Leaving a Successful Legacy

Successful Living Series

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2002018

Subject: legacy; successful living; influence; choices

Preached Originally: 03/24/02 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    Some:  legacies made from mistakes; poor behavior.

1.    rightly so.  President Nixon; Clinton

2.    But…legacies can be left which contain memories of good/upright/honest people.

B.    Tonight; concerned w/what kind of spiritual legacy will I leave?

1.    Heb. 11:4 – though he is dead…he still speaks.

2.    Abel’s example is a legacy of obedience to God!

C.   Each of us has an influence for good or bad!

1.    cannot bury it with us.

2.    what we do in this life can affect children/grandchildren.

3.    each one of us is building our legacy NOW!

4.    what is it?  How is it?

 

I.  Evil Influences:

A.    1 Kings 12:25-33 – Jeroboam.

1.    completely changed religious practice of Israel.

a)    changed object of worship – golden calves – Ex. 20 – only worship God.

b)    Changed place of worship – Dan/Bethel not Jerusalem

c)    Changed priesthood – no longer only Levites

d)    Changed the time – 12:33

2.    He went against the patter – his influence felt in Israel long after he died!  For generations!

B.    Micah 6:16

1.    Omri – dead for 175 years at this time.

a)    see 1 Kings 16:25-26 – whose evil legacy mentioned in 16:26?

2.    time of Micah – Ahab dead for 150 years – 1 Kings 16:29-30 – whose evil legacy influenced him?

C.   2 Tim. 2:17 – what kind of legacy did Hymaeneaus & Philetus leave?

D.   What do you think of when you hear of

1.    Judas; Jezebel:  Hitler?  Charles Manson? Timothy McVeigh?  Mohammed Atta?

2.    OR George Washington; Winston Churchhill; people of bible?

 

 

II.  Good influences:

A.    Abraham encourages us to be faithful.

1.    Heb. 11:8-10; 17-19

2.    faith often blind.  Can’t see end.  Might seem absurd from human perspective.  Example:

a)    Elisha/Naaman – dip in water to cure leprosy…

b)    Jhn. 9:6 – spittle/lump of clay – wash in pool – cure blindness

c)    2 Cor. 5:7

d)    what connection b/t water baptism & remission of sin?

3.    Look at Abraham – see man who depended on God to lead him.

4.    11:17-19 – need this kind of faith!  Need to build up reservoir of faith to sustain us.  Need a vibrant; growing faith!

B.    Moses – encourages us to make the right decision.

1.    11:23-30 – led people out of Egyptian bondage.

a)    he made choice for good. 

b)    We too need to make good/wise choices!

c)    Get lives out of balance because of poor choices.

C.   Joshua – Josh 24:15 – decisive leadership.

D.   Joseph – Gen 39 – noble character

1.    faced situation that tremendous weakness to many men!  He ran away!

2.    The test of your character is what you would do if you knew no one would ever know.

3.    character is what God knows you to be.  Your reputation is what men think you are.

4.    Quotes by Bob Jones, Sr.

E.    Job – Js. 5:11-  man of patience.

1.    patience = seeing things through!

2.    Job 1-2 – wealthy man lost everything!  Yet does not blame God!

3.    Job 42 – all restored to him – in greater measure!

F.    Daniel – a man of resolve.

1.    1:8 – not to eat kings meat.

a)    prospered because of his integrity and intelligence.

b)    So much so that his rivals became jealous.  6:4-5

2.    Resolved that he was not going to let anything come between him & the worship of God.

3.    6;10 – openly serves God knowing consequences.  Later God delivered him from lions den.

4.    Tested like Daniel today?  Hardly.  But what would we do?

G.   Lois/Eunice – 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15

1.    From a child – learned Holy Scriptures.

2.    Legacy of bringing kids up in nurturing/admonition of God.

H.   Their legacies stand out for us today.  Motivates us!  Influences us for good!

III.  What about us?  What can we do?

A.    What kind of legacy will I leave when life over?  What will be said of me?

1.    here some things we must desire…

B.    Prov 22:1 – a good name.

1.    want to be known as a liar?  Thief?  Immoral?

a)    Bill Clinton?  Waylon Jennings….

2.    or a person of character?  Who served God?

C.   Promoter of a good home.

1.    sweet memories of childhood are among most pleasant.

2.    Some:  bickering/cursing/no love/neglect

3.    What kind of memories will you leave?

4.    Home Sweet Home – good home – just a taste of heaven in this life!

D.   A kind & gentle disposition.

1.    some known only for being rude – and proud of it.

2.    How sad!

E.    A peaceful person

1.    1 Thess 5:13

2.    some in constant uproar – looking for fight.

3.    Phil. 4:15

 

Conclusion:

A.    What will your legacy be?

1.    note – we didn’t mention money; possessions; or fame.

a)    what will these matter after this life over?

3.    Traits of character will last & leave impression on those around us.

B.    True character building begins in Christ.

1.    have you responded to Him?

2.    do so now if you have need.

C. I N V I T A T I O N