the legacy we leave our children

The Legacy We Leave Our Children““Behold, children are a Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord” heritage from the Lord” (Psa 127:3)(Psa 127:3)

The Legacy We…

What do you want your What do you want your legacy to be? legacy to be? (Eccl 1:9-11)(Eccl 1:9-11)

– Financial security? Financial security? Eccl 2:18-19Eccl 2:18-19– Power? (Solomon—Rehoboam)Power? (Solomon—Rehoboam)– Prestige or fame? Prestige or fame? – Christ living in the hearts and Christ living in the hearts and

lives of our family and friends? lives of our family and friends? (Eph 6:4)(Eph 6:4)

…Leave Our Children

2

THE LEGACY OF A LIFESTYLE

Psalms 101:2

3

THE LEGACY OF A

• “Example is the best teacher”– Passover instruction learned

through example, Exo 12:25-27 – Neglect contributes to sin and

ruin, 2 Chrn 30:26– Our homes need lights that

shine for our children to see, Matt 5:14-16

4

LIFESTYLE

THE LEGACY OF A

• “Do as I say, not as I do”– Losing battle! (Col 3:21)– Examples will be followed,

1 Cor 15:33– Children see us deal with…

• Quarrels, Eph 4:31-32; 5:22, 25• Honesty at work, Eph 4:28; 6:5• Conflict with neighbors, Rom 12:

17-18• Relations with brethren, Jas 4:11• Priorities as Christians, Matt 6:33• Sin, 2 Cor 7:10 (1 Jno 1:9)

5

LIFESTYLE

THE LEGACY OF A

•“Christ in our hearts – Faith in our lives” (Eph 3:17)–The things of God, Col 3:1-3–Not the things of the world,

1 Jno 2:15-17

6

LIFESTYLE

THE LEGACY OF A WHOLESOME, SPIRITUAL ENVIRONMENT

Eph 6:4 (1 Sam 1:27-28)

7

THE LEGACY OF A

• Put the word of God into our children’s hearts, Deut 6:6-9– Regular Bible study and talk

• God’s word must first be in the heart of the parents, 6:6

• Diligent, deliberate effort, 6:7• Consistency, 6:7• Repetition, 6:8-9• Personal study, 1 Tim 4:13, 15• Training children is hard work!

Prov 22:68

GODLY ENVIRONM

ENT

THE LEGACY OF A

• Worship together, Deut 12:12– Pleasant, anticipated event– Remove obstacles, Heb 10:25– Be a faithful participant during

worship services– Worship at home, too

9

GODLY ENVIRONM

ENT

THE LEGACY OF A

• Godly entertainment– “Stinkin’ thinkin’”, Phil 4:8– Monitor the internet, TV, movies,

music, magazines and books– Provide alternatives to school

dances, swimming parties, etc. where immoral behavior occurs

10

GODLY ENVIRONM

ENT

THE LEGACY OF RESPECT FOR GOD

Matthew 10:37

11

THE LEGACY OF

• Be on the Lord’s side when decision time comes, Exo 32: 25-26– When our children are out alone,

what have we taught them?• Fear God and obey Him,

Josh 24:15; Gen 18:19• Or, to honor self before God,

1 Sam 2:29; 3:13

12

RESPECT FOR GOD

The Legacy We Leave Our Children

-Epitaphs fade, memories fail and monuments erode

-Faith of the righteous has a lasting impact (Heb 11:4)

13