Legacy of Faith: Intimacy, Testimony, and Renewal
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the incredible work of our Hungry Mission team and reflected on the importance of sharing our testimonies of God's faithfulness. We were reminded of the legacy we leave behind, particularly as we concluded our series on Moses. Moses' life teaches us that the value of our legacy is determined by the strength of our character. His eyes were undimmed, always focused on God, and his vigor was unabated, passionately serving God until the end. Despite not entering the Promised Land, Moses remained obedient, demonstrating that true faithfulness to God is not about personal gain but about unwavering commitment.
We also discussed the importance of knowing God intimately, as Moses did. His deep relationship with God was the foundation for all the mighty works God performed through him. This intimacy with God is essential for us to bear fruit in our lives. We must strive to be fully consecrated to God, allowing Him to work through us in powerful ways. Moses' legacy was not just about his own relationship with God but also about passing it on to the next generation, as he did with Joshua.
As we consider our own legacies, we must ask ourselves if our eyes are still focused on God and if our vigor for His work remains strong. If not, we need to repent and return to our first love, Jesus Christ. Our legacy should be one that points others to Jesus, just as Moses' life did. Finally, we were reminded that there is no lasting legacy without first knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior. The invitation is open for anyone who has not yet experienced His grace and forgiveness to come forward and begin a relationship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Testimonies: Sharing our testimonies of God's faithfulness is crucial. It not only glorifies God but also encourages others in their faith journey. A testimony is a powerful tool that can inspire and uplift the church community, reminding us all of God's ongoing work in our lives. [17:56]
2. Character Determines Legacy: The value of our legacy is primarily determined by the strength of our character. Moses' eyes were undimmed, always focused on God, and his vigor was unabated, passionately serving God until the end. Our legacy will be shaped by our faithfulness and obedience to God, regardless of the circumstances. [49:26]
3. Intimacy with God: Moses knew God face to face, and this deep relationship was the foundation for all the mighty works God performed through him. Our effectiveness in God's work is directly tied to our intimacy with Him. We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else to bear lasting fruit. [01:00:19]
4. Passing on the Legacy: Moses passed on his legacy to Joshua, ensuring that the work of God continued beyond his lifetime. We must be intentional about mentoring and discipling the next generation, passing on our faith and wisdom so that they too can carry on God's work. [01:06:10]
5. Repentance and Renewal: If our eyes have grown dim or our vigor for God's work has waned, we need to repent and return to our first love, Jesus Christ. Renewing our passion for God and His mission is essential for leaving a legacy that points others to Him. [57:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:56] - Importance of Testimonies
[24:30] - Mission Team Report
[25:27] - Supporting Long-term Missionaries
[26:14] - Prayer and Worship
[38:55] - Introduction to Moses' Legacy
[39:40] - Reflections on Legacy
[40:32] - Moses' Character and Legacy
[45:02] - Moses' Final Moments
[46:39] - Reading Deuteronomy 34
[49:26] - Moses' Undimmed Eyes
[52:11] - Maintaining Passion for God
[57:15] - Call to Repentance and Renewal
[01:00:19] - Intimacy with God
[01:06:10] - Passing on the Legacy
[01:18:49] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 34:1-12 - The final moments and legacy of Moses.
2. John 15:5 - "I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
3. 1 John 5:13 - "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Deuteronomy 34:1-12 tell us about Moses' final moments and his legacy?
