Choosing the Path: Legacy, Wisdom, and Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and Happy Father's Day! Today, I want to talk about legacy, wisdom, and the paths we choose in life. I shared a touching story about my dad and a letter he received from Ozark Christian University, which highlighted the far-reaching impact of a small church's efforts. This story reminds us that even small acts of faith can have a significant impact on the world.
We then explored Lewis Carroll's poem, "The Walrus and the Carpenter," which serves as a cautionary tale about the folly of following empty promises and deceit. The poem illustrates that wisdom is not just for the elderly but should be shared to spare others from folly. True wisdom values the good of others and comes from God, who is always good.
We delved into 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, which teaches that while everything may be permissible, not everything is beneficial. We must seek the good of others, which can only come from God. This led us to discuss the two paths described in Matthew 7:13-14: the broad road that leads to destruction and the narrow road that leads to life. The broad road is easy to find and follow but ultimately leads to futility and death. In contrast, the narrow road, guided by Jesus, leads to eternal life.
Ecclesiastes 1:2-10 reminds us of the futility of life without God. Everything under the sun is fleeting and meaningless if it doesn't lead to eternal life. We must prioritize preparing our souls for eternity over earthly pursuits. This involves asking ourselves what in our lives does not encourage faith, hope, or the love of God. Anything that becomes more important than Jesus is an idol and is ultimately futile.
Hebrews 9:27-28 assures us that Jesus has borne our sins and will bring salvation to those who wait for Him. We must fill our lamps with oil and be ready for His return. Our lives should be built on the foundation of Jesus' teachings, as described in Matthew 7:24-27. A life built on Jesus is like a house built on a rock, able to withstand any storm.
Finally, Proverbs 6:20-23 encourages us to keep our father's commands and our mother's teachings close to our hearts. These teachings will guide us, watch over us, and lead us to life. There is no other way to eternal life than through Jesus Christ, who reveals the Father and invites us to grow toward heaven.
### Key Takeaways
1. Legacy of Faith: Small acts of faith can have a far-reaching impact. The story of Kenneth Eidelman, who became the president of Ozark Christian University, illustrates how a small church's efforts can influence generations. This reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a larger legacy of faith. [02:50]
2. Wisdom and Folly: Lewis Carroll's poem, "The Walrus and the Carpenter," serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of following empty promises and deceit. True wisdom values the good of others and comes from God. We must share wisdom to spare others from folly and focus on what is beneficial and eternal. [09:40]
3. Two Paths: Matthew 7:13-14 describes two paths: the broad road that leads to destruction and the narrow road that leads to life. The broad road is easy to follow but ultimately futile. The narrow road, guided by Jesus, leads to eternal life. We must choose the path of life, even though it is difficult, because it is worth the cost. [11:33]
4. Futility of Earthly Pursuits: Ecclesiastes 1:2-10 reminds us that everything under the sun is fleeting and meaningless if it doesn't lead to eternal life. We must prioritize preparing our souls for eternity over earthly pursuits. Anything that becomes more important than Jesus is an idol and is ultimately futile. [13:56]
5. Foundation on Jesus: Matthew 7:24-27 teaches that a life built on Jesus' teachings is like a house built on a rock, able to withstand any storm. We must build our lives on the foundation of Jesus' words, seeking wisdom and applying His teachings. This will lead us to eternal life and make our lives meaningful and resilient. [22:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - Story of Legacy
[04:03] - Prayer
[05:08] - The Walrus and the Carpenter
[09:40] - Wisdom and Folly
[10:39] - Two Paths
[13:12] - Futility of Earthly Pursuits
[17:18] - Foundation on Jesus
[20:25] - Knowing the Father
[22:23] - Building on the Rock
[25:38] - Proverbs and Final Thoughts
[27:27] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24: "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds up. No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person."
2. Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it."
3. Ecclesiastes 1:2-10: "Absolute futility, says the Teacher. Absolute futility. Everything is futile. What does a person gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets; panting, it hurries back to the place where it rises. Gusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles. All the streams flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. All things are wearisome, more than anyone can say. The eye is not satisfied by seeing or the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun."
### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 say about the difference between what is permissible and what is beneficial? How does this relate to seeking the good of others? [09:40]
2. According to Matthew 7:13-14, what are the characteristics of the broad road and the narrow road? What are the destinations of each path? [10:39]
3. In Ecclesiastes 1:2-10, what examples are given to illustrate the futility of life without God? How does this passage describe the repetitive nature of life? [13:12]
4. How does the story of Kenneth Eidelman illustrate the impact of small acts of faith? What legacy did his conversion create? [02:50]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How can the principle of seeking the good of others in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 be applied in our daily lives? What are some practical examples? [09:40]
2. Why do you think Jesus described the narrow road as difficult in Matthew 7:13-14? What might make it challenging to follow this path? [10:39]
3. Ecclesiastes 1:2-10 speaks of the futility of earthly pursuits. How can this perspective change the way we prioritize our activities and goals? [13:12]
4. Reflecting on the story of Kenneth Eidelman, how can small acts of faith in our own lives contribute to a larger legacy of faith? [02:50]
### Application Questions
1. Think about your daily activities. Are there any that are permissible but not beneficial? How can you shift your focus to activities that build up others and glorify God? [09:40]
2. The narrow road is described as difficult but leading to life. What are some specific challenges you face in following this path? How can you overcome them with God's help? [10:39]
3. Ecclesiastes 1:2-10 highlights the futility of life without God. Are there pursuits in your life that feel meaningless? How can you reorient them towards eternal significance? [13:12]
4. Kenneth Eidelman's story shows the impact of small acts of faith. What small act of faith can you commit to this week that might have a lasting impact on someone else? [02:50]
5. Jesus teaches that a life built on His words is like a house built on a rock. What specific teachings of Jesus do you need to apply more diligently in your life to strengthen your foundation? [22:23]
6. Reflect on the things in your life that might be idols, as mentioned in the sermon. What steps can you take to ensure that Jesus remains the most important focus in your life? [15:28]
7. Proverbs 6:20-23 encourages us to keep our parents' teachings close to our hearts. What valuable teachings have you received from your parents or spiritual mentors that you need to revisit and apply? [26:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Legacy of Faith
Even small acts of faith can have a far-reaching impact. The story of Kenneth Eidelman, who became the president of Ozark Christian University, illustrates how a small church's efforts can influence generations. This reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a larger legacy of faith. Each act of kindness, each moment of sharing God's love, can ripple outwards in ways we may never fully see or understand. It is a powerful reminder that our faithfulness in the little things can be used by God to accomplish great things. [02:50]
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: Think of a small act of faith you can do today. How might God use this act to impact others in ways you may not see immediately?
