Honoring Tim Keller: Legacy of Hope and Faith

 

Summary

In a moment of reflection and gratitude, we gather to honor the life and legacy of Timothy J. Keller, who passed away on May 19, 2023, at the age of 72. As we mourn his departure, we are comforted by the assurance of the resurrection and the eternal life promised in Christ. Tim Keller was a beacon of hope, consistently preaching the transformative power of the Gospel. He believed that in Christ, we have life everlasting, and that one day, every wrong will be made right, and every tear will be wiped away. This profound belief was not just something he taught but something he lived by, impacting countless lives through his ministry.

Tim's humility was evident in his reflections on legacy. When asked how he wished to be remembered, he expressed a desire for his name to be written in the Lamb's Book of Life, echoing the sentiments of Martin Lloyd Jones. Yet, in a rare personal moment, he hoped that his grandchildren would remember him. This speaks volumes about his character, valuing personal relationships and eternal truths over worldly accolades.

As we continue to pray for Kathy Keller and the family, we are reminded of Tim's vision for the future. He and Kathy had been preparing for the continuation and flourishing of the Gospel and Life ministry. It is our honor to carry forward his mission, spreading the Gospel through his teachings, books, and resources. While we navigate this season of temporary sorrow, we are grateful for the eternal hope we have in Christ, a hope that Tim Keller so passionately shared with the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Assurance of Resurrection: In times of grief, the promise of resurrection offers profound comfort. It reminds us that death is not the end, but a transition to eternal life with Christ, where every wrong will be made right and every tear wiped away. This hope is central to the Christian faith and was a cornerstone of Tim Keller's teachings. [00:22]

2. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The Gospel is not just a message to be preached but a transformative force that changes everything. Tim Keller's life and ministry were a testament to this truth, as he consistently demonstrated how the Gospel can bring about lasting change in individuals and communities. [00:49]

3. Legacy Rooted in Eternity: True legacy is not found in earthly accolades but in eternal truths. Tim Keller's desire for his name to be written in the Lamb's Book of Life reflects a focus on eternal significance over temporal recognition, encouraging us to prioritize what truly matters. [01:03]

4. The Importance of Personal Relationships: While Tim Keller achieved much in his lifetime, he valued personal relationships deeply, hoping to be remembered by his grandchildren. This highlights the importance of nurturing meaningful connections with those around us. [01:18]

5. Continuing the Mission: The continuation of Gospel and Life is a testament to Tim Keller's vision and dedication. As we honor his legacy, we are called to carry forward his mission, spreading the Gospel and ensuring that his teachings continue to impact lives for generations to come. [01:43]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Announcement of Tim Keller's Passing
[00:22] - Comfort in the Resurrection
[00:34] - The Gospel's Transformative Power
[00:49] - Tim Keller's Beliefs and Teachings
[01:03] - Reflections on Legacy
[01:18] - Personal Moments and Family
[01:30] - Future of Gospel and Life
[01:43] - Continuing the Mission
[01:55] - Gratitude and Eternal Hope
[02:08] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Honoring the Legacy of Timothy J. Keller

Bible Reading:
1. John 11:25-26 - "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
2. Revelation 21:4 - "‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
3. Philippians 1:21 - "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Observation Questions:
1. What does John 11:25-26 reveal about Jesus' promise to those who believe in Him?
2. How does Revelation 21:4 provide comfort in times of grief and loss?
3. In the sermon, how did Tim Keller's view of legacy reflect his faith in eternal truths over earthly accolades? [01:03]
4. What was Tim Keller's hope for his grandchildren, and what does this reveal about his values? [01:18]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of resurrection in John 11:25-26 shape a Christian's perspective on death and eternal life?
2. In what ways does Revelation 21:4 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's promise to make all things new?
3. How might Philippians 1:21 influence a believer's approach to life and death, as seen in Tim Keller's teachings and life?
4. What does Tim Keller's desire for his name to be written in the Lamb's Book of Life suggest about his understanding of true legacy? [01:03]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when the promise of resurrection brought you comfort. How can you share this hope with someone who is grieving? [00:22]
2. Consider the transformative power of the Gospel in your life. What is one area where you have seen significant change, and how can you encourage others with your story? [00:49]
3. How can you prioritize eternal truths over worldly recognition in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to focus on what truly matters? [01:03]
4. Think about the personal relationships in your life. How can you nurture these connections in a way that reflects the values Tim Keller held dear? [01:18]
5. In what ways can you contribute to the continuation of Gospel and Life's mission? Identify one specific action you can take to support this ministry. [01:43]
6. How can you cultivate a sense of gratitude for the eternal hope we have in Christ, especially during times of sorrow? [01:55]
7. Identify a person in your life who may not know the hope of the Gospel. How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith this week?

