Choose the Right Legacy

2 Timothy 2:1-8

Many years ago, back in the times of the Old Testament, there was a musician named Asaph and this musician was filled with wisdom and understanding of God and His Word. One day he wrote these words to the people of his generation as he declared, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, of His power, and the wonders he has done.”

Asaph was an individual that understood the great importance of choosing the right legacy to pass on to the next generation.

Today, I want to welcome you to Woodland Heights Christian Church as we come to the end of our sermon series called, “Make it Count” where we have studied several passages in the Word of God that challenge us to seize this day and make our lives count for the Kingdom of God starting this moment, this month, this year.

As we close in on the final verses that we are studying in this series, we look to 2 Timothy 2:1-8 and the importance of Choosing the Right Legacy to pass on to the next generation.

Whether you realize or not, every one of you is shaping and building a legacy with the way you live your daily life. The question is not whether you will or will not leave a legacy. The question is this: Are you intentional about the legacy that you are leaving?

A lasting legacy that makes an eternal impact isn’t built in a day, but it is built daily by choosing the right foundation, a clear focus, and pursuing a faithful finish.

Several years ago, there was a man by the name of Haddon Robinson who passed away after a long illness. He was a man known for his work that he did for the Lord. He wrote the classic book, “Biblical Preaching” that has been required reading for almost every preacher over the last 45 years. He was a professor of preaching and Biblical studies for most of his life. He was a preacher, a teacher, a faithful husband, and a devoted father and at his funeral his daughter stood up and told this story. One day they were walking together and she asked her father, “Dad, how do you want to be remembered? Do you want to be remembered as the man who literally wrote the book on preaching? Do you want to be remembered as a great preacher? A great lecturer? Or perhaps a prolific writer?”

This was his answer, “I would like to be remembered as someone who was held in love and high esteem by those who knew him best. One who was faithful to the Lord, his family, and his friends.”

Haddon Robinson knew what it meant to “Choose the Right Legacy” in he knew that this kind of legacy was made consistently, steadily, and day after day. You can do the same starting today. Let us learn how as we turn to 2 Timothy 2:1-8.

2 Timothy 2:1-8 (ESV) – 1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel…

Big Idea – Begin Shaping Your Legacy of Faithfulness Today

Keep Christ at the Center of Your Legacy Starting Right Now

Quote – The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have. – Vince Lombardi

Three Stages of Choosing the Right Legacy

Before we begin studying this text today, let us begin by asking two questions:

Question #1 – What is a legacy?

The simplest definition of "legacy" refers to something handed down or left behind by someone from the past, such as an ancestor or mentor. It can be tangible, like money or property, or intangible, like values, achievements, or memories.

When you think of legacy from this perspective you might think of someone like Leonardo da Vinci who passed on his legacy through his contributions of art, science, or engineering. Known for masterpieces like the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper."

Some might think of Martin Luther King Jr. who left a legacy in the American civil rights movement. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech and the March on Washington contributed to the end of racial segregation and the promotion of equal rights in the United States.

Question #2 – What does the Bible say about the idea of a “legacy”?

In a Biblical context, "legacy" often refers to the spiritual, moral, and cultural beliefs and traditions that you pass on to future generations. This encompasses doctrine, faith, values, and life lessons that you teach to others. It's about the lasting impact your life and actions have on the faith and character of others.

When you think of this type of legacy. You may look to Abraham in the Book of Genesis as he is often referred to as the "father of faith." His legacy is seen in his unwavering faith and obedience to God for which he was blessed. God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars and that through them all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3, 22:15-18).

Some may think back to the Old Testament and reflect on the legacy of King David: David's legacy who was known as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) and his life exemplified a deep relationship with God, marked by both triumphs and failures. You read about his legacy in the Psalms, written in his own words. God promised David that his throne would be established forever, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Matthew 1:1). David's legacy is not only in his lineage but also his wholehearted devotion to God.

