build legacy in isolation. Invest in relationships, share your story, and let your life be a visible roadmap to Jesus for those who come after you. [24:19]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Defining Legacy: Impact That Outlives Us
[02:05] - Everyone Leaves a Legacy: Good or Bad
[03:28] - Generational Momentum and Spiritual Succession
[04:14] - Legacy Starts with Intentional Living
[04:58] - Passing on a Godly Legacy as a Church
[07:08] - Living the Message Beyond the Church Walls
[08:16] - Why Churches Die: Focusing on the Next Generation
[09:33] - Legacy Begins with Leadership at Home
[10:04] - Spiritual Responsibility of Parents
[12:46] - Modeling Faith: Actions Speak Louder
[14:03] - Following God’s Blueprint for Life
[15:34] - Are We Handing Down Blueprints Worth Following?
[17:02] - The Importance of Community and Connect Groups
[19:53] - Passing on Spiritual Inheritance, Not Just Material
[24:19] - Breaking Cycles: Don’t Pass on Dysfunction
[25:49] - If You Don’t Teach, the World Will
[28:19] - Let Your Ceiling Be Their Launching Pad
[29:57] - Stones of Remembrance: Marking God’s Faithfulness
[31:13] - Practical Ways to Build a Godly Legacy
[32:09] - What Story Will Your Life Tell?
[32:48] - Legacy Is About Eternity, Not Ego
[33:48] - Legacy Starts with a Relationship with Jesus
[34:23] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Building a Legacy
---
### Bible Reading
- Joel 1:3 – “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.”
- Joshua 24:15 – “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
- Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Joel 1:3, what is the pattern God wants us to follow when it comes to passing on our faith?
2. In Joshua 24:15, what decision does Joshua make for his household, and why is that significant for spiritual leadership?
3. The sermon says, “Legacy is not simply what we leave for people, but what we leave in people: the spiritual, emotional, relational, and missional fingerprints we impress upon those God places in our path.” What are some examples the pastor gave of what we leave “in” people? [02:05]
4. Psalm 78:4 talks about telling the next generation about God’s deeds. What are some ways the sermon suggested we can do this in our daily lives? [31:13]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “Every one of us is leaving a legacy, whether we realize it or not. The question is not if, but what kind.” Why does the pastor emphasize that legacy is unavoidable, and how does this change the way we think about our daily choices? [02:05]
2. Why does the pastor say that spiritual leadership starts at home and not in the church building? What are the dangers of outsourcing spiritual formation to others? [10:04]
3. The sermon challenges us to “break negative cycles and not pass on unresolved issues or dysfunction to the next generation.” What does it look like to break a negative cycle in a family or community? [25:00]
4. The pastor says, “Legacy is about eternity, not ego.” What does it mean for our legacy to be about eternity, and how is that different from building our own reputation? [32:48]
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “Our daily choices, our faithfulness, our sacrifices, and our leadership—especially spiritual leadership in our homes—are the building blocks of the legacy we pass on.” What is one daily habit you have that you think is shaping your legacy, either positively or negatively? [02:05]
2. Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” What is one specific way you can set the spiritual tone in your home this week, whether you live alone or with others? [10:04]
3. The sermon talked about not passing on unresolved issues or brokenness. Is there a “cycle” or struggle in your life that you don’t want to pass on? What is one step you can take toward healing or growth in that area? [25:00]
4. The pastor encouraged us to “tell the stories of God’s faithfulness” and “share your testimony with your friends and family.” Who is one person you could share a story of God’s work in your life with this week? [31:13]
5. The sermon said, “You can’t pass on what you haven’t picked up, and you can’t build legacy in isolation.” Are you investing in relationships where you can both receive and give spiritual encouragement? What is one relationship you want to be more intentional about this month? [24:19]
6. The pastor said, “Let your ceiling become their launching pad by pursuing healing and growth.” What is one area where you want the next generation to go further than you have? How can you help make that possible? [28:19]
7. The sermon reminded us that “the most powerful legacy is built in the quiet, faithful moments—when we think no one is watching.” Can you think of a recent “unseen” moment where you made a choice that could impact someone else’s faith? How can you be more intentional in those moments? [12:46]
---
Devotional
Day 1: Legacy Is What You Build Into People, Not Just What You Leave Behind
Legacy is not measured by what you accumulate or the possessions you leave, but by the spiritual, emotional, and relational impact you make on those around you. Every day, your choices, words, and actions are shaping the lives of your children, friends, coworkers, and church family—whether you realize it or not. The legacy you leave is the blueprint others will follow, so be intentional in modeling faith, integrity, and love. Your influence will echo through generations, and what you build into people is the only thing that truly lasts. [02:05]
Joel 1:3 (ESV)
"Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life right now that is watching you—whether a child, friend, or coworker—and what is one intentional way you can model Christ to them this week?
Day 2: Godly Legacy Begins With Intentional Leadership at Home
Building a godly legacy starts with spiritual leadership in your own home. It is not the church’s job alone to disciple your family; it is your responsibility to set the spiritual climate, to pray, to worship, and to bring God’s presence into your household. Whether you are a father, mother, single, or married, your example matters deeply. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do need to be present and devoted, leading with humility and integrity so that your children and those around you see what it means to serve the Lord. [10:04]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can set a Christ-centered tone in your home this week, regardless of your family situation?
Day 3: What You Model Daily Will Be Mirrored Generationally
Your daily habits, priorities, and attitudes are not just random behaviors—they are the blueprint for the next generation. The consistency of your faith, the way you handle challenges, and your commitment to God’s Word will be mirrored by your children and those you influence. Even when you think no one is watching, your life is a living example that others will follow. Make sure you are building a set of godly blueprints worth passing on, so that your ceiling becomes the next generation’s launching pad. [15:34]
Psalm 112:1-2 (ESV)
"Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed."
Reflection: What is one daily habit or attitude you want the next generation to mirror, and how can you be more intentional about living it out today?
Day 4: Legacy Is Built Through Relationships and Community
Legacy is not built in isolation but through real-life moments, relationships, and community. Investing in others—mentoring, encouraging, and walking alongside them—creates a spiritual inheritance that outlives you. The most powerful legacy is often formed in quiet, faithful moments, in connect groups, kitchen table conversations, and everyday discipleship. People matter most, and the relationships you nurture are the true treasures you can take to heaven. [19:53]
Proverbs 13:22 (ESV)
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous."
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally invest in or encourage this week, and what step will you take to build that relationship?
Day 5: Break the Cycle—Pass On Faith, Not Brokenness
If you do not intentionally build a godly legacy, you risk passing on unresolved issues, brokenness, and dysfunction to the next generation. The Bible warns that cycles of sin and neglect can repeat for generations, but you have the power to break those chains by choosing to pass on faith, wisdom, and God’s truth. Be intentional about sharing your testimony, celebrating spiritual victories, and leading others to Jesus, so that your children and those who follow you start from a place of freedom and blessing, not struggle. [25:00]
Judges 2:10 (ESV)
"And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel."
Reflection: What is one area of brokenness or unresolved issue in your life that you need to address so you don’t pass it on—how can you take a step toward healing and freedom this week?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 16, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?