Living with the Finish Line in Sight: Leaving a Legacy

Devotional

Day 1: Live with the Finish Line in Clear View

Living with eternity in mind shapes our daily choices and legacy.

To live a life of true impact, it is essential to keep the end in sight and not be consumed by temporary pursuits. The wise do not live for fleeting pleasures or short-term gains, but instead, they look ahead to the moment when they will stand before Christ. This perspective brings clarity to what truly matters and motivates us to invest our lives in things of eternal value. When we define our finish line as standing before Jesus, it breaks the grip of selfishness and reorients our hearts toward leaving a legacy that points others to Him. [02:27]

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are living for the temporary rather than the eternal? How can you shift your focus today to live with the finish line in clear view?

Day 2: True Legacy Flows from Grace, Not Dead Works

Our acts of service and generosity are a response to God’s grace, not a means to earn it.

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that doing more—serving, giving, or helping others—will earn us favor with God. But Jesus makes it clear that our good works are not the way to salvation; rather, they are the fruit of a heart transformed by His grace. When we truly grasp the depth of what Christ has done for us, our hearts overflow with love and generosity toward others, especially the broken and marginalized. This is the legacy that matters: a life marked by compassion, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for the grace we have received. [19:36]

Matthew 25:31-40 (ESV)
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"

Reflection: In what ways can you serve or show compassion today as a grateful response to God’s grace, rather than out of duty or to earn His favor?

Day 3: Stewardship—Managing God’s Entrustments Faithfully

Everything we have is entrusted to us by God, and we are called to steward it well.

God has placed time, talents, resources, and relationships into each of our hands, not for our own purposes, but to be managed for His glory. The world teaches us to claim ownership and hold tightly to what we have, but the kingdom perspective is that we are managers, not owners. One day, we will give an account for how we used what was entrusted to us. Whether our portion seems large or small, faithfulness is what matters. When we invest what God has given us—no matter the measure—we participate in His work and leave a legacy that endures. [26:27]

Matthew 25:14-23 (ESV)
"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’"

Reflection: What is one specific resource, relationship, or talent God has entrusted to you that you can intentionally steward for His purposes this week?

Day 4: It’s Never Too Late to Leave a Legacy

No matter your past, God’s grace allows you to begin a new legacy today.

Even if you feel like you have wasted years, made mistakes, or are in the final chapters of your life, it is never too late to turn to Jesus and let Him write a new story through you. The thief on the cross had only moments left, yet his humble plea to Jesus secured his place in paradise and left a legacy of hope for generations. Your legacy is not determined by your failures or how much time you have left, but by your willingness to look to Christ and receive His mercy. One act of faith, one conversation, or one step of obedience can change everything and impact eternity. [36:15]

Luke 23:39-43 (ESV)
"One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, 'Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.' And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'"

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel it’s “too late” to make a difference? What is one step you can take today to trust God’s grace and begin a new legacy?

Day 5: Generosity and Obedience Advance God’s Kingdom

Our faith and generosity open doors for God’s work in the world.

When we respond to God’s prompting with generosity and obedience, we become part of something much bigger than ourselves. Whether it’s supporting church expansion, reaching the marginalized, or giving sacrificially, our collective faithfulness enables the gospel to transform lives and communities. God’s vision often requires more than we can accomplish alone, but as each person does their part, the kingdom advances. Ask God what He would have you give or do, and trust that your obedience will have an eternal impact. [09:18]

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: What is one act of generosity or obedience God is prompting you to take today that could help advance His kingdom? Will you pray and commit to follow through?

Sermon Summary

Living with the end in sight is the key to a life of true impact. Each of us, whether young or old, is leaving a legacy—an imprint on the lives of others that will outlast our time on earth. The sobering reality is that some leave behind pain, brokenness, or regret, but as people redeemed by grace, we are invited to leave a legacy of hope, love, and eternal significance. This means refusing to live for the temporary, and instead, fixing our eyes on the finish line: the day we stand before Jesus.

Paul’s words in 2 Timothy remind us that the prize is not just for him, but for all who eagerly await Christ’s return. Our lives are not about accumulating wealth, achieving status, or even just enjoying family and retirement. The true finish line is hearing Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Everything we do—whether building churches, reaching into prisons, or serving our communities—flows from this eternal perspective. The buildings we construct are not eternal, but the lives transformed within them are. Our expansion, our generosity, and our outreach are all about leading people into a relationship with Jesus that will last forever.

We are stewards, not owners, of everything God has entrusted to us: our time, our talents, our resources, our relationships. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 makes it clear that God gives each of us a unique measure, and He will one day ask what we did with it. The call is not to compare or compete, but to be faithful with what we have—whether much or little. Our legacy is not determined by the size of our platform, but by our faithfulness to invest what God has placed in our hands.

