Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Impacting Generations for God

Heavenly Father,

We gather in Your presence this morning with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. On this special day, as we honor fathers, we recognize You as our ultimate Father, the one who guides, nurtures, and loves us unconditionally. We thank You for the fathers among us, for their dedication, their love, and their unwavering commitment to their families.

Lord, as we conclude our series on the family, we ask for Your wisdom and understanding. Open our hearts and minds to Your Word today as we explore the theme of “Leaving a Lasting Legacy.” May Your Holy Spirit move among us, inspiring us to invest in future generations with the love and truth of Christ. Help us to be instruments in Your hands, faithfully passing on Your teachings and Your love.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

Good morning and happy Father's Day! Welcome to all the fathers here today. As we wrap up our series on the Family, I want to share a few thoughts with the fathers before we dive into our main sermon, "Leaving a Lasting Legacy."

A Christian father plays an important role in God's plan. Teaching and disciplining children should follow God's commands, making sure His authority reaches their minds and hearts directly.

Fathers should not see themselves as the ultimate authority on truth and duty. Instead, they should make God the teacher and ruler, ensuring that all actions are guided by His authority, which leads to the best outcomes in raising children.

Martin Luther once said, “Keep an apple beside the rod to give the child when he does well.”

This means discipline should be balanced with care, constant guidance, and prayer. Using the Word of God, discipline should include both correction and encouragement.

The guidance comes from the Lord, is learned through Christian living, and is given by the parents—primarily by the father, but also by the mother under his guidance. Christian discipline helps children grow up with a respect for God, respect for their parents, knowledge of Christian values, and good self-control.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

A father's primary responsibility is to introduce his children to the Scriptures. Fathers may use different ways to teach God's truth. By faithfully setting a good example, fathers help their children understand God, which will benefit them throughout their lives, regardless of what they do or where they go.

Passing on the Faith

It is importance to pass on God's truth and deeds to the next generation. Share your on personal experience you have and are having with your children, but at the same time teach them about things YHWH has already do.

Psalm 78:5-7 which emphasizes

Psalm 78:5–7 NKJV

5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; 6 That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, 7 That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments;

What is in a testimony?

Psalm 102:18 NKJV

18 This will be written for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.

The Power of Example

What kind of an example should you leave with your children and grand children?

The godly find their sufficiency in God, and they view God’s Word as their heritage or legacy:

Psalm 119:111 NKJV

111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, For they are the rejoicing of my heart.

Everyone should live for a legacy that is spiritual and eternal.

Romans 8:17 tells us that all those who trust in Christ alone for salvation are made joint-heirs with Him.

The legacy of Christians is eternal life (John 3:16–18), Christ is our reward, a new life that found in Him.

He provides the ability and opportunity to invest our lives for Him, then rewards us for doing so.

“Those who are victorious will inherit all this [the New Jerusalem and its blessings], and I will be their God and they will be my children” (Revelation 21:7).

As His children, we are to do everything in light of our great heritage.

Colossians 3:23–24 says,

Colossians 3:23–24 NKJV

23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Turn to 2 Tim. 1:5

2 Timothy 1:5 NKJV

5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

Paul commends Timothy's sincere faith, which he first saw in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.

This brings us to our third and final point:

Planting Seeds for Tomorrows Harvest

This is Investing in Future Generations

Parents, grandparents, be the godly mentors and role models your family needs in shaping their faith. This is the answer to all our social justice problems and woke ideologies that the young people are facing today.

Make it a priority to invest in your child's spiritual life, through your faith experiences and examples and discipleship, teaching, instruction and showing by living it out yourself.

You older believers to need to share their wisdom and spiritual insights with younger generations, fostering a culture of mentorship and mutual encouragement within the church.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the significance of leaving a lasting legacy, let us remember the profound impact we have on future generations. Our children and grandchildren are looking to us for guidance, for examples of faith, and for a testament of God's enduring love. It is our responsibility to nurture their spiritual growth, to instill in them the values and truths of the Gospel, and to be the godly mentors they need in an ever-changing world.

Each of us has a role to play in planting seeds for tomorrow's harvest. By living out our faith with authenticity and passion, we can provide a solid foundation for those who come after us. Our legacy is not just in the material things we leave behind, but in the spiritual heritage we pass on. This heritage is rooted in Christ, our eternal reward, and the hope we have in Him.

Let us be intentional in our efforts, investing time, love, and prayer into the lives of our children and grandchildren. May we be inspired by the examples of faith we have seen in others and strive to be those examples for future generations. In doing so, we contribute to a legacy that honors God and extends His kingdom.

Closing Prayer

Gracious Father,

We thank You for the message we have heard today and for the reminder of the vital role we play in leaving a lasting legacy. As we go forth from this place, empower us to be faithful stewards of the influence You have given us. Help us to invest wisely in the spiritual lives of our children and grandchildren, sharing Your truth and love with them through our words and actions.

May Your grace and wisdom guide us in all that we do, and may our lives be a testimony of Your goodness and faithfulness. Strengthen us to be the godly mentors and role models that our families and communities need.

We ask for Your blessing on all the fathers here today, that they may be filled with Your strength and wisdom as they lead their families. Let our legacy be one that reflects Your love and brings glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.