Leaving a Legacy: Serving God and Future Generations
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the theme of legacy, inspired by the story of Alfred Nobel, who transformed his legacy from being known as the "merchant of death" to a benefactor of peace through the Nobel Peace Prize. This transformation challenges us to consider what legacy we are leaving behind. We reflected on the biblical example of King David, who, despite his desire to build a temple for God, accepted that his role was to prepare the way for his son Solomon to fulfill that vision. David's story teaches us about the importance of serving God's purpose in our generation and setting up the next generation for success.
David's legacy was not just about his achievements but about his willingness to support and empower the next generation. He gathered resources and made plans for the temple, even though he knew he would not see its completion. This act of selflessness and foresight is a powerful reminder that our lives should be about glorifying God and serving His purpose, not just fulfilling our own desires.
We also discussed the significance of giving, not just as a financial transaction but as an act of worship and a way to honor God. Giving should be done willingly and joyfully, recognizing that everything we have comes from God. Our legacy offering today is an opportunity to invest in missions and the future of our church, ensuring that we continue to impact lives for generations to come.
As we prepare for Easter, let's invite others to experience the joy and hope that comes from knowing Christ. Let's be intentional about the legacy we leave, ensuring it reflects a life lived for God's glory and the betterment of others.
Key Takeaways:
1. Legacy Transformation: Alfred Nobel's story reminds us that it's never too late to change our legacy. Like Nobel, we can choose to leave a legacy of peace and positive impact rather than destruction. Consider what legacy you are building and how it aligns with God's purpose for your life. [12:17]
2. Serving God's Purpose: King David's life exemplifies serving God's purpose in our generation. Even when our desires are frustrated, like David's desire to build the temple, we can still contribute to God's work by preparing the way for others. Reflect on how you can serve God's purpose today. [21:16]
3. Willing and Joyful Giving: Giving is an act of worship and should be done willingly and joyfully. Recognize that everything we have is from God, and our giving is a way to honor Him. Let your giving reflect a heart of gratitude and worship. [32:24]
4. Multi-generational Vision: God's work is multi-generational, and we are called to set up the next generation for success. Like David, we should invest in the future, ensuring that our legacy continues to glorify God and impact lives. [36:20]
5. Invitation to Salvation: The greatest legacy we can leave is one that points others to Christ. If you haven't already, consider inviting Jesus into your life and experiencing the joy and hope that comes from a relationship with Him. [41:41]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:30] - Easter Preparations
- [03:45] - Legacy Offering Introduction
- [06:00] - Prayer and Reflection
- [08:15] - Alfred Nobel's Legacy
- [12:17] - Frustrated Desires
- [15:30] - King David's Example
- [18:45] - Transition of Leadership
- [21:16] - Preparing for the Next Generation
- [24:00] - The Importance of Giving
- [27:30] - Willing and Joyful Giving
- [32:24] - Financial Stewardship
- [36:20] - Multi-generational Vision
- [39:00] - Worship Through Giving
- [41:41] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Legacy and Generational Impact
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 13:36 - "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers."
2. 1 Chronicles 28:1-3 - David's assembly of leaders and his desire to build a temple for God.
3. 1 Chronicles 29:1-9 - David's preparation and giving for the temple.
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Alfred Nobel's initial legacy, and how did he transform it? [12:17]
2. How did King David prepare for the building of the temple, even though he knew he wouldn't see its completion? [21:16]
3. What role did giving play in David's preparation for the temple, and how was it described in the sermon? [32:24]
4. How did the congregation respond to the call for giving in the sermon, and what was the atmosphere like during the offering? [36:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Alfred Nobel challenge individuals to reconsider their own legacies and the impact they wish to leave behind? [12:17]
2. In what ways does King David's acceptance of his role in God's plan, despite his personal desires, serve as a model for serving God's purpose in one's generation? [21:16]
3. How does the concept of "willing and joyful giving" as an act of worship align with the biblical teachings on stewardship and generosity? [32:24]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of setting up the next generation for success, and how does this reflect a multi-generational vision? [36:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current legacy. What steps can you take to ensure it aligns with God's purpose for your life, similar to Alfred Nobel's transformation? [12:17]
2. Consider a personal desire or goal that has not been fulfilled. How can you, like David, contribute to God's work in other ways, even if your original plans are not realized? [21:16]
3. How can you practice "willing and joyful giving" in your daily life, recognizing that everything you have comes from God? What specific actions can you take this week to honor God through your resources? [32:24]
4. Identify a young person or someone from the next generation in your life. What practical steps can you take to support and empower them, ensuring they are set up for success? [36:20]
5. As Easter approaches, who can you invite to experience the joy and hope of knowing Christ? How can you be intentional about sharing your faith and leaving a legacy that points others to Jesus? [41:41]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt a frustrated desire. How did you handle it, and what did you learn about trusting God's timing and plan for your life? [21:16]
7. How can you incorporate the principles of multi-generational vision into your personal or professional life, ensuring that your efforts today benefit future generations? [36:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Transforming Your Legacy for Peace
In the story of Alfred Nobel, we see a profound transformation from a legacy of destruction to one of peace and positive impact. Nobel's decision to change the course of his legacy by establishing the Nobel Peace Prize serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to redefine what we leave behind. This transformation challenges us to consider the legacy we are building and how it aligns with God's purpose for our lives. Are we leaving behind a legacy that reflects God's love and peace, or are we focused on our own ambitions and desires? Reflect on the choices you make daily and how they contribute to the legacy you wish to leave. [12:17]
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to begin transforming your legacy into one that reflects God's peace and purpose?
