Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Leaving a Legacy


“The Resolution”
Session 7 - Leaving a Legacy
Q: Which do you desire more: to be your child’s friend or to be your child’s parent? How does this affect the way you parent?

Standing upon the cusp of entering the promised land, Moses gathered the nation of Israel for final instructions before embarking on their long-awaited entry. After 40 yrs of wandering, the people were finally ready to inherit the land. At this crucial juncture, Moses recapped Israel’s history and reminded the people of God’s commands. Before they entered the land, Moses instructed the people regarding one of their greatest responsibilities of all.

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Q: Moses gave God’s people some specific instructions in these verses. What were they?

Q: How often were the people to teach their children about God’s love?

Q: How does this biblical model contrast with what many families experience today?

While on earth, Jesus invested in twelve ordinary men whose lives were transformed by knowing Him personally. Jesus spent time with them. He called them to exchange the ordinary for the extraordinary. He taught them about God and His Word, and He showed them how to pray.

Jesus healed their family members. He served, rebuked, and forgave. He modeled God’s love. In the Great Commission, Jesus called us to make disciples and so share in His work.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20

Our obedience to be a disciple and make disciples starts at home, with those who are closest to us. How seriously have you taken God’s calling for you to help win your children to Christ and then teach them to love God with all their hearts? This is not rocket science. It is simply talking with your children during the day about God and about your heart’s desire for them to love and obey Him.


There was a teachable moment in this clip- even though Adam didn’t start well, he acknowledged that fact to his son and resolved to finish better. He wanted more for Dylan and for himself.

An increasing number of children are growing up in fatherless homes. Even when fathers are present physically, they are not always spiritual role models. We can take comfort from one of the early church pastor’s, Timothy. His father was not a man of faith, Acts 16 tells us that, but he was blessed to have godly maternal influences and a father figure in the apostle Paul.

Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:3-7

Even though Timothy was in a less-than-ideal situation, God equipped him to be a mighty man of faith.

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
2 Timothy 2:1-2

Q: What was Paul hoping his investment in Timothy would produce?

Timothy’s connection to Paul as a “spiritual father” came through his relationship with Jesus. A beautiful aspect of the body of Christ is that children who do not have fathers or godly father-figures can be welcomed into the church. Suddenly they have many fathers and are a part of many families who will train and mentor them.

It’s time we look around and ask God to help us reach out in love as a “father figure” or “spiritual mom” to those who don’t have fathers/mothers.

When the movie concludes, we see scenes that remind the viewer of the impact of godly fathers and families.

Q: In your opinion, how good are Derek’s chances to succeed in life as an inmate?

While we don’t know all that the situation entails, we do know a good deal about Nathan. His decision to mentor Derek improves Derek’s future chances immensely.

Q: Who has God placed in your life who needs your love and influence?

**  A Godly legacy doesn’t happen accidently.  **

Personal Growth This Week: 
Psalm 78:4 - “We must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed.” 
READING:
Men:     “Resolve to Live with Honor” (pp. 115-129)
               “Resolve to Leave a Legacy” (pp. 211-222)

Women:      “Leaving a Godly Legacy” (pp. 247- 266)

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