Building a Lasting Legacy Through Faith and Humility

Devotional

Day 1: Delayed Gratification and Future Planning

Description: The marshmallow experiment illustrates the challenge of delaying gratification, a concept that parallels King David's preparation for the temple—a future he would never see. David's actions teach us the importance of planning and investing in a future that extends beyond our immediate desires. This mindset requires prioritizing long-term benefits over short-term pleasures, a principle that is crucial for building a lasting legacy. David's charge to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:8 emphasizes the need for obedience to God's commands to ensure a lasting inheritance for future generations. This lesson encourages us to adopt a future-oriented mindset, focusing on the long-term impact of our actions rather than seeking immediate rewards. [26:48]

1 Chronicles 28:8 (ESV): "Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever."

Reflection: Think of a decision you are facing today. How can you prioritize long-term benefits over immediate gratification in this situation?

Day 2: Worship as a Foundation

Description: Solomon's first act as king was to gather Israel's leaders and lead them in worship, demonstrating that true leadership begins with a focus on God. Worship is not just a ritual but a foundational act that helps us take our eyes off ourselves and place them on God. This sets the right foundation for all our endeavors, aligning our priorities with God's will. Solomon's commitment to worship underscores the importance of starting every task and decision with a heart oriented towards God. This act of worship was a public declaration of Solomon's priorities and his commitment to God, setting a precedent for his reign. [31:50]

Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to ensure that your focus remains on God throughout the day?

Day 3: Humility in Leadership

Description: Despite his immense wealth, Solomon showed humility by asking for wisdom and resources from others. This teaches us that true leadership and success require recognizing our limitations and seeking help from God and others. Solomon's humility is evident in his request for wisdom from God, acknowledging that wealth alone is not sufficient for effective leadership. This lesson reminds us that humility is a crucial component of leadership, as it allows us to seek the guidance and support we need to fulfill our responsibilities effectively. By asking for help, Solomon demonstrated that true strength lies in recognizing our need for God's wisdom and the support of others. [39:55]

James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to ask for wisdom and help from God and others? How can you take a step towards seeking that help today?

Day 4: Commitment to God's Work

Description: Building the temple took decades and involved many people who would never see its completion. This long-term commitment reflects a mindset oriented towards the future, emphasizing that our efforts in God's work are not just for immediate results but for lasting impact. Solomon's dedication to the temple, despite the long and arduous process, shows a commitment to a vision that outlasts one's lifetime. This mindset is crucial for us as we think about our role in God's kingdom. We are invited to participate in God's work, not just for our benefit but for the benefit of future generations and those who do not yet know Christ. [50:04]

Hebrews 11:13 (ESV): "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth."

Reflection: What long-term commitment can you make today that will contribute to God's work and have a lasting impact on future generations?

Day 5: Total Commitment to God

Description: God desires not just a portion of our resources but our total commitment. This means honoring God with all aspects of our lives, including our finances, time, and efforts. Our dedication to God should reflect in every decision we make, aiming to glorify Him in all we do. Solomon's example of total commitment to God, despite his wealth and power, serves as a reminder that our relationship with God should permeate every aspect of our lives. This total commitment is a call to align our entire being with God's will, ensuring that our actions, decisions, and priorities reflect our devotion to Him. [36:35]

Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have not fully committed to God? What steps can you take today to surrender that area to Him completely?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the concept of building for the future through the lens of King David and Solomon's preparation for the temple. We began with the marshmallow experiment, which illustrates the difficulty of delaying gratification. This experiment parallels David's choice to prepare for a future he wouldn't see, emphasizing the importance of planning and investing in the future. David's charge to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:8 underscores the need for obedience to God's commands to ensure a lasting inheritance for future generations.

Solomon's reign began with a struggle for the throne, but once he secured his position, his first act was to gather Israel's leaders and lead them in worship. This act of worship was not just a ritual but a demonstration of Solomon's priorities and his commitment to God. Worship, humility, and a future-oriented mindset are essential for building a lasting legacy. Solomon's humility is evident in his request for wisdom from God, recognizing his limitations despite his immense wealth.

Solomon's preparation for the temple involved significant financial and human resources, but more importantly, it required humility. He had to ask for help and resources from others, demonstrating that wealth alone is not sufficient. This humility is a lesson for us, reminding us that we need to seek help and wisdom from others and from God.

Building for the future also involves a mindset that looks beyond immediate gratification. Solomon's dedication to the temple, which took decades to complete, shows a commitment to a vision that outlasts one's lifetime. This mindset is crucial for us as we think about our role in God's kingdom. We are invited to participate in God's work, not just for our benefit but for the benefit of future generations and those who do not yet know Christ.

###

Key Takeaways

1. term benefits over immediate desires. [26:48]
2. Worship as a Foundation: Solomon's first act as king was to lead Israel in worship, demonstrating that true leadership begins with a focus on God. Worship helps us take our eyes off ourselves and place them on God, setting the right foundation for all our endeavors.

3. Humility in Leadership: Despite his wealth, Solomon showed humility by asking for wisdom and resources from others. This teaches us that true leadership and success require recognizing our limitations and seeking help from God and others.

4. Commitment to God's Work: Building the temple took decades and involved many people who would never see its completion. This long-term commitment reflects a mindset oriented towards the future, emphasizing that our efforts in God's work are not just for immediate results but for lasting impact.

