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 XIV: Soaring to Your God-Given Potential

Description

This Bible study encourages believers to embrace their potential and live a life of purpose, soaring like eagles and shining as lights in a dark world. It explores different types of Christians, urging us to shed limiting behaviors and embrace a God-kind of character to fulfill our destinies and leave a lasting legacy.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before you with expectant hearts, asking for the strength and courage to rise up and soar like eagles. Help us to recognize and shed any limiting beliefs or behaviors that hold us back from fulfilling our destinies. Empower us to shine as lights in a dark world, reflecting Your love and grace to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction

God has called each of us to a unique destiny, a purpose that extends beyond our own lives to impact the world around us. For this to happen, we must rise above the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary potential that lies within. This study explores how we can “mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31) and shine as beacons of hope, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and service.

Main Lesson

Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, the wind whipping through your feathers, the vast expanse of the sky beckoning you to take flight. This, my friends, is the image of the Christian life that God calls us to live. He doesn’t want us to remain earthbound, flapping our wings ineffectually. He wants us to “mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31) and soar to new heights, fulfilling our destiny and leaving a legacy of light and love.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us: “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). This isn’t just a poetic image; it’s a promise of supernatural strength and endurance for those who trust in God.

As we grow in our faith and our purpose, our mission becomes clear: “You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16 NIV). But what kind of light are we shining? Is it the bold, unwavering light of an eagle soaring above the storm clouds, or something else? What type of bird are you?

Perhaps we’re tempted to act like chickens, flapping our wings in the chicken yard but never truly taking flight. When storms come, we run and hide, refusing to face our trials. Or perhaps we’re like magpies, bullying and driving people away from God with our arrogance. Maybe we act like cockatoos, never taking life seriously and always wanting to party. Or we could be like vultures, tearing others down with criticism and spreading rumors that destroy reputations. There’s the talkative parrot who just mimic words, but doesn’t walk the walk, the lazy cuckoo, and the always-want-more pelican.

But God calls us to something far greater.

He calls us to be Eagle Christians—bold, strong, and soaring effortlessly on the wind currents of the Holy Spirit. These are the ones who seek God’s presence, who embrace the joy and truth of their faith rather than chasing popularity. They rise above the opinions of others, stand firm in their convictions, and set their minds on higher things.

These are the ones who are committed and devoted, unafraid to stand alone and soar above the clouds of destruction. While the people we spend time with can shape us, true strength comes from remaining grounded in faith no matter who surrounds us. Eagles may spend time with chickens, but they are not influenced by them. Likewise, engaging with those who have different beliefs or approaches to life can be a powerful opportunity to lead by example, to extend grace, and to reflect God’s love. As you grow in the Lord, you’ll gain the vision to see all the great things He has in store for you, even if they seem far off—just as an eagle can spot a rabbit on the ground from two miles in the air.

Remember Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” If you think you’re a chicken, you’ll act like a chicken. You’ll never rise up and soar like an eagle. What do you think of yourself? God calls us to have a youthful mentality and to dream big dreams and to never back down when opposition comes your way.

So, let us set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2), allow God to take us to new heights. Rise above the opinions of other people. Spread our wings, soar with the eagles and so leave our Legacy.

Discussion Questions

1. Which type of “bird” do you most identify with right now, and why?

2. What specific steps can you take to break free from limiting beliefs and behaviors and begin to “soar like an eagle”?

3. How can we cultivate a “God-kind of character” in our daily lives?

4. How does spending time in solitude with God help us to fulfill our destiny and live out our faith more effectively?

5. What does it mean to “shine as a light” in today’s world? What are some practical ways we can do this?

Application

1. This week, identify one specific area of your life where you’ve been acting more like a “chicken” than an “eagle.” Develop a plan to overcome this tendency.

2. Spend extra time in prayer and Bible study this week, seeking God’s guidance and strength to “mount up with wings like eagles.”

3. Make a conscious effort to be a positive influence on those around you, reflecting God’s love and grace in your words and actions.

4. Identify a mentor or role model who embodies the qualities of an “Eagle Christian.” Seek their guidance and learn from their example.

5. Commit to doing something this week that pushes you outside of your comfort zone and allows you to “fly to new heights.”

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that we are called to be more than ordinary. Give us the courage to break free from the limitations of the “chicken yard” and embrace the soaring freedom of the eagle. Help us to shine as lights in a dark world, reflecting Your love and grace to all those we encounter. Empower us to fulfill our destinies and leave a lasting legacy of faith and service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Continue to Part XV: Making Your Life Count - Leaving a Lasting Legacy

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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