Godly Parenting: Shaping Eternal Legacies of Faith

 

Summary

Today, I explored the profound impact of godly parenting and the eternal significance it holds. I began by addressing the congregation on Mother's Day, emphasizing the unique opportunity parents have to extend their influence beyond this life into eternity. This influence isn't just about ensuring good grades or successful careers for our children; it's about instilling in them a faith that carries eternal benefits.

I highlighted that while godly parenting presents these eternal benefits, it does not guarantee them, as each individual must choose their path and relationship with God. This personal relationship with Jesus is crucial and cannot be inherited or shared through family plans, much like the apps we use today. Each person must encounter God individually.

I then delved into the importance of living a life that aligns with biblical principles, not just for our own sake but for the sake of demonstrating a godly path to our children. This alignment influences how they will live their lives and potentially their eternal standing. I stressed that our actions as parents should model the faith we wish to pass down, emphasizing that we are the primary spiritual educators for our children, not just the church or its leaders.

In discussing the broader context of our faith journey, I reminded everyone that we are not designed for this world alone but for an eternal life with God. This perspective should shape how we live daily, keeping eternity in mind. Our earthly journey is temporary, and our true home is with the Lord. This understanding allows us to live without fear of death, knowing it is merely a transition into a continued existence with God.

I concluded by urging everyone to consider the legacy and heritage they are creating and leaving behind. Are we establishing a legacy of faith that will lead our children and grandchildren toward God? This reflection is crucial as it shapes not only our lives but the spiritual trajectory of future generations.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Role of Personal Faith in Salvation
While godly parenting provides a foundation, each individual must personally accept Jesus Christ to enter into eternal life. This personal decision is crucial and underscores the importance of a direct and personal relationship with God, separate from familial ties or heritage. [01:02:49]

2. Living a Biblical Life as a Model for Children
Our lives serve as the first and most influential scripture our children will read. By living a life that mirrors the teachings of Christ, we set a real-life example for our children to follow, which is more impactful than any words we can teach. This modeling is essential in shaping their understanding of faith and their personal relationship with God. [01:14:51]

3. The Eternal Impact of Godly Parenting
Godly parenting extends beyond temporal successes and focuses on instilling values that have eternal significance. Teaching children about Jesus, how to live a life of faith, and the importance of character shapes not only their earthly life but also their eternal future. [01:05:42]

4. The Importance of Legacy and Heritage in Faith
The concepts of legacy and heritage are pivotal in understanding our role in generational discipleship. A legacy is what we leave behind, while a heritage is what we receive and pass on. Striving to leave a godly legacy ensures that the faith that guides us today can endure and flourish in the lives of our descendants. [01:16:02]

5. The Assurance of Eternal Life for Believers
Believers possess eternal life from the moment of salvation, living it presently, not just in the future after death. This assurance should transform how we live today, knowing that our earthly death is not an end but a continuation of the eternal life we already possess. This perspective helps us to live fearlessly and purposefully. [57:36]

### Youtube Chapters

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [49:23] - Introduction to Mother's Day Sermon
- [01:01:37] - The Importance of Godly Parenting
- [01:02:14] - Personal Faith and Salvation
- [01:04:07] - Building on a Firm Foundation
- [01:05:42] - Teaching Children Godly Principles
- [01:14:04] - Role of Parents in Spiritual Education
- [01:16:02] - Legacy and Heritage in Faith
- [01:21:38] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 5:24 - "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."
2. 1 John 5:11-13 - "And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God."
3. Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 5:24, what is the result of hearing and believing in Jesus' word? How does this passage describe the transition from death to life?
2. In 1 John 5:11-13, what is the significance of having the Son of God? What assurance does this passage give to believers?
3. Proverbs 22:6 speaks about training a child. What promise is given to parents who direct their children onto the right path?
4. In the sermon, Pastor Ronnie mentioned that godly parenting presents eternal benefits but does not guarantee them. What does this mean in the context of personal faith and salvation? ([01:02:14])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the assurance of eternal life in John 5:24 and 1 John 5:11-13 influence a believer's perspective on death and living? ([57:36])
2. What are the practical implications of Proverbs 22:6 for parents today? How can parents ensure they are directing their children onto the right path?
3. Pastor Ronnie emphasized that each individual must have a personal relationship with Jesus, separate from familial ties. Why is this personal decision crucial for salvation? ([01:02:49])
4. How does the concept of leaving a godly legacy and heritage, as discussed in the sermon, impact the way we live our daily lives and influence our children? ([01:16:02])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own faith journey. How has your personal relationship with Jesus influenced your daily life and decisions? How can you strengthen this relationship further? ([01:02:49])
2. As a parent or future parent, what specific steps can you take to model a biblical life for your children? How can you ensure that your actions align with the teachings of Christ? ([01:14:51])
3. Consider the legacy and heritage you are creating. What are some practical ways you can instill godly values in your children or those you influence? ([01:16:02])
4. How can you live with eternity in mind, as Pastor Ronnie suggested? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine or priorities to reflect this eternal perspective? ([51:23])
5. Think about the assurance of eternal life for believers. How does this assurance help you live fearlessly and purposefully? What specific fears or anxieties can you surrender to God, knowing that death is merely a transition? ([57:36])
6. Identify one area in your life where you can be a more effective spiritual educator for your children or those you influence. What steps will you take this week to improve in this area? ([01:14:51])
7. Reflect on the influence of your parents or guardians on your faith. How can you build upon the heritage you received, or how can you start a new legacy of faith for future generations? ([01:16:02])

Devotional

Day 1: Personal Faith Determines Eternal Destiny
Personal faith in Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of salvation. While godly parenting lays a foundation, it is each individual's responsibility to accept Jesus Christ to secure eternal life. This decision is deeply personal and cannot be inherited or absorbed through family or cultural connections. It is a deliberate choice to embrace a relationship with God, separate from any familial ties. This underscores the importance of personal conviction and commitment in one's faith journey. Parents can guide, teach, and model, but they cannot make the faith decision for their children. [01:02:49]

Bible passage: Ezekiel 18:20 - "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

Reflection: How does your personal faith journey reflect a conscious and personal decision to follow Christ, independent of your family's beliefs or traditions?