Never forget that your “Legacy” is not bound by age or time. It is developed during every stage of your life. Your legacy grows with each new experience as well as with every virtue that you develop and live out.

Stage #1 – The Foundation

Now that we have a better understanding of a Biblical standard of legacy, we turn our attention to studying three stages of choosing the right legacy in this text. The first stage is discovered as we look to verses 1-2.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV) – 1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

These verses establish the foundation of choosing the right legacy. First, we look to verse 1 and we see that to leave the right legacy that makes an eternal impact then we must choose to be “strengthened” by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

If you want to leave the right legacy in this life then it requires that you will…

Be strengthened in Faith as you trust God in this lifeBe strengthened in Pursuit of the Lord and His Ways

Be strengthened in Spirit as you Encounter ObstaclesBe strengthened in Resolve as you live for the Lord

Verse 1 teaches us “The Principle of Intentional Effort.”

This principle states that by consistently dedicating your time and energy to a few key tasks that hold the highest value in your faith and life, you become more effective and more efficient in those areas which leads to a greater kingdom impact and a lasting legacy. Concentrate on the vital few, and watch your skills soar while the time required to complete each task dwindles.

As you look to verse 2, you recognize that to choose the right legacy and leave a lasting impact then you must be one who purposely and consistently teaches the next generation about the greatness of God and the majesty of His glory.

Verse 2 teaches is “The Principle of Passing the Torch.”

Passing the torch of faith to the next generation is an incredible responsibility that calls us to lead by example, guide, direct, and mentor the next generation. It involves immersing ourselves in the study of God's Word, allowing it to shape our lives and guide our decisions. By dedicating more time to prayer, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, aligning our hearts with His will. And most importantly, living out our faith through actions speaks louder than words, inspiring the younger generation to see the transformative power of a life rooted in faith. Let's lead with intention, inspiring and empowering the next generation to walk in faith.

These two lessons are not new in the teachings of Paul. We actually see him teach these truths to Timothy and other Christians in 1 Timothy 4:6-7.

1 Timothy 4:6-7 (ESV) – 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness…

Stage #1 – The Foundation: Build Your Life on the Foundation of Jesus Christ and the W

and the Word of God…Your Legacy Will Follow

Keep Christ at the Center of Your Legacy Starting Right Now

Illustration: Legacy of Jonathan Edwards

Stage #2 – The Focus

As we continue this study, we come to verses 3-6 and we see that to choose the right legacy and make a lasting impact then it requires focus.

2 Timothy 2:3-6 (ESV) – 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

As you look at these verses, you see that Paul gives three illustrations, three portraits of perseverance.

The Soldier – An example of one who stays focused on this mission and avoids distractions.

The Athlete – An example one of knows the rules, lives by the rules, focuses on the prize.

The Farmer – An example one who puts his knowledge into action, waits patiently for the harvest, and focuses on the final blessing of the fruit of his labor.

Every one of these examples requires discipline, diligence, and focus to finish faithfully.

These verses emphasize the “Power of Focus” in the life of the Christian. Focus is critical in leaving the right legacy for future generations. Why is it so critical?

Nicky Cruz was one of those individuals that you when you met him, he made sure you would never forget. He was a feared gang leader in New York City. He led a life of violence, crime, and addiction. He had been living life with the power of focus but on the wrong things and it was destroying him and everything he cared about but he was so blind to it all that he did not care. Then one day, he met a preacher on the street named David Wilkerson who shared the Gospel with him and told him how much Jesus loved him. Nicky, laughed this man off at first but the man kept preaching day after day then one evening the message of the Gospel pierced Nicky’s heart, mind, and soul and he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He left his old way of living behind and put the “Power of Focus” to good use as he became an evangelist and traveled the world sharing his testimony and the Gospel with those who feel lost or trapped in a destructive life.

Proverbs 4:25-27 declares, "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."

