Legacy of Faith: The Kingdom Man's Influence
Summary
Growing up, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand what it means to be a kingdom man through the life of my father. His deep reverence for God was not just spoken but lived out in every aspect of his life. This reverence was evident in how he led our family, creating an environment where spiritual values were not only taught but also practiced. My mother flourished under his influence, and my siblings and I grew into strong individuals rooted in faith, much like olive plants growing into trees. Around our family table, my father instilled in us biblical principles and taught us the ways of the Lord, which laid a strong foundation for our spiritual growth.
My father’s commitment to God extended beyond our home. He held Bible studies during the week, and I often found myself as the youngest participant, soaking in the teachings. This exposure ignited a passion in me to learn more about the Word. Accompanying him to prisons and street corners, I observed his fervency and fearlessness in preaching the gospel. His dedication was contagious, and I found myself emulating his actions, whether it was standing on street corners handing out tracts or using any available platform to preach, much like he did.
Our regular church attendance on Sundays and Wednesdays further solidified my love for God’s Word. Even when my father had to work, I would walk miles to attend Bible study, driven by the love for the teachings instilled in me. This upbringing has had a lasting impact, shaping the national ministry God has entrusted to us. A kingdom man, as exemplified by my father, commits himself to God and reflects His character in his family, church, and society, leaving a generational legacy. Psalm 128 beautifully encapsulates this, highlighting the joy of seeing one’s children and grandchildren fervently following the faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. A kingdom man is defined by his reverence for God, which is evident not only in his words but in his actions. This reverence creates a nurturing environment where family members can flourish spiritually, much like a fruitful vine and olive plants growing into trees. [00:27]
2. The influence of a kingdom man extends beyond his immediate family, impacting the community and society at large. His commitment to God is reflected in his willingness to teach and share the gospel, whether in formal settings or on street corners. [00:57]
3. Observing and emulating the actions of a godly role model can ignite a passion for ministry and service in the next generation. This is a powerful testament to the impact of living out one's faith authentically and fearlessly. [01:25]
4. Consistent engagement with the church community, even when inconvenient, fosters a deep love for God’s Word and strengthens one’s faith. This commitment is a hallmark of a kingdom man, who prioritizes spiritual growth and community involvement. [02:24]
5. The legacy of a kingdom man is seen in the generational impact of his faith, as his children and grandchildren continue to follow God fervently. This enduring influence is a testament to a life lived in alignment with God’s principles, as beautifully illustrated in Psalm 128. [02:53]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:27] - The Influence of a Kingdom Man
[00:57] - Learning Through Observation
[01:25] - Emulating Godly Actions
[01:53] - Passion for Preaching
[02:24] - Commitment to Church Community
[02:53] - Generational Impact of Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 128
Observation Questions:
1. How did the speaker describe the influence of his father on his spiritual upbringing? [00:27]
2. What activities did the speaker participate in with his father that helped shape his passion for ministry? [00:57]
3. How did the speaker's commitment to attending church, even when inconvenient, reflect his upbringing? [02:24]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Psalm 128 illustrate the concept of a "kingdom man" as described in the sermon? [02:53]
2. How does the speaker's experience of observing and emulating his father's actions demonstrate the importance of role models in faith development? [01:53]
3. What does the speaker's dedication to attending Bible study, despite challenges, suggest about the role of perseverance in spiritual growth? [02:24]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the role models in your life. How have they influenced your spiritual journey, and what qualities do you admire in them? [01:53]
2. Consider your current involvement in your church community. What steps can you take to deepen your commitment and engagement, even when it's inconvenient? [02:24]
3. How can you create an environment in your home or community that nurtures spiritual growth, similar to the speaker's father's influence? [00:27]
4. Identify a specific way you can share your faith with others, whether through formal teaching or informal conversations. How can you overcome any fears or hesitations in doing so? [00:57]
5. Think about the legacy you want to leave for future generations. What actions can you take now to ensure that your faith has a lasting impact on your family and community? [02:53]
6. Reflect on a time when you observed someone living out their faith authentically. How did that impact you, and how can you emulate their example in your own life? [01:25]
7. What practical steps can you take to instill biblical principles in your daily life, similar to the speaker's father's practice around the family table? [00:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Reverence in Action
A kingdom man is defined by his reverence for God, which is evident not only in his words but in his actions. This reverence creates a nurturing environment where family members can flourish spiritually, much like a fruitful vine and olive plants growing into trees. A kingdom man’s life is a testament to his deep respect and love for God, which is not confined to mere words but is demonstrated through his daily actions and decisions. His home becomes a sanctuary where spiritual values are not only taught but lived out, providing a fertile ground for his family to grow in faith. This environment allows each family member to thrive, much like olive plants growing into strong trees, deeply rooted in spiritual truth. [00:27]
Psalm 112:1-2 (ESV): "Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you demonstrate your reverence for God in your daily actions today, creating a nurturing environment for those around you?
