Leaving a Legacy 09/03/14
Monday, 10 March 2014 5:19 pm
1. Introduction
Eph.2:10 " …we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works that God prepared
beforehand that we should walk in them"
Everyone has the power to influence others…to leave a legacy
Legacy= what you leave behind for others! The imprint of your life and relationships
God created you for a purpose…. That your unique life would leave an impact.
God planned people to enter your life to leave a legacy for you to draw from
God plans that you would have an intentional impact on people in your life
The great commission paraphrased: "leave a legacy of faith!" Matt.28:19
5 Top regrets people have at the end of their lives
A nurse questioned many patients as they were dying and asked them what regrets they
had and if they could have their life again what changes they would make
i) I wish I had the courage to live true to myself and not the life others expected
ii). I wishing didn't work so hard and made more time for my family
iii).I wish I had the courage to express my feelings instead of trying to keep the peace
iv) I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
v). I wish I had chosen to let myself be happy and to laugh more
2. Three Areas you Can leave a Legacy
Prov.13:22 "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children"
God desires that we think generationally about having an intentional impact
i) Finances
What assets will you leave behind to give your children a help forward?
ii) Family Experiences
What will your family remember you for?
iii) Faith
How will your relationship with God be remembered by your family?
3. Developing a Legacy for your Family
3.1 Finances
Prov.19:14 "A home and riches are the inheritance of fathers…."
How will you manage your finances? Will you leave assets or debts?
Will your financial legacy be a blessing or a burden on the next generation?
Plan and manage your finances
Be intentional about being a good steward of the finances that you have
Learn to become an investor and not a driven consumer
i) Save a percentage of all that you earn and build an investment fund
ii) Get rid of debt. Learn to live debt free
iii) Develop a plan (budget) to manage your money
iv) Develop a simple lifestyle, so you are in a position to be generous
v). Practice honoring The Lord with intentional and regular giving
Two things more valuable than money
Prov.22:1 "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather
than silver and gold"
i) A Good Name
Good name= good reputation!what you are known for by people.
Eg. Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus, Paul, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa
What comes to mind when people hear your name spoken?
ii) Loving Favour
Loving favor= well loved by people because of how they remember you treated them
Eg. Jesus
Luke2:52 Jesus increased….in favor with god and with man"
Phil. 2:9‐10 God has exalted him and given him a name which is above every other
name…."
3.2 Family Experiences
Prov. 24:3 " through wisdom a home is built"
Your family remember what they experienced as they grew up, it impacts them.
There are many ways that you can impact the lives of your children intentionally
i) Unconditional Love
ii) Speak Words that affirm value
iii) Connect emotionally
iv) Family experiences together
Eg. Family meals without phones or TV interruption
Family holidays, celebration of birthdays and special events in family life
Laughter, fun together
v) Personal individual time
Taking time to affirm the value and uniqueness of each child
3.3 Faith
Ps.110:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"
The greatest legacy that you can leave is a legacy of faith….personal trust in Christ
Deut.6:5‐9 "Love The Lord with all your heart….teach them diligently to your children"
i) Cultivate your personal Relationship with God (1Cor.11:1)
Your children watch how you live your life..let them see that you love and serve God
Children watch and learn from what they see…religion? Or reality?
Prayer…Worship…how you handle people…how you talk about people… how you
handle conflicts…how you handle disappointments…your attitude to church
ii) Resolve generational iniquity (Exod.20:1‐6)
Check out the spiritual roots in your family and personal life. These can be open
doors for iniquity, curses and family spirits.
Deal with the issues and close the doors to a negative spiritual legacy
iii). Cultivate family spiritual life (Prov.22:6)
Don't leave responsibility for your children's spiritual development to others
Family devotions…prayer….Bible reading,…pray for needs…share testimonies
Hospitality,….missions trips….Hearing the voice of God
Personal connection with your children about their spiritual life
iv). Value the local church (1.Cor.14:12)
Model for your children a love for Gods people, the church
Regular attendance and participation in worship,
Serving in the local church
Support for the activities and mission of the church
Personal Application
1. If you were to die next week what regrets would you have?
What would you wish that you had done differently with your life?
2. What plans do you have to leave a financial legacy?
What could you start to do now to plan for this?
3. When your name is spoken what do you wish to be known for?
4. What insights does Prov.3:3‐4 give concerning leaving a legacy?
5. What family experiences made a lasting impact upon you?
What areas could you plan experiences that would leave great memories for your
children or grandchildren?
6. Can you identify any spiritual legacy that is positive? Negative?
7. In what ways could you cultivate the spiritual atmosphere and life in your family?
8. In what ways are you intentionally sharing your relationship with Christ with others