Day 2: Wisdom and Folly
Lewis Carroll's poem, "The Walrus and the Carpenter," serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of following empty promises and deceit. True wisdom values the good of others and comes from God. We must share wisdom to spare others from folly and focus on what is beneficial and eternal. This wisdom is not just for the elderly but is a gift from God that we should seek and share with others. By doing so, we help guide others away from paths that lead to harm and towards those that lead to life. [09:40]
James 3:17 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who might be following empty promises? How can you share God’s wisdom with them today?
Day 3: Two Paths
Matthew 7:13-14 describes two paths: the broad road that leads to destruction and the narrow road that leads to life. The broad road is easy to follow but ultimately futile. The narrow road, guided by Jesus, leads to eternal life. We must choose the path of life, even though it is difficult, because it is worth the cost. This choice requires daily commitment and the willingness to follow Jesus, even when it is challenging. The narrow path may be less traveled, but it is the one that leads to true fulfillment and eternal joy. [11:33]
Proverbs 4:26-27 (ESV): "Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Reflection: Reflect on a decision you are currently facing. Are you choosing the narrow path that leads to life, or the broad path that leads to destruction?
Day 4: Futility of Earthly Pursuits
Ecclesiastes 1:2-10 reminds us that everything under the sun is fleeting and meaningless if it doesn't lead to eternal life. We must prioritize preparing our souls for eternity over earthly pursuits. Anything that becomes more important than Jesus is an idol and is ultimately futile. This calls us to examine our lives and identify what we are prioritizing. Are we investing in things that have eternal value, or are we chasing after temporary gains that will ultimately leave us empty? [13:56]
Colossians 3:2 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one earthly pursuit that has been taking priority over your relationship with Jesus? How can you reorient your focus towards eternal things today?
Day 5: Foundation on Jesus
Matthew 7:24-27 teaches that a life built on Jesus' teachings is like a house built on a rock, able to withstand any storm. We must build our lives on the foundation of Jesus' words, seeking wisdom and applying His teachings. This will lead us to eternal life and make our lives meaningful and resilient. When we anchor our lives in Jesus, we are equipped to face life's challenges with strength and hope, knowing that our foundation is secure. [22:23]
Isaiah 28:16 (ESV): "Therefore thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.'"
Reflection: Consider the foundation of your life. Are you building on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings, or are there areas where you need to strengthen your foundation? What steps can you take today to ensure your life is firmly rooted in Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There is nothing small about the gospel that can come out of this place. And that's a legacy of not just the generational fathers, but of spiritual fathers who will see to the upbringing of children, to the spreading of the gospel." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Wisdom doesn't follow the crowd or focus on foolish things. Wisdom isn't simply kept for the wise and the elderly, but is to be shared for those who will be spared from folly, should those who hear be wise enough to open their ears." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The broad road, the path of earth, cares more about mortal life and it turns a blind eye to the death in which it leads. Oh, oysters, come and walk with us. The broad road does beseech. On earth, this is where that road leads." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If there is more than mortality, if life extends beyond this earth, then whatever leads to eternal life through our mortal life is profitable. Those things are not futile, and that can only be found in Jesus Christ." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ has already borne all of our futility, all of our foolishness, all of our sin to the cross. He died so that you can live. Bringing salvation, causing your mortal life to collide with His eternal life. He is the on-ramp. He is the way. He is the Good Shepherd onto the path of life. And His way is never futile because it ends with heaven rather than dust." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Do we value more how we train up our children in how to swing a hammer, how to swing a bat, how to throw a ball, how to do a dance, how to do their math, how to solve a puzzle, how to solve a problem, how to work in this world, or do we value more the preparation of their souls for eternal life? Which do we value? Which leads to life? Which points to Christ?" (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I refuse to be the elder oyster who simply abstains without calling others to salvation in Jesus Christ, haplessly watching others march along the road to death with a knowing wink and a gentle smile. No, I would rather, I would rather grow toward God, even in my futility. I would rather seek what is profitable. I'd rather put my mortal life into the hands of a Savior who turns my mortal life into eternal life." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Follow the will of the Father. Don't say you're doing something in the name of a Father that you do not know. It's not enough that we just simply do something in His name if we don't know that we are actually doing His will or not, or if we don't actually know Him." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your life is a house. Your desires, your hobbies, your relationships, your thoughts, your words, your hopes and dreams in life build your house brick by brick. The rains that fall can either be great trials and temptations or they can actually be great blessings that the Lord has for you that your house is incapable of receiving because of your foundation being too weak to receive the blessings of God." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are not just tumbling toward dust if you have been redeemed by Christ. You are on the narrow road to heaven. You are redeemed from futility and death. You are set aside, marked as holy to the Lord for eternal life. So live like it. Live like it. What is permissible may not be beneficial and what is beneficial will always point to Jesus, because all else is futility." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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