Leaving A Legacy
(www.mensgroup.org – “Original Study”)
Overview:
This 16-part Bible study series, “Leaving a Legacy,” is designed to inspire and equip individuals to live intentionally and make a lasting impact on the world around them. Each session focuses on biblical principles that encourage participants to embrace their God-given purpose, make wise decisions, and actively serve others. Through the exploration of key themes such as faith, courage, and the importance of community, this series will challenge you to rise above life’s challenges and become a blessing to those around you. By understanding your purpose and taking action, you can create a meaningful legacy that resonates for generations to come.
Message from Marsh: “May your personal walk with the Lord lead you to be transformed, renewed, and blessed.”
Marsh
Founder/President
Thank you for coming to: mensgroup.org
Part I: Introduction
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? How will others remember you after you’re gone? These are important questions to reflect on as we consider how to live a life that honors God and makes a lasting impact on the world. In this Bible study, we’ll explore what it means to leave a godly legacy and practical ways we can pursue that in our own lives.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to study your Word, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to understand what it means to leave a legacy that pleases you. Help us see the importance of living with intentionality and purpose, investing in people and eternal things. Speak to us through this time together and challenge us to live in a way that makes a difference for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Key Lesson: The Importance of Legacy
The Bible places a high value on leaving a legacy. We see examples throughout Scripture of people who lived with a long-term perspective, seeking to make an impact that would outlive them. In Psalm 78:5-7, we read:
“He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they, in turn, would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.”
This passage underscores the significance of transmitting faith, knowledge of God’s works, and obedience to His commandments across generations. It emphasizes a long-term perspective, encouraging believers to live in a way that creates a lasting impact, extending beyond their own lifetimes. The psalmist’s words highlight the responsibility of each generation to ensure that the next one is well-equipped with the knowledge of God’s laws and deeds, fostering a continuous chain of faith and obedience.
By living with this mindset, we can cultivate a legacy of faith, wisdom, and godly conduct that continues to influence others long after we’re gone, fulfilling the biblical mandate to pass on our spiritual heritage to future generations.
What Makes a Godly Legacy?
A godly legacy encompasses several key components:
1. Loving and obeying God with all your heart: A legacy begins with your own relationship with the Lord. Psalm 112:1-2 says, “Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.” When you walk closely with God and make obedience to him your top priority, it positions you to leave a powerful legacy.
2. Investing in people: Legacy is more than just the things you accomplish or the possessions you leave behind. It’s about the lives you touch and the people you invest in. The apostle Paul exhorted Timothy in 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.” Pouring into others and passing on what you’ve learned is a key part of leaving a legacy.
3. Living with integrity and character: The kind of legacy you leave is directly tied to the kind of person you are. Proverbs 20:7 says, “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” When you live with honesty, purity, and godly character, it provides a solid foundation for the legacy you pass on.
4. Focusing on eternal things: It’s easy to get caught up in the temporary things of this world and lose sight of what really matters. But Jesus challenges us in Matthew 6:20, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Investing in God’s kingdom and the things that will last forever is a key part of leaving a godly legacy.
Discussion Questions:
1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “legacy”? Why do you think it’s important to think about the legacy we’re leaving?
2. Read Psalm 78:5-7. What does this passage teach us about the importance of legacy? How can we apply these principles in our own lives?
3. Of the four components of a godly legacy we discussed (loving God, investing in people, living with integrity, focusing on eternal things), which one do you feel strongest in? Which one do you need to grow in?
4. Who is someone in your life that has left a godly legacy? What impact did they have on you?
5. What’s one practical step you can take this week to start building a stronger legacy?
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank you for the examples we see in Scripture of people who lived with eternity in mind and left a lasting impact. Help us to be intentional about the legacy we’re leaving. Give us wisdom to invest in the things that truly matter and to live in a way that honors you. May our lives point others to you and leave a lasting impact for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Continue to Part II: Adam - The Legacy of Sin
Or use these links to navigate to various parts of this study:
Overview | Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII
Part IX | Part X | Part XI | Part XII | Part XIII | Part XIV | Part XV | Part XVI
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