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Day 2: Modeling Faith Through Daily Living
Our actions and lifestyle profoundly impact our children's perception of faith. Living a life that mirrors the teachings of Christ provides a tangible example for our children to emulate. This is more impactful than any verbal instruction we can give. By embodying the principles of the Bible, parents serve as the primary spiritual educators. This responsibility highlights the importance of authenticity in our faith expression, ensuring that our daily lives do not contradict the values we profess. This alignment between belief and behavior is crucial in fostering a genuine faith environment at home. [01:14:51]

Bible passage: Titus 2:7-8 - "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."

Reflection: In what ways can you more effectively model the teachings of Christ in your everyday interactions, especially in front of younger generations?

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Day 3: The Eternal Impact of Godly Parenting
Godly parenting involves more than ensuring children's temporal success; it extends to instilling values with eternal significance. Teaching children about Jesus and how to live a life of faith shapes not only their earthly experiences but also their eternal destiny. This responsibility underscores the importance of imparting spiritual wisdom and character, which are lasting beyond our lifetime. The role of a parent in this context is not just to provide but to spiritually nurture, guiding children towards a path that leads to eternal life with God. [01:05:42]

Bible passage: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to discuss or demonstrate a life of faith to your children or those you mentor?

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Day 4: Legacy and Heritage in Faith
The concepts of legacy and heritage are pivotal in understanding our role in generational discipleship. A godly legacy is what we leave behind for future generations, while heritage is what we have received and what we pass on. This dual role involves both receiving the faith with gratitude and diligently working to ensure that this faith is not only preserved but also flourished in the lives of our descendants. Striving to leave a godly legacy ensures that the faith that guides us today can endure and influence future generations. [01:16:02]

Bible passage: Psalm 78:4-6 - "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done... that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children."

Reflection: What are practical ways you can begin to establish a spiritual legacy that will guide future generations toward God?

---

Day 5: Assurance of Eternal Life for Believers
Believers possess eternal life from the moment of salvation, experiencing it presently, not just anticipating it in the future after death. This assurance transforms how we live today, knowing that our earthly death is not an end but a continuation of the life we already possess. This perspective helps believers live fearlessly and purposefully, making decisions and taking actions that reflect eternal values rather than temporal concerns. Living with this eternal perspective allows us to face life's challenges with courage and hope. [57:36]

Bible passage: 1 John 5:11-13 - "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."

Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I think sometimes the reason we get so discontent with this world we live in is because we're not designed for this world. The Bible says we're pilgrims. We're, we're foreign. We're passing through soldiers, we're going to a place that we're designed to be in. And that's why we have that compulsion within us." [01:01:37](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

2. "If your life isn't biblical, it's not healthy. So many of the problems that we have in our life are self-induced. And we have them because we're not living biblical lives. Right? And maybe it may make sense in common sense and man's sense and human sense. But if it doesn't make godly sense, then it makes no sense. Don't do it." [50:02](Download raw clip | | )

3. "We are to live free of fear when it comes to death because we know that the grave is not the end. And we're going to pick up there and keep going today. And I know some of you are thinking right now, Pastor Ronnie, this is a Mother's Day service. Why are you talking about death and dying? Well, go home and watch last week." [51:23]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Godly parenting presents eternal benefits. And with that in mind, we have to recognize that as mothers and as fathers, the way we parent our children goes well beyond their grades and their career, et cetera. As a matter of fact, I would argue that the stuff that we spend, uh, the most of our time on, many times, is of the least importance." [01:06:22]( | | )

2. "If you train up your child in the biblical way, the godly way, teaching them how to live. And if they live that their life and they don't turn away from it as they get there, then when they cross into eternity, there's a very good chance they're going to have some really quality works." [01:05:08]( | | )

3. "You are the, you are the, I believe that God's made the family that way on purpose, that we're supposed to pass something down. Don't, don't just wait for somebody else to do it. Don't just assume that the church, whether it's Harvest Fellowship or whether it's a different church, if you're visiting, don't just assume that they will disciple your children properly. You disciple your children." [01:14:51](Download raw clip | | )

4. "A legacy is something that you leave. It's my prayer that every mother in this room will leave a legacy of faith for their children and their grandchildren and to their great-grandchildren. Or as the Old Testament likes to say it, to their children, their children's children and their children's children's children. A legacy of faith." [01:16:02](Download raw clip | | )

5. "If your child walks in the same faith that is now dwelling in you, how will their eternity be? And listen, I'm prayerfully it's phenomenal. I would love it if it was a hundred percent, man, they're going to live great pastor. If they live like that's awesome. But if not, it's definitely something we need to take into consideration." [01:12:00]( | | )

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Transcript
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