Day 2: Serving God's Purpose in Your Generation
King David's life exemplifies the importance of serving God's purpose in our generation. Despite his desire to build a temple for God, David accepted that his role was to prepare the way for his son Solomon to fulfill that vision. This teaches us that even when our personal desires are frustrated, we can still contribute to God's work by supporting and empowering others. Reflect on how you can serve God's purpose today, even if it means setting aside your own ambitions for the greater good. [21:16]
"And David said to Solomon his son, 'Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.'" (1 Chronicles 28:20, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you support and empower someone else to fulfill God's purpose, even if it means stepping back from your own desires?
Day 3: The Joy of Willing Giving
Giving is more than a financial transaction; it is an act of worship and a way to honor God. It should be done willingly and joyfully, recognizing that everything we have comes from God. Our giving reflects a heart of gratitude and worship, acknowledging God's provision in our lives. Consider how your giving can be an expression of your faith and trust in God, and how it can impact the lives of others. [32:24]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of joyful and willing giving in your life today, and what impact do you hope it will have on others?
Day 4: Investing in a Multi-generational Vision
God's work is multi-generational, and we are called to set up the next generation for success. Like David, we should invest in the future, ensuring that our legacy continues to glorify God and impact lives. This involves not only providing resources but also mentoring and guiding the next generation to fulfill God's purpose. Reflect on how you can contribute to a multi-generational vision that honors God and serves others. [36:20]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate." (Psalm 145:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take to invest in the next generation and ensure that your legacy continues to glorify God?
Day 5: Inviting Others to Experience Salvation
The greatest legacy we can leave is one that points others to Christ. As we prepare for Easter, let's be intentional about inviting others to experience the joy and hope that comes from knowing Christ. This involves sharing our faith and living a life that reflects God's love and grace. Consider how you can be a witness to those around you and invite them to experience the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus. [41:41]
"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (Romans 10:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to experience the joy and hope of knowing Christ, and how can you share your faith with them today?
Quotes
"I think one of the greatest examples of a legacy that we all should want to create and have in our life would be what we find of David in Acts chapter 13, verse 36. I love, this is one of my favorite verses. Would you read it out loud with me? For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers." [00:06:12] (25 seconds)
"David is ending, he's run out of runway. I mean, it's time for a transition of leadership from himself to his son, to the next generation. So let me give you a little background. David now has served as 40 years as a king of Israel, and he's brought everything that he can under to the glory of God. The nation is prospering, the nation is blessed. It's financially better than it's ever been before." [00:07:26] (29 seconds)
"I had a desire to be a missionary and live on the mission field, but it's a frustrated desire. And I know that's not going to happen. And so today in our missions giving, you say, I may not be able to live there, but I'm able to take a mission trip, or I'm able to give towards the mission that we're going to give." [00:14:56] (22 seconds)
"A great leader wants to set up his successor up to even be more successful than he is. Last week before services, there was a businessman came up to me, very successful businessman, and he said, you know what? You're doing with a father's house is what I need to do and want to do one of these days with my company, but I want to be sure I leave it in the right hands." [00:17:11] (24 seconds)
"Would you like to take away the one that helps women who are in a pregnancy difficulty and don't know what to do? Would you like to take away the one that helps place 16 to 13-year-old kids in a home? Would you like to take away the one that takes away and helps women that have been abused? Would you like to take away the one in Greece that we help sponsor that takes women off of human trafficking, teaches them a trade?" [00:25:25] (27 seconds)
"Furthermore, King David said to the assembly, my son Solomon, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced and the work is great because the temple, look at this, the temple. You got to catch this. This is giving. Giving is not to, well, I'm giving to the building. I'm giving to mission. No, we're giving unto the Lord. Look at this. The temple is not for man, but for the Lord." [00:27:27] (31 seconds)
"Rejoiced, for they offered willingly because with a loyal heart, that means with a whole heart, with a whole heart, they rejoiced in giving. And all David can do is fall on his knees and begin to praise God for what he sees the willing givers. Therefore, David, bless the Lord. Blessed are you, O God, and our Father. Yours, O God, is the greatness. Yours is the power, the glory, the victory, the majesty." [00:36:42] (28 seconds)
"Listen, we gotta do a little bit more of that song but I just we never want to end the service without giving somebody an opportunity to do the greatest thing of all to invite Jesus into your heart and into your life so would you bow your heads with me and so maybe you came today and you say you know what this joy thing is beyond me my life is miserable right now let me let me remind you God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son by begotten son to live a sinless life to die on the cross for your sins and my sins and the scripture said that on the third day he rose from the grave for as many as called upon him could be saved." [00:47:32] (42 seconds)
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