Such focus was found in the life of Noah, who remained obedient to God’s instructions despite the ridicule he faced, ultimately saving his family and preserving humanity through the flood (Genesis 6:9-22). Similarly, Joshua's steadfast dedication to God's commandments, demonstrated by his repeated exhortation to the Israelites to "be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6-9), enabled them to claim the Promised Land and establish a nation rooted in divine guidance.

The “Power of Focus” is strongest when we choose to focus more on growing in our faith in the Lord. This kind of life sets an example for the next generation.

This kind of focus allows us to create a faith filled ripple effect that extends beyond our lifetime, ensuring that the legacy of faith remains vibrant and influential for generations to come. Our legacy is not only about personal growth but about nurturing a resilient, faith-filled impact on others that reflects the love and teachings of the Lord.

To accomplish such a great legacy requires that you choose to be diligent with your focus on the Lord in an increasing manner every day as you set your sight on the final prize and not the obstacles of the moment.

1 Timothy 4:8-9 (ESV) – 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Stage #2 – The Focus: Be the Example of Faithfulness by Daily Setting Your Sight

More Often on the Final Prize Not the Current Obstacles

Keep Christ at the Center of Your Legacy Starting Right Now

Quote – When you fix your thoughts on God, God fixes your thoughts and brings you great success for His Kingdom.

Stage #3 – The Finish

The final stage that we examine is found in verses 7-8 as we eagerly look to the finish.

2 Timothy 2:7-8 (ESV) – 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel…

As you examine these final verses, you see that Paul is calling Timothy “Think” on the teachings he has been given. The Greek word used here in the Greek means: “To study and reflect on a lesson until you come to a complete understanding, and it resonates in your heart and soul, becoming a part of who you are shaping what you will become.”

Paul is emphasizing that the legacy passed on to Timothy through example, teaching, and application matters for eternity.

As you study the Word of God more in your life then verse 7 reminds you that you will gain the right discernment to navigate the highs and lows you encounter leaving your own legacy that makes a lasting impact.

As you look to the final words of this passage as found in verse 8, Paul gives this lesson summarizing the entire mission of his legacy and ministry: Remember Jesus Christ…Risen from the Dead…the truth of the Gospel and the Hope of the World.

The idea presented by Paul is that we must never stop remembering whose we are and who we serve. Each day we are to remember that this life is not about us, it is about making an eternal impact upon the world for the glory of God.

1 Timothy 4:10 (ESV)) – 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

Share the Gospel…Share Jesus Christ with a dying world and start today but whatever you do finish well.

Stage #3 – The Finish: Daily Choose to Be Intentional About S

Studying the Word and Staying the Course to Obtain the Final Reward

Keep Christ at the Center of Your Legacy Starting Right Now

Quote – You miss every shot you don’t take. – Wayne Gretsky

Illustration: March 04, 2023 was the date of the 17th annual Combos Marathon in Albany, Georgia on Saturday. The race is remembered by those in the running world because of what happened shortly after the start of the race. As the lead pack took off, they followed the police officer leading the runners in the race and he took a wrong turn which cost the lead runners an extra mile adding to the distance of the 26.2 mile race.

One young man by the name of Jarret Leblanc was determined to still qualify for the Boston Marathon and win the race. He refused to let one wrong turn shape the fate of his legacy from that race. Jarret ran the race of his life and step by step, passing person by person, he ended up winning the race with a time of 2:28:01. Runners are typically resilient and Leblanc continued to keep his eyes on the final prize, to obtain the final reward no matter what obstacle was in front of him.

May we do the same in our own life…May we leave a lasting legacy for the Lord and never quit!

Memory Verse

1 Timothy 4:7 (NLT) – Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

Challenge:

You are called to consistently apply the divine principles and truths found in the Word of God. Take the next step in your study by (1) Discussing and applying the sermon with your family or small group or (2) Participating in a Sunday School class.