Transferring a Legacy of Faith to Future Generations
Summary
Sitting in the Tony Evans Training Center, I reflect on the profound legacy of faith that has shaped my life and ministry. My father came to faith when I was just a child, and this transformative moment set the course for our family, instilling in us a spiritual dynamic that has never waned. This legacy is not just about personal faith but encompasses a broader vision of how God's rule applies to every aspect of life, from individual conduct to civil governance. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
Reflecting on the journey of creating a Bible commentary, which took decades from conception to completion, I am reminded of the importance of dedication and the impact of a life lived in service to God's word. This work is not just an academic exercise but a reflection of a lifetime of preaching, teaching, and living out the principles of the Bible. It is a legacy that I hope to pass on to future generations, both within my family and the broader community.
In the face of personal trials, such as my mother's serious illness, my faith has been tested. These moments remind me of the necessity of trusting God when circumstances are beyond human control. It is in these times that faith becomes a lifeline, a source of hope and strength against all odds.
As I look to the future, my hope is to continue transferring this legacy of faith to the next generation. At 70, I am acutely aware of the passage of time and the urgency of imparting this worldview to others. It is not just about preserving a family tradition but about influencing society with the transformative power of faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Legacy of Faith: The legacy of faith is a powerful force that can transform families and communities. It is not just about personal belief but about living out God's principles in every aspect of life, influencing how we interact with the world around us. [00:30]
2. Perseverance in Faith: The journey of faith requires perseverance, especially when undertaking significant tasks like creating a Bible commentary. This dedication reflects a lifetime commitment to God's word and the impact it can have on future generations. [01:29]
3. Faith in Trials: Personal trials, such as serious illness, test our faith and remind us of the necessity of trusting God when circumstances are beyond our control. These moments are opportunities to deepen our reliance on God and find hope in His promises. [02:33]
4. Transferring Legacy: As we age, the urgency of transferring our legacy of faith to the next generation becomes more pressing. This is not just about preserving family traditions but about influencing society with the transformative power of faith. [03:06]
5. Comprehensive Worldview: God's rule applies to every aspect of life, from personal conduct to civil governance. Embracing this comprehensive worldview allows us to live out our faith in a way that impacts every area of our lives and the world around us. [01:17]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to the Training Center
[00:30] - Legacy of Faith
[00:49] - Personal Story of Faith
[01:06] - Accomplishments and Legacy
[01:17] - God's Rule in Life
[01:29] - Journey of Bible Commentary
[01:43] - Favorite Song Reflection
[02:12] - Testing of Faith
[02:33] - Trusting God in Trials
[02:52] - Hope for the Future
[03:06] - Transferring Legacy
[03:22] - Closing Thoughts
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
2. James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
3. 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."
Observation Questions:
1. How did the speaker describe the impact of their father's faith on their family? ([00:30])
2. What was the significance of the Bible commentary project mentioned in the sermon? ([01:29])
3. How did the speaker's personal trials, such as their mother's illness, test their faith? ([02:33])
4. What urgency does the speaker feel about transferring their legacy of faith to the next generation? ([03:06])
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the legacy of faith influence both personal and societal aspects of life, according to the sermon? ([01:17])
2. How does perseverance in faith, as discussed in the sermon, relate to the process of creating the Bible commentary? ([01:29])
3. What role does faith play during personal trials, and how can it serve as a source of hope and strength? ([02:33])
4. Why is it important to transfer a legacy of faith to future generations, and how can this influence society? ([03:06])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own family history. How has the faith of your parents or guardians influenced your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to continue or start a legacy of faith in your family? ([00:30])
2. Consider a significant project or goal in your life. How can you apply perseverance in faith to see it through, even when challenges arise? ([01:29])
3. Think about a personal trial you are currently facing. How can you deepen your reliance on God during this time, and what promises from Scripture can you hold onto for hope? ([02:33])
4. Identify one way you can actively transfer your faith to the next generation, whether within your family or community. What practical steps can you take this week to begin this process? ([03:06])
5. How can you embrace a comprehensive worldview that applies God's principles to every aspect of your life, from personal conduct to societal involvement? ([01:17])
6. Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what did you learn about God's faithfulness through that experience? ([02:33])
7. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your legacy of faith positively impacts those around you and influences society for the better? ([03:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Legacy of Faith in Action
The legacy of faith is a transformative force that extends beyond personal belief, influencing families and communities by living out God's principles in every aspect of life. This legacy is not confined to individual spirituality but is a comprehensive worldview that impacts how we interact with the world. By embracing this legacy, individuals can contribute to a broader vision of God's rule, affecting everything from personal conduct to civil governance. This enduring power of faith is a testament to the importance of perseverance and dedication in the face of life's challenges. [00:30]
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (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. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
Reflection: Consider one way you can actively demonstrate your faith in your community this week. How can you make your faith visible in your daily interactions?