Day 2: Influence Beyond the Home
The influence of a kingdom man extends beyond his immediate family, impacting the community and society at large. His commitment to God is reflected in his willingness to teach and share the gospel, whether in formal settings or on street corners. A kingdom man’s dedication to God is not limited to his household; it radiates outward, touching the lives of those in his community. His passion for sharing the gospel is evident in his eagerness to teach and spread God’s word, whether in structured environments like Bible studies or in spontaneous moments on street corners. This outward expression of faith serves as a beacon of hope and truth, drawing others to the transformative power of the gospel. [00:57]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you actively share your faith with someone in your community today, whether through words or actions?
Day 3: Emulating Godly Role Models
Observing and emulating the actions of a godly role model can ignite a passion for ministry and service in the next generation. This is a powerful testament to the impact of living out one's faith authentically and fearlessly. The presence of a godly role model in one’s life can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and a passion for ministry. By observing the authentic and fearless expression of faith in a mentor, individuals are inspired to pursue their own journey of service and devotion. This emulation of godly actions not only strengthens personal faith but also encourages the next generation to carry forward the legacy of living out their beliefs with conviction and courage. [01:25]
1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV): "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
Reflection: Who is a godly role model in your life, and how can you emulate their faith and actions in your own journey today?
Day 4: Commitment to Spiritual Growth
Consistent engagement with the church community, even when inconvenient, fosters a deep love for God’s Word and strengthens one’s faith. This commitment is a hallmark of a kingdom man, who prioritizes spiritual growth and community involvement. A kingdom man understands the importance of being actively involved in a church community, recognizing that consistent participation, even when it requires sacrifice, is vital for spiritual growth. This dedication to engaging with God’s Word and fellow believers nurtures a deep love for the teachings of the Bible and fortifies one’s faith. By prioritizing spiritual growth and community involvement, a kingdom man sets an example of steadfast commitment to God’s principles. [02:24]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your engagement with your church community, even if it requires stepping out of your comfort zone?
Day 5: Generational Legacy of Faith
The legacy of a kingdom man is seen in the generational impact of his faith, as his children and grandchildren continue to follow God fervently. This enduring influence is a testament to a life lived in alignment with God’s principles, as beautifully illustrated in Psalm 128. A kingdom man’s life leaves a lasting legacy, as his unwavering faith and commitment to God’s principles are passed down through generations. His children and grandchildren are inspired to follow in his footsteps, fervently pursuing their own relationship with God. This generational impact is a powerful testament to the enduring influence of a life lived in alignment with God’s will, as it continues to shape and guide future generations in their spiritual journey. [02:53]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "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: How can you intentionally invest in the spiritual growth of the next generation today, ensuring that your faith legacy endures?
Quotes
Whenever I talk about being a kingdom man and illustrated what it is, my reference point is my dad because he feared God, not only in word but in deed. He brought it home, and my mother became a fruitful vine because of his influence. I along with my siblings became olive plants that grew into trees because, around the table, he would instill spiritual values or remind us of biblical principles or teach us in the ways of the Lord. [00:00:38]
My father would hold a Bible study here during the week, and I would actually sit in on that Bible study that he would have, and I guess I'd be the youngest person there. So I became a student of his around our den table. As he was teaching others, I kind of was Joshua sitting in on it and taking it in which, in addition to the church, helped excite me about learning more about the word. [00:32:91]
When I went with my dad to the prisons or on the street corners, I was observing him because he was the one preaching, I was just handing out tracts. I watched the fervency and the fire and the excitement and the commitment and not being scared, hesitant, ashamed, so that was pretty, pretty powerful. [00:57:71]
Well you know, we stood on the corners and passed out tracks, and then we would go to the squares, and Tony would get on top of the car—cars—and preach, and he wanted to be like Billy Graham. I would use anything for a pulpit or a platform and just go for it. So I used a cardboard platform. I used a step. I used a stool. I'd use whatever elevated me a little bit. [01:13:86]
I just found myself beginning to do it, so I think I just began parroting and began reflecting what I was observing both when he was out preaching or when he was still at home with the family. I would just observe and saw that and therefore began to emulate it. We went to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, and I remember him creating such a love that when he had to work on Wednesdays, I would walk from here to the church, and that would be four-five miles. [01:24:11]
And then either get a ride back or walk back just to be in Bible study. I had been raised that way. And then of course, the national ministry that God has given us, I tribute back to that influence, which is what a kingdom man does. He commits himself to God, reflects God in his family, in his church, and in his society in such a way that has generational impact. [01:39:59]
My favorite passage about being a kingdom man is in Psalms 128, and ends with seeing your children's children, so you know a man is a kingdom man when his grandchildren are following the faith fervently. [01:64:74]
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