2. According to John 15:5, what is the key to bearing much fruit in our lives?
3. In 1 John 5:13, what assurance is given to those who believe in the name of the Son of God?
4. How did Moses demonstrate his unwavering commitment to God despite not entering the Promised Land? [45:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Moses' eyes to be "undimmed" and his vigor "unabated" as described in Deuteronomy 34:7? How does this reflect his character? [49:26]
2. How does John 15:5 relate to the idea of intimacy with God being essential for bearing fruit in our lives? [01:00:19]
3. What does 1 John 5:13 suggest about the importance of knowing Jesus Christ for leaving a lasting legacy? [01:10:55]
4. How can the story of Moses passing on his legacy to Joshua inspire us to mentor and disciple the next generation? [01:06:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you shared your testimony of God's faithfulness. How did it impact others, and how can you make sharing your testimony a regular practice? [17:56]
2. Moses' character was defined by his undimmed eyes and unabated vigor for God. Are there areas in your life where your focus on God has dimmed or your passion has waned? What steps can you take to renew your commitment? [49:26]
3. Intimacy with God was the foundation for Moses' mighty works. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God? [01:00:19]
4. Moses passed on his legacy to Joshua. Who in your life can you mentor or disciple to ensure that God's work continues beyond your lifetime? [01:06:10]
5. If you feel that your eyes have grown dim or your vigor for God's work has waned, what specific steps can you take to repent and return to your first love, Jesus Christ? [57:15]
6. Consider the legacy you want to leave behind. What changes can you make in your daily life to ensure that your legacy points others to Jesus? [01:10:55]
7. How can you be more intentional about sharing the gospel and being a Christ influencer in your community? What practical steps can you take this week to influence others for Christ? [01:02:07]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Testimonies
Sharing our testimonies of God's faithfulness is crucial. It not only glorifies God but also encourages others in their faith journey. A testimony is a powerful tool that can inspire and uplift the church community, reminding us all of God's ongoing work in our lives. When we share our personal experiences of God's intervention, we provide tangible evidence of His love and power, which can strengthen the faith of others and draw them closer to Him.
Testimonies serve as a reminder that God is active and present in our lives. They help to build a sense of community and shared faith, as we recognize that we are not alone in our struggles and triumphs. By openly sharing our stories, we create an environment where others feel safe to share their own experiences, fostering a culture of transparency and mutual support. [17:56]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Reflection: Think of a recent experience where you witnessed God's faithfulness. How can you share this testimony with someone in your life today to encourage them in their faith journey?
Day 2: Character Determines Legacy
The value of our legacy is primarily determined by the strength of our character. Moses' eyes were undimmed, always focused on God, and his vigor was unabated, passionately serving God until the end. Our legacy will be shaped by our faithfulness and obedience to God, regardless of the circumstances. Moses' life teaches us that true faithfulness to God is not about personal gain but about unwavering commitment to His will.
Our character is revealed in how we respond to challenges and opportunities. A strong character rooted in faith and obedience to God will leave a lasting impact on those around us. It is important to cultivate a character that reflects God's love and righteousness, as this will be the foundation of the legacy we leave behind. [49:26]
Proverbs 20:7 (ESV): "The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your response reflect your character and faith in God? What steps can you take to strengthen your character in alignment with God's will?
Day 3: Intimacy with God
Moses knew God face to face, and this deep relationship was the foundation for all the mighty works God performed through him. Our effectiveness in God's work is directly tied to our intimacy with Him. We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else to bear lasting fruit. Intimacy with God involves spending time in prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His presence in our daily lives.
When we cultivate a close relationship with God, we become more attuned to His voice and guidance. This intimacy empowers us to carry out His will with confidence and strength. It is through this deep connection with God that we can experience His transformative power in our lives and the lives of others. [01:00:19]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: How can you prioritize your relationship with God today? What specific actions can you take to deepen your intimacy with Him?
Day 4: Passing on the Legacy
Moses passed on his legacy to Joshua, ensuring that the work of God continued beyond his lifetime. We must be intentional about mentoring and discipling the next generation, passing on our faith and wisdom so that they too can carry on God's work. This involves investing time and effort into the spiritual growth of others, sharing our experiences, and providing guidance and support.
By mentoring and discipling others, we help to equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to fulfill God's purpose in their lives. This not only ensures the continuation of God's work but also strengthens the overall body of Christ. It is our responsibility to nurture and empower the next generation of believers, just as Moses did with Joshua. [01:06:10]
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: Identify someone in your life who could benefit from your mentorship. How can you intentionally invest in their spiritual growth and help them carry on God's work?
Day 5: Repentance and Renewal
If our eyes have grown dim or our vigor for God's work has waned, we need to repent and return to our first love, Jesus Christ. Renewing our passion for God and His mission is essential for leaving a legacy that points others to Him. Repentance involves acknowledging our shortcomings, seeking God's forgiveness, and making a conscious effort to realign our lives with His will.