Devotional

Day 1: The Promise of Resurrection Comforts Our Grief
In times of loss, the assurance of resurrection offers profound solace. This belief is central to the Christian faith, reminding us that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with Christ. The promise that every wrong will be made right and every tear wiped away provides hope and comfort. This hope was a cornerstone of Tim Keller's teachings, offering a perspective that transcends the temporal pain of loss. As we reflect on this promise, we are encouraged to find peace in the knowledge that our loved ones are in the presence of God, and we too will one day join them in eternal joy. [00:22]

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV): "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."

Reflection: How can the promise of resurrection change the way you approach grief and loss today?


Day 2: The Gospel's Power to Transform Lives
The Gospel is not merely a message to be shared but a transformative force that changes everything. Tim Keller's life and ministry were a testament to this truth, as he consistently demonstrated how the Gospel can bring about lasting change in individuals and communities. The Gospel's power lies in its ability to renew hearts, restore relationships, and bring hope to the hopeless. As we embrace this transformative power, we are called to live out the Gospel in our daily lives, allowing it to shape our actions, thoughts, and interactions with others. [00:49]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need the transformative power of the Gospel to bring about change today?


Day 3: Legacy Rooted in Eternal Significance
True legacy is not found in earthly accolades but in eternal truths. Tim Keller's desire for his name to be written in the Lamb's Book of Life reflects a focus on eternal significance over temporal recognition. This perspective encourages us to prioritize what truly matters, investing in things of eternal value rather than seeking worldly success. As we reflect on our own lives, we are challenged to consider how we can leave a legacy that honors God and impacts others for eternity. [01:03]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to invest in a legacy that has eternal significance?


Day 4: The Value of Personal Relationships
While Tim Keller achieved much in his lifetime, he valued personal relationships deeply, hoping to be remembered by his grandchildren. This highlights the importance of nurturing meaningful connections with those around us. In a world that often prioritizes success and achievement, we are reminded that relationships are a vital part of our spiritual journey. As we invest in others, we reflect the love of Christ and build a community that supports and encourages one another. [01:18]

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV): "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to feel valued and loved today, and how can you intentionally invest in that relationship?


Day 5: Continuing the Mission of the Gospel
The continuation of Gospel and Life is a testament to Tim Keller's vision and dedication. As we honor his legacy, we are called to carry forward his mission, spreading the Gospel and ensuring that his teachings continue to impact lives for generations to come. This mission is not just for a select few but for all who follow Christ. We are each called to be ambassadors of the Gospel, sharing its message of hope and transformation with the world around us. [01:43]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can contribute to the mission of spreading the Gospel in your community today?

Quotes


hi I'm Craig and cook and I'm the senior director of gospel and life it is with sadness that I share with you that our founder and friend Timothy J Keller passed away this morning May 19 2023 at the age of 72 trusting in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection I invite you to join us in praying for the Keller family as they go through the grieving process and while our hearts are heavy with the news of Tim's death we know he's rejoicing with his savior in heaven [00:00:00]

our Spirits are also lifted because of the Gospel attempts who eloquently and regularly preached that in Christ we have life Everlasting that one day every wrong will be made right every tear will be wiped away and we will live with our savior in the new heavens and the new earth that is why Tim so often would say the gospel truly changes everything [00:00:27]

Steve Shackleford Our Redeemer City to City CEO shared this about Tim while Tim was on a trip a few years back he was asked how he wanted to be remembered he said that he didn't think a lot about Legacy and then reference something Martin Lloyd Jones said about his name being written in the Lamb's Book of Life then Tim paused and one of those rare personal moments said I do hope my grandchildren remember me [00:00:54]

lastly we want you to know that Tim and Kathy have been planning for some time to ensure that the ministry of gospel and life would continue and their prayer was that it would not only continue but that it would flourish for many years to come at Tim's request it is our honor to continue the work of gospel life and honor his ministry by continuing to spread the gospel through his teachings books and other resources as God leads in the days ahead [00:01:27]

on behalf of the gospel and life team join us in giving thanks for Tim's life and testimony and please continue to pray for the Keller family and this ministry while we go through a season of temporary sorrow we are grateful that we have eternal hope in Christ [00:01:51]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 19, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?