Investing in Discipleship: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the significance of discipleship and investing in the next generation, drawing from biblical narratives and personal experiences. The speaker reflects on their own shift from seeking attention and performing miracles to focusing on the transformative power of the kingdom of God in one's life. They underscore the impact of individuals like Edward Kimble and Billy Graham, whose investments in others led to widespread spiritual influence.
The story of Elijah is central to the sermon, illustrating the importance of passing on one's faith and ensuring successors in the faith journey. Elijah's despair is met with God's directive to anoint successors, including Elisha, who would continue his prophetic work. The mantle passed to Elisha symbolizes the discipleship relationship, and Elijah's ultimate impact is seen through those he invested in, as Baal worship was eventually outlawed in Israel.
The speaker also shares personal anecdotes, including their own journey to becoming a pastor after witnessing a friend's remission from leukemia and the joy of their daughter's birth. They recount the story of Chris Marlin, who planted a church with the help of the congregation's generosity, and the transformation of Robin, who, after ending a toxic relationship, began sharing her faith passionately.
The sermon concludes with a call to consider the legacy one leaves behind, as illustrated by recent baptisms in the church and the story of Leah, whose life was transformed through the faith of others. The speaker challenges the congregation to continue multiplying their faith and investing in others to leave a lasting spiritual legacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship transcends personal agendas, focusing on the broader mission of expanding the kingdom of God through personal investment in others. This approach to faith emphasizes the ripple effect one life can have on countless others, as seen in the stories of biblical figures and historical evangelists. [39:53]
- The legacy of faith is not limited to one's lifetime but continues through those we mentor and influence. The biblical account of Elijah and Elisha demonstrates the enduring impact of spiritual mentorship, which can lead to significant changes in religious practices and societal norms. [37:25]
- Personal transformation stories serve as powerful testimonies to the life-changing power of faith in Jesus. The speaker's own experiences and those of individuals like Robin highlight the transformative effect of genuine encounters with God's grace and the subsequent desire to share that with others. [26:21]
- The church's role in supporting and nurturing faith communities extends beyond its own walls. The generosity shown to City Church in Cincinnati exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the Christian faith, where congregations help one another to grow and serve their communities effectively. [20:57]
- The importance of leaving a spiritual legacy is a compelling motivation for believers to invest in the next generation. The speaker's question about the stories that will be told in 200 years encourages reflection on the long-term impact of one's faith and actions on future generations. [51:20]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Kings 19:4-21
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Elijah's emotional state after his encounter with the prophets of Baal, and what did he pray to God in 1 Kings 19:4? [33:14]
2. How did God respond to Elijah's despair, and what instructions did He give him in 1 Kings 19:15-16? [34:24]
3. Describe the symbolic act Elijah performed when he met Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19. What did this act signify? [36:48]
4. According to the sermon, what was the ultimate outcome of Elijah's investment in Elisha and others? [38:36]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elijah felt so discouraged despite the miraculous victory at Mount Carmel? How does this reflect on the challenges of spiritual leadership? [33:14]
2. What does God's directive to Elijah to anoint new leaders and a successor suggest about the importance of mentorship and succession in ministry? [34:24]
3. How does the story of Elijah and Elisha illustrate the concept of multiplying one's faith into the next generation? [35:35]
4. Reflecting on the personal stories shared in the sermon, how do individual acts of faith and mentorship contribute to broader spiritual movements and legacies? [46:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Elijah experienced a significant low point after a major spiritual victory. Have you ever felt a similar discouragement after a high point in your faith journey? How did you handle it? [33:14]
2. God instructed Elijah to invest in the next generation by anointing new leaders. Who in your life could you mentor or invest in spiritually? What steps can you take to begin this process? [34:24]
3. Elijah's act of placing his mantle on Elisha was a call to discipleship. Is there someone in your life you feel called to invite into a deeper spiritual relationship or mentorship? How can you make this invitation? [36:48]
4. The sermon highlighted the ripple effect of investing in others, as seen in the stories of Edward Kimble and Billy Graham. Can you identify a person or group you could invest in that might have a long-term impact? [46:20]
5. Reflect on the story of Robin and Leah. How can you support someone in your community who is struggling with their faith or personal issues? What practical steps can you take to offer support and encouragement? [50:00]
6. The speaker challenged the congregation to consider the legacy they will leave behind. What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to leave? What actions can you take now to ensure that legacy? [51:20]
7. The church's role in supporting other faith communities was emphasized in the sermon. How can you or your small group contribute to the broader mission of the church, both locally and globally? [20:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Ripple Effect of Discipleship
Discipleship is not about personal glory but about the selfless act of nurturing others in their faith journey. It is the intentional investment in the lives of others, which creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond one's immediate circle. This approach to faith is exemplified by the influence of individuals who have shaped the course of spiritual history through their commitment to discipleship. [39:53]
2 Timothy 2:2 - "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
Reflection: Who has been a significant spiritual mentor in your life, and how can you follow their example by investing in someone else's faith journey?