It’s never too late to leave a legacy. The thief on the cross had only moments left, yet his humble plea to Jesus—“Don’t forget about me”—became a legacy of grace that has inspired millions. No matter your past, your failures, or how much time you feel you’ve wasted, one genuine encounter with Jesus can change everything. One act of generosity, one conversation, one step of obedience can ripple into eternity. Today, the invitation is simple: look to Jesus, receive His grace, and ask, “Lord, what is my part?” Then, do what He says, and trust that your legacy will echo in eternity.

Key Takeaways

1. Live with the finish line in view Living for eternity changes how we spend our days. When we regularly imagine standing before Jesus, it breaks the grip of selfishness and short-sightedness. Our priorities shift from temporary gains to eternal impact, and we find clarity about what truly matters. [02:27]
2. Steward what God has entrusted to you We are not owners, but managers of God’s gifts—our time, talents, resources, and relationships. Faithfulness is measured not by how much we have, but by how we invest what we’ve been given. God will one day ask each of us, “What did you do with what I entrusted to you?” [25:42]
3. Good works flow from grace, not for it Serving, giving, and loving others are not ways to earn God’s favor, but responses to the grace we’ve already received. When our hearts are transformed by Christ, generosity and compassion become natural outflows. If we find ourselves indifferent, it’s a sign to let God soften our hearts again. [19:36]
4. It’s never too late to leave a legacy No matter your past or how much time you feel you’ve wasted, one sincere turn to Jesus can birth a legacy of grace. The thief on the cross had only moments, yet his humble faith became a testimony for generations. Your story can still be redeemed and multiplied for God’s glory. [36:15]
5. Small acts can have eternal impact A single conversation, a gift, or a step of obedience can change the course of someone’s life and ripple into eternity. We may never see the full results, but God uses our faithfulness in ways beyond our imagination. [36:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:25] - Living for the Bigger Picture
[01:02] - Introducing Legacy Sunday and Offering
[01:38] - What Is Legacy?
[02:27] - Living with the Finish Line in Sight
[02:42] - Paul’s Perspective on Finishing Well
[03:17] - Eagerly Awaiting Christ’s Return
[04:17] - Why We Build and Expand
[05:30] - Campus Updates and Expansion Stories
[07:35] - Finishing Strong in Our Commitments
[08:15] - The Prison Church Network Vision
[10:22] - Progress in California Prisons
[13:04] - Every Life Is Precious
[15:16] - Blessing Inmates’ Families
[16:39] - How to Leave a Legacy
[17:47] - The Sheep and the Goats: Matthew 25
[19:36] - Good Works as a Response to Grace
[21:28] - A Personal Story from Solano Prison
[25:42] - Living as Stewards, Not Owners
[27:31] - The Parable of the Talents
[32:26] - It’s Never Too Late for Legacy
[33:38] - The Thieves on the Cross
[36:15] - The Power of a Last-Minute Legacy
[37:27] - Responding to God’s Invitation
[39:19] - Closing Prayer and Next Steps

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) — > I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV) – The Parable of the Talents — (Consider reading the full passage as a group)

Luke 23:39-43 (ESV) – The Thief on the Cross — > One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Observation Questions

In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, what does Paul say is waiting for him at the end of his life, and who else is it for?
According to the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, what does the master expect from his servants while he is away?
In the story of the two thieves on the cross (Luke 23:39-43), what are the two different responses to Jesus, and how does Jesus respond to each? [34:38]
The sermon mentions that “the buildings we construct are not eternal, but the lives transformed within them are.” What examples did the pastor give of ways the church is investing in things that last? [04:17]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize “finishing the race” and “keeping the faith” as the true measure of a life well lived? How does this challenge common ideas of success? [02:42]
In the Parable of the Talents, why do you think the master responds so differently to the servants who invested versus the one who buried his talent? What does this say about God’s expectations for us? [27:48]
The pastor said, “Our good works are the result of grace, not a way to find grace.” How does this change the motivation behind serving, giving, or loving others? [19:36]
The story of the thief on the cross shows it’s never too late to leave a legacy. What does this teach about God’s grace and the possibility of redemption, even at the last moment? [36:15]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to “live with the finish line in clear view.” What is one area of your life where you tend to focus on temporary things instead of eternal impact? What would it look like to shift your focus this week? [16:39]
The pastor asked, “What did you do with what I entrusted into your life?” (referring to time, talents, resources, relationships). What is one specific thing God has entrusted to you that you want to steward more faithfully? [25:42]
When you think about your legacy, do you feel more like the servant with many talents, or the one who buried his? What is one step you can take to invest what God has given you, even if it feels small? [28:19]
The sermon said, “Good works flow from grace, not for it.” Is there an area where you’ve been serving or giving out of obligation instead of gratitude? How can you let God soften your heart and renew your motivation? [19:36]
The story of the thief on the cross shows it’s never too late to leave a legacy. Is there a part of your story or your past that you feel disqualifies you from making an impact? How does this story encourage you to take a step of faith today? [36:15]
The pastor mentioned that “small acts can have eternal impact.” Can you think of a recent small act—like a conversation, a gift, or a step of obedience—that could ripple into eternity? What is one small act you feel prompted to do this week? [36:53]
The church is involved in outreach like prison ministry and blessing families in need. Is there a specific way you feel called to get involved in serving or giving, either through the church or in your own life? What’s holding you back, and what’s one step you can take? [15:16]