5. Total Commitment to God: God desires not just a portion of our resources but our total commitment. This means honoring God with all aspects of our lives, including our finances, time, and efforts. Our dedication to God should reflect in every decision we make, aiming to glorify Him in all we do.

### [26:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:48] - The Marshmallow Experiment and Delayed Gratification
[27:41] - David's Charge to Solomon
[28:59] - David's Preparation for the Temple
[29:43] - Solomon's Struggle for the Throne
[30:11] - Solomon's First Act as King
[31:50] - The Importance of Worship
[33:41] - The Cost of Worship and Commitment
[35:11] - Counting the Cost of Discipleship
[36:35] - Total Commitment to God
[38:26] - Solomon's Request for Wisdom
[39:55] - Humility in Leadership
[41:56] - Solomon's Wealth and Humility
[43:11] - Asking for Help
[45:02] - Building for the Future at Westway Christian Church
[49:07] - A Mindset Oriented Toward the Future
[50:04] - The Long-Term Commitment to God's Work
[56:57] - The Significance of Mount Moriah
[60:55] - Trusting in God's Plan
[62:41] - God Wants Our Obedience
[64:39] - Investing in the Kingdom
[67:15] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What choice did King David face regarding the temple, and what did he decide to do? ([27:41])
How did Solomon demonstrate his priorities when he first became king? ([31:00])
What did Solomon ask God for, and why was this significant? ([38:26])
How long did it take to build the temple, and what does this indicate about the commitment required? ([50:04])

Interpretation Questions

Why is delayed gratification important in the context of building for the future, as illustrated by David's preparation for the temple? ([27:41])
How does Solomon's act of leading Israel in worship reflect his leadership style and priorities? ([31:50])
What does Solomon's request for wisdom reveal about his understanding of leadership and his own limitations? ([39:12])
How does the long-term commitment to building the temple reflect a mindset oriented towards the future? ([50:04])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you had to delay gratification for a greater future benefit. How did that experience shape your perspective on planning and patience? ([27:41])
In what ways can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to ensure that your focus remains on God rather than on yourself? ([31:50])
Solomon showed humility by asking for wisdom and help. Is there an area in your life where you need to ask for help but have been hesitant? What steps can you take to seek that help this week? ([39:55])
Think about a long-term project or goal you are working on. How can you maintain a future-oriented mindset, even if you may not see the immediate results? ([50:04])
How can you demonstrate total commitment to God in your finances, time, and efforts this week? Identify one specific area to focus on. ([36:35])
What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions today contribute to a lasting legacy for future generations? ([50:04])
How can you involve others in your journey of faith, recognizing that collaboration and community are essential for building a lasting impact? ([43:11])

Sermon Clips

1. "His decision to prepare for the temple, even though he wouldn't build it himself, shows us the power, the power of planning for the future of building for the future of doing things that set other people up for a future that we are not going to see or experience." [27:41] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "David took responsibility. He began preparing for the work, investing his own time and money and efforts into that work, ensuring that Solomon and the people would have what they need. He spent time discussing what the temple was going to look like." [28:59] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Here's what Solomon does with his power. Here's what Solomon does with his firm control over God's kingdom. He worships. He gathers the leaders of the people together. And he takes them to the place of worship." [31:50] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When we respond faithfully to God, that comes at a cost for us. There's a financial cost. Zane talked about it a few minutes ago. I talked about it last week. When we respond to God, it comes at a financial cost for us. It also comes at a cost of our time. It requires our time. It requires a time commitment. it requires effort on our part." [34:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Following Jesus requires commitment. It requires careful thought on our point. When we go into things like financial campaigns, it requires thought. It requires commitment. When we enter into a relationship with Christ, it requires commitment." [35:54] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God wants, everything that we have. God wants all of who we are. God wants us to use all of our finances in a way that glorifies him. It's not just 10% and then I don't have to glorify him with the 90% and I can spend this however I want to. It is 100% because there's a way to give to your local church or to your favorite Christian charity or your favorite organization. There is a way to do that and not give the rest of your life to that thing. But God gives it. God wants us to give all of it to him." [36:35] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "When we worship God in a way where we are giving all of us, it automatically creates humility in our lives. Because when we focus on God's greatness, we see our own limitations. We see how we fall short. And this leads us to humility." [38:26] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Solomon had humility. He had to be willing to ask other people for things. Could you imagine what it would have been like? Probably, for the wealthiest person on earth at this time, to have to go to someone and ask them for their help. Hey, I need some, I need some trees. Can you, can you send them my way? I've got 25, well, I've got a trillion dollars, but I don't have a master craftsman. Can you send someone my way? See, this requires humility. It's not just about resources. It's about humility." [42:24] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We have to have a mindset for the future. We have to be prepared for the future that God is setting in front of us. And as Christians, we don't settle. We can't settle for having our wants and our wishes and our desires met today. We have to be looking ahead to a future that we may not see." [01:00:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "God's kingdom is going to outlive everything. And we are invited into that. We are asked to participate in that. And what Solomon's dedication to worship and humility shows us is how transformed people live for the future. They make decisions based on what's going to happen, on what God is going to do." [01:04:39] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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