Renewal comes from a genuine desire to rekindle our relationship with God and to serve Him with renewed zeal and dedication. It is important to regularly assess our spiritual health and take steps to address any areas where we may have become complacent or distracted. By doing so, we can ensure that our legacy remains focused on glorifying God and advancing His kingdom. [57:15]
Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV): "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."
Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are there areas where your passion for God has diminished? What steps can you take today to repent and renew your commitment to Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Have you seen God be good in your life recently? I'm so glad I'm not the only one. There we go. And I'm going to ask you a question. I'm going to ask you a question. And I'll hand these over to you. See, a current testimony is just an opportunity to tell somebody about God's faithfulness, how God's been working in our lives and how we've seen him move. We want to give all praise, honor and glory to him because Jesus is the one who deserves praise, honor and glory. Amen." [17:56] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Lord, there is so many things that our world is calling us to give our life to. I'm reminded of the words of the missionary C.T. Studd. Only one life to live, which will soon be passed. Only what is done for Christ will last. Lord, in the midst of the myriad of good things, let us be about the great thing of sharing the hope, the gospel of Jesus Christ, Lord, with everyone we come into contact with. He is the hope for our lives. He is the hope for the church. He is the hope for our nation, and he is the hope for all nations." [26:14] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think a lot of our culture has a what can I gain mentality. I think a lot of our culture has a look at me mentality. You ask kids what they want to be today when they grow up and it's not uncommon for them to say things like I want to be a social media influencer. I don't even know what that is. What if we raise a generation of believers that want to be a Christ influencer, right? That we influence people for Christ. Not that we influence Christ, but influence people for Christ." [01:02:07] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think about those years when I was growing in my faith. And what really comes to my mind is that I didn't want to shut up about what Jesus had done for me. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, irrelevant. Do you have a desire to proclaim what Jesus has done for you? Do you have a desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus? If not, if our eyes are dimmed, we lost our vision of who Jesus is." [56:15] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I believe when we're considering the legacy that we're going to lead, it's going to be by being a person like Moses who is upright in character. Not a person who gets it all right, but is upright in character, whose eyes are undimmed, whose vigor is unabated, who's obedient to God regardless of the cost, who has a deep personal relationship with God and that out of the outworking of that deep personal relationship with God, God is able to move through in powerful ways and who are committed to passing it on, not holding onto it for ourselves." [01:06:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Reputation is who others think you are, but integrity is who you are when only God sees. Will I be faithful? Will I be obedient regardless of the circumstance? Will I be faithful? Will I be obedient even if it gains me nothing? I believe that if we're going to leave, the legacy we desire, we have to be faithful and we have to be obedient to Christ regardless of the circumstance and even when it gains us nothing." [41:23] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Moses' eyes were undimmed. I want you to think about me, or think about this with me, rather. How long have you been following Jesus? For some, it might be recent. For some, it might be many, many, many years. Have your eyes grown dim towards the Savior? See, sometimes the reality is, is that in our walk with Christ, we can forget how marvelous he is. We can forget how glorious he is. We can forget how wonderful he is." [52:11] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think one of the marvelous things about Moses' legacy is at the end of his life, they simply say, his eyes were not weak. Moses' eyes were not weak. His eyes were undimmed. He constantly, in his mind, remembered how marvelous, how wonderful, how powerful, how mighty his God really was, and sought to follow him. Because the next thing it says was not just Moses' eyes were undimmed, but then it says Moses' vigor was unabated. His vitality never left him." [52:54] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Moses led with a passion for God. Moses led with compassion for Israel. Moses led with a vision for the future. His vigor for God was completely unabated. He constantly had the mission that God had called him to in his mind. The way the scriptures might talk about it is the idea that we don't veer to the left or to the right, but are constantly moving forward in God's purpose for our life." [53:46] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Moses knew God. Everything flowed out of that. See, he understood that it wasn't about what he could gain and he understood that it wasn't about look at me. Rather that his entirety, his entire life pointed back to the God who was working in him. The reality is, is that there's a lot of Christians today that want to be showy. And it looks like this. Watch me feed this homeless man a lunch, click. Look at how awesome I am. It's not about Jesus. It's about making ourselves look good." [01:02:48] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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