Sermon Clips

Now, let me say right out the gate about what we just read, that the list that Jesus gives are not a means to salvation. The Bible calls them dead works or a religion of dead works. And here's how that works. If I do this, this, this, this, then I earn my way into the kingdom. God will let me into heaven. If I feed the hungry and clothe the naked and go visit people in prison, then I've earned my way. That is a chasm away from the truth of what Jesus is bringing. [00:19:23] (27 seconds) #GraceNotWorks

You see, when we visit people in prison, and when we love our city, and when we open up a shop for inmates' families to get some Christmas gifts, it's done out of a response of a grateful heart that's been redeemed by the grace of God and filled with the love of Christ. Our good works are the result of grace, not a way to find grace. So it's very important that you delineate that because it's easy to get caught up in dead works and think if I just do more, serve more, give more, show up more, that somehow I earn God's favor. [00:19:50] (32 seconds) #TransformedToGive

Listen closely. You cannot receive any more favor than at the foot of the cross saying, Jesus, come into my heart and forgive my sins. The favor has already been purchased for you. The price has already been paid. But once I'm transformed, I become a giver. Once I'm transformed, I become a lover of broken people, and I want to help folks out. [00:20:22] (21 seconds) #SpiritOfGenerosity

Now, to look at your life as a manager instead of an owner really flies in the face of our culture. Our culture says, I earned it. I worked for it. It's mine. This is mine. It's my identity. What's mine is mine. What's yours? I'm coming after. That's kind of how culture rolls. But God says, no, I'm entrusting you with measures. And then there will be a day where you will give an account for the measure that you have been entrusted with. [00:26:01] (26 seconds) #GraceLegacy

You have an entrustment. God has given you. Well, you think, well, mine's pretty menial. You know, I must be that one talent. It doesn't matter if you're the two talent, one talent, half talent, quarter talent. The master's coming back to ask this question. What did you do with what I entrusted into your life? You had relationships. You had a family to steward. You had some kids to raise. You are a steward of those children. [00:29:43] (26 seconds) #GodMomentsMatter

Your job, work as unto the Lord, not unto men. Your job is a stewardship. Your money is a stewardship. And I'm trying for just a minute to break some Americanized, greedy, selfish culture off your mind and let you realize you're going to stand before the man. He's the man. I'm the servant. He's the man. I'm the servant. And after a long time, he's coming back. [00:30:43] (22 seconds)

And I want to be able to say for all of us, Lord, we messed up a few times. We fell. We got sin in our lives. There was some brokenness. There were some bad weeks. We didn't handle some situations well. But, Master, we did our best to invest everything you entrusted to us. And I want to hear him say, well done. Well done, good and faithful servant. [00:31:45] (23 seconds)

He had this brief moment. And for 2,000 years, his legacy is this. He's inspired countless millions of people regarding the grace of God. God, that if a thief dying for his sin and in his sin can simply glimpse over Jesus and say, hey, don't forget about me, that salvation occurs. He left me a legacy. That thief left me a legacy regarding the grace of God. It's never too late for you to leave a legacy. [00:35:48] (33 seconds)

It doesn't matter how much of your life you train wrecked. It doesn't matter your age. It doesn't matter your wasted finance and fortune and whatever you've done or haven't done. Here's all it takes. One glimpse of Jesus. Understanding his mercy and grace and say, Lord, don't forget about me. Don't forget about me. And in that moment, legacy is born. [00:36:22] (25 seconds)

I wonder about things like this. There's one conversation with your neighbor that ends up being an evangelist. One offering that blesses an inmate who gets out and plants a church in Africa. One act of generosity that changes a family. These God moments that shift and change everything. That can be your legacy if you're willing. And I would like to encourage you today to, no matter how much time you wasted, just look to Jesus today and simply look at his grace and him hanging on the cross for you and say, Lord, don't forget about me. [00:36:51] (36 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does living with the finish line in sight mean?

How are believers entrusted to steward their resources?

What is the significance of the thief on the cross?