Leaving a Successful Legacy

Introduction:
Some feel that legacies are made from mistakes or poor behavior. But...legacies can be left which contain memories of good and upright people. What kind of spiritual legacy will I leave when this life is over? See Heb. 11:4….though he is dead….he still speaks. Abel’s example is a legacy of obedience to God! Each of us has an influence for good or bad! We cannot bury it with us. What we do in this life can affect our children or grandchildren. Each one of us is building our legacy NOW. What is it?

I. Evil Influences.
    A. 1 Kings 12:25-33—a look at _________________. Completely changed religion of Israel.
        1. His influence felt long after he died! For generations!
    B. Micah 6:16—__________ & ___________. See also 1 Kings 16:25-30.
    C. 2 Tim. 2:17—what kind of legacy did ________________ & ___________ leave?
    D. Think of Judas; Jezebel; Hitler? Charles Manson? Timothy McVeigh; Mohammed Atta? Compare to
        George Washington; Winston Churchhill; Bible heroes.

II. Good influences.
    A. _____________ encourages us to be faithful. Heb. 11:8-10; 17-19
        1. Faith is often blind. Even seems absurd from human perspective.
        2. 2 Cor. 5:7—we walk by ___________ not by __________.
    B. _________ encourages us to make the right _________________. 11:23-30
    C. __________ was known for his decisive ___________. Josh. 24:15
    D. _____________ was known for his noble ______________. Gen. 39
        1. Character is what God knows you to be. Your reputation is what men think you are.
    E. ________ was a man of _______________. Js. 5:11
    F. ____________ was a man of resolve. Dan 1:8; 6:4-5; 10
    G. ________ & ____________ - 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15—brought kids up in Lord.

III. What about us? What can we do to build a successful legacy?
    A. Prov. 22:1—a ________ ________.
        1. Who wants to be known as a liar; thief; immoral person?
        2. We should desire to be known as a person of _______________.
    B. A _______________ of a good ________.
        1. Parents: what kind of memories will you leave?
    C. A ________ & ____________ disposition. Eph. 4:32
    D. A _________________ person. 1 Thess. 5:13; Phil. 4:15
        1. Some in a constant uproar—looking for a fight!

Conclusion:
    A. What will your legacy be?
        1. Note….we didn’t mention money; possessions; fame; etc.
        2. What will these matter when life is over?
    B. True character building begins in Christ!
        1. Have you responded to Him?



Leaving a Successful Legacy Introduction: Some feel that legacies are made from mistakes or poor behavior. But...legacies can be left which contain memories of good and upright people. What kind of spiritual legacy will I leave when this life is over? See Heb. 11:4….though he is dead….he still speaks. Abel’s example is a legacy of obedience to God! Each of us has an influence for good or bad! We cannot bury it with us. What we do in this life can affect our children or grandchildren. Each one of us is building our legacy NOW. What is it? I. Evil Influences. A. 1 Kings 12:25-33—a look at _________________. Completely changed religion of Israel. 1. His influence felt long after he died! For generations! B. Micah 6:16—__________ & ___________. See also 1 Kings 16:25-30. C. 2 Tim. 2:17—what kind of legacy did ________________ & ___________ leave? D. Think of Judas; Jezebel; Hitler? Charles Manson? Timothy McVeigh; Mohammed Atta? Compare to George Washington; Winston Churchhill; Bible heroes. II. Good influences. A. _____________ encourages us to be faithful. Heb. 11:8-10; 17-19 1. Faith is often blind. Even seems absurd from human perspective. 2. 2 Cor. 5:7—we walk by ___________ not by __________. B. _________ encourages us to make the right _________________. 11:23-30 C. __________ was known for his decisive ___________. Josh. 24:15 D. _____________ was known for his noble ______________. Gen. 39 1. Character is what God knows you to be. Your reputation is what men think you are. E. ________ was a man of _______________. Js. 5:11 F. ____________ was a man of resolve. Dan 1:8; 6:4-5; 10 G. ________ & ____________ - 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15—brought kids up in Lord. III. What about us? What can we do to build a successful legacy? A. Prov. 22:1—a ________ ________. 1. Who wants to be known as a liar; thief; immoral person? 2. We should desire to be known as a person of _______________. B. A _______________ of a good ________. 1. Parents: what kind of memories will you leave? C. A ________ & ____________ disposition. Eph. 4:32 D. A _________________ person. 1 Thess. 5:13; Phil. 4:15 1. Some in a constant uproar—looking for a fight! Conclusion: A. What will your legacy be? 1. Note….we didn’t mention money; possessions; fame; etc. 2. What will these matter when life is over? B. True character building begins in Christ! 1. Have you responded to Him?