Day 2: Enduring Impact of Mentorship
The legacy of faith is a tapestry woven through generations, with each mentorship contributing to an enduring impact. The relationship between Elijah and Elisha demonstrates how spiritual guidance can lead to societal transformation and the continuation of God's work beyond our own lifetimes. This biblical narrative encourages believers to consider the long-term effects of their mentorship. [37:25]
1 Kings 19:19-21 - "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat... Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek to mentor someone in your community, and how might this shape the future of your faith community?
Day 3: Testimonies of Transformation
Personal stories of transformation are powerful testaments to the life-changing power of faith. These narratives, like the speaker's own journey and the experiences of others, demonstrate the profound effect that an encounter with God's grace can have on an individual's life, inspiring a fervent desire to share that transformation with the world. [26:21]
Acts 9:15-16 - "But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you experienced a significant transformation in your faith. How can you use this experience to encourage others in their spiritual journey?
Day 4: Church Beyond Walls
The church's mission extends beyond its physical boundaries, embracing a spirit of generosity and collaboration. This is seen in the support given to new faith communities, exemplifying the collective effort to nurture and grow the body of Christ. Such acts of kindness and cooperation reflect the essence of the Christian faith, where believers work together for the common good. [20:57]
Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the growth and support of another faith community, and what might be the first step you take in this direction?
Day 5: Crafting a Spiritual Legacy
Contemplating the stories that will be told of one's faith in the future prompts reflection on the spiritual legacy left behind. This perspective serves as a powerful motivation to invest in the next generation, ensuring that the impact of one's faith will resonate through time and inspire future believers to continue the mission. [51:20]
Psalm 78:4-6 - "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... so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children."
Reflection: What do you want your spiritual legacy to be, and what practical steps can you take today to start building that legacy?
Quotes
"When Elijah chose to invest in the Next Generation, he multiplied his faith into someone else. You do not have to have a formal Ministry to have formal impact in the Kingdom." [40:33] (Download)
"The kingdom of God has come near because the kingdom is not just about getting you into heaven, it's about getting Heaven into you. It's not just about dying later; it's about dying to yourself now." [42:26] (Download)
"I wonder what stories they're going to tell about us in 200 years." [51:51] (Download)
"This is what happens when you invest in the Next Generation, this is what happens when you say the kingdom is more worth it than just my own Ministry." [52:24] (Download)
"Our agenda is the kingdom; we carry a kingdom, not an agenda. We get to carry this place and tell the rest of the world the kingdom of God has come near." [43:05] (Download)
"Elijah spent most of his ministry investing in the Next Generation... it's a strategy that God's been using for Generation to generation." [43:37] (Download)
"One man didn't see a teenager stocking shelves as something that was beneath him but he invested in the Next Generation. DL Moody... would preach on two different continents and lead thousands to Jesus." [44:46] (Download)
"I've seen a lot of really cool things in our church but I don't know if I've seen someone's life so radically changed as I have Robins in the last 18 months. What I've seen the Holy Spirit do in her heart is absolutely nothing short of a miracle." [49:23] (Download)
"Sometimes I wonder if it's because there was such a momentum of Faith behind me. I promise if you did the same, there is a momentum of Faith behind you because one person was willing to invest in the Next Generation and to multiply their faith." [48:48] (Download)
"A discipleship relationship is formed and if you read the rest of First Kings, you'll see that one story after another, Elijah is pouring into Elisha, taking him everywhere that he goes." [37:25] (Download)
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