Day 2: Perseverance in the Journey of Faith
The journey of faith is marked by perseverance, especially when undertaking significant tasks that require dedication and commitment. This perseverance is not just about completing a task but reflects a lifetime commitment to God's word and its impact on future generations. The creation of a Bible commentary, for example, is not merely an academic exercise but a reflection of a life lived in service to God's principles. Such dedication serves as a legacy that can inspire and guide others in their spiritual journey. [01:29]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Identify a long-term goal or project in your life that requires perseverance. How can you rely on your faith to sustain you through this journey?
Day 3: Trusting God in Trials
Personal trials, such as serious illness, test our faith and remind us of the necessity of trusting God when circumstances are beyond our control. These moments are opportunities to deepen our reliance on God and find hope in His promises. In times of trial, faith becomes a lifeline, providing strength and hope against all odds. Trusting God in these moments allows individuals to experience His presence and guidance in profound ways. [02:33]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you actively place your trust in God and seek His strength in this situation today?
Day 4: Urgency of Transferring Faith to the Next Generation
As individuals age, the urgency of transferring their legacy of faith to the next generation becomes more pressing. This is not just about preserving family traditions but about influencing society with the transformative power of faith. By imparting this worldview to others, individuals can ensure that their faith continues to impact future generations and society as a whole. This transfer of faith is a vital part of living out one's spiritual legacy. [03:06]
Psalm 78:4-7 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally mentor or share your faith with this week? What steps can you take to begin this process?
Day 5: Embracing a Comprehensive Worldview
God's rule applies to every aspect of life, from personal conduct to civil governance. Embracing this comprehensive worldview allows individuals to live out their faith in a way that impacts every area of their lives and the world around them. By integrating faith into all aspects of life, individuals can influence society and contribute to a broader vision of God's kingdom. This holistic approach to faith is essential for living a life that reflects God's principles. [01:17]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Reflect on one area of your life where you have not fully integrated your faith. What practical steps can you take to align this area with God's principles today?
Quotes
we're sitting in the tony evans training center the tony evans training center with a ministry started right here in Oak Cliff where the training happens where the magic happens where the video recording happens that goes out all over the world and so I'm excited to be sitting in the legacy of the dr. Tony Evans [00:00:00]
well my dad was 30 years old and I was 10 or 11 he came to faith in Christ and it metamorphosized our family and we saw this graphic spiritual dynamic take place in a house to this day it's never stopped so that did that moment of faith make to Daddy strict I mean I remember one time when I snuck the car took the car I took the car I took the car but I got a flat tire [00:00:24]
legacy is what what they taught us and a big part of legacy is not giving up did you ever think that the way you were raised in the legacy that to Daddy into my world we're building would lead to accomplishments I mean there have been other accomplishments but another accomplishment like this God has something to say about every category of life [00:00:59]
but whether involves your individual life and how your ministry is carried out how civil government is supposed to work that all of that comes under the rule of God this to me is 50 years I mean took a decades yeah from conception to completing the Bible the commentary was ten years but it's reflective like you said ideas of life preaching marriage all of that [00:01:19]
speaking of challenges has your faith ever been tested like we all know Tony Evans as the the rock emotionally you don't get thrown off but has your faith ever been tested the most recent thing is is your mom's health serious illness that medical science has no solution for being in this situation where it's totally out of your hands and totally out of any other human beings hands [00:02:09]
where you have to believe God against all odds so what in this next chapter of your ministry and family illness of what are you what are you most hopeful for what are you anticipating in the next chapter well transferring legacy because when you're in this you don't when you're 70 years old you know time is certainly met on your side but it still matter when your side is not going [00:02:43]
I'm not gonna be 140 yeah so whatever we can transfer to the next generations not only of my family but to others and and the broader society transferring this worldview is is the thing I want to do [00:03:06]
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