OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY

1. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY

2. LEGACY DEFINED Legacy is defined as something one leaves behind. It can be possessions, property reputation, influences or a combination. We are all leaving a legacy to our children. Some are fortunate enough to leave behind earthly wealth along with godly influence, but when compared- the godly influence is more lasting than any amount of worldly possessions.

3. Psalm 127:3 “children are a heritage of Jehovah and the fruit of the womb His reward.” 6 million people a year have their lives altered forever with the birth of a child.

4. How Shall WeOrder The Child? Judg 13:8 Then Manoahintreated the Lord, and said… teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born. Judg 13:12 And Manoah said…How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?

5. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY God has particularly given the charge of these blessing to parents (Eph. 6:4- fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Parents are charged with the awesome responsibility of giving their children the proper godly tools found in God’s Word ( His legacy to all mankind).

6. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY In Luke 2: 52 we see that Jesus grew in wisdom (knowledge), stature (physically) and in favor with God (spiritual) and man(social). Jesus was well-rounded. His parents were charged with teaching and guiding Him in these areas. We as parents are to properly mold our children likewise.

7. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY What kind of legacy are we leaving for our children to build on? Be assured you are leaving a legacy of some kind. Some have been left a legacy of divorce, abuse and sin. These have either chosen to rise above their raising and seek for a better way (in Christ) or they have succumbed to the powerful discouragements of an ungodly raising and have become embittered and hard. In each case they chose their direction.

8. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Others receive a legacy of faith, love, strength, character and integrity. In response to such a scriptural raising some have rejected godly training and followed the deceptive call of the world while others have responded with thankfulness and are growing, vital, happy spiritual people. Again in each case the choice of how to respond to their raising was their own.

9. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY The Bible reveals to us both types of child-raising. We see such examples as Abraham- Isaac- Jacob and Joseph- All godly men for the most part. In their stories however, God revealed their strengths & weaknesses. Abraham was a godly man who waited a long time for his son Isaac, and he loved him dearly. But Isaac was raised in a home where there was sometimes favoritism (he and Ishmael) and it showed up in the way he raised his twin boys (Jacob and Esau).

10. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Later we see Jacob continued a legacy of favoritism that showed in his treatment of his 12 sons. He clearly favored Joseph and Benjamin. The choice of what to do in their homes was their own-but the example they had was not good. Favoritism passed down, brought division and pain.

11. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Samson, Eli and Samuel the last three judges in Israel all show what happens when there is not proper godliness as it regards enforcement of righteousness in a home. Samson’s parents did the right thing in devoting their child to the Lord in accordance with what God had told them about him, but they did not follow through when necessary in demanding obedience.

12. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY This resulted in Samson becoming a selfish young man who used the blessings God gave Him to build a personal reputation. He commanded his parents to “go get him a wife from the foreigners” his parents responded by asking him why he did not seek one from among his own people (godly advice), but they folded and complied to his demands- like many parents do today when they allow their children to rule the house.

13. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Eli refused to restrain his sons. While he guided them in right paths in so many ways, their true character of covetousness and wickedness showed itself and God held him responsible because he “refused to restrain them.” In this case the actions of his children (though they were accountable for them) are tied in large part to the failure of Eli to restrain them. His lack of godliness in this area did not give them a godly example of accountability for actions. Samuel had two wicked sons, but he was a good man. He is not assigned any blame by God for their wickedness.

14. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY In Ps. 78:1-8 The author stresses the generational nature of the right ways of God. He speaks of the necessity of passing down a heritage of history and he proceeds to give a history lesson in the rest of the psalm – “give ear, o my people to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will utter sayings from of old, things we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from our children but tell to the coming generations the glorious deeds of the Lord and His might and the wonders he has done. ...

15. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.”

16. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY What the psalmist enjoins is the necessity of future generations knowing their history (the back story) of who, what, when, where and why of their legacy.

17. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Let me illustrate legacy this way: A son inherits a watch from his father that belonged to his father’s father (4 generations). The watch is just a possession and has little meaning unless each generation is told the story of the watch, values it and passes it to each generation. That way the watch never leaves the family, due to generational stressing of the history of the watch. …

18. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Each generation stresses the original story of the watch to the ensuing generation and the watch maintains it’s status in the family legacy. Without the back story ensuing generations will simply see a watch (made of gold and old) and value it only as a relic. It may even be sold and cease to be a part of family legacy.

19. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY It is essential for proper balance in our children for them to be told constantly of their spiritual heritage. Israel did a pretty good job of stressing their heritage to their children as Deut. 6:1-9,20,21 teaches. What led to the downfall of Israel was the failure of Israel to properly stress God’s command to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.”

20. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY In spite of the efforts of many to teach these things, for the most part, Israel got tired of the stories and did not value their heritage properly. God sent prophets to remind them, he was longsuffering and patient, but he held them accountable. He was there to forgive when they repented, but they departed over and over from the legacy of godliness God provided for them.

21. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY In Josh. 24:15, 21,24- we all know that Joshua spoke for him and his house being devoted to serving the Lord. This should be the declared aim of each and every parent. Children should know from a young age that God’s ways are what we are devoted to in this house. They should see it in our lives and should be expected to live up to God’s standard in their own lives.

22. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY In accordance with Matt. 6:33 each child should be directed to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” • They should know also that when they do this that everything else in life will always work for the best “to them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.”

23. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Wisdom should be a part of the heritage of each child. Respect for age and wisdom should be stressed. Listen to Proverbs 1:8,9- “hear my son, your father’s instruction and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. Note that the son is to Hear and Heed- The parents are to Instruct.

24. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY More principles of wisdom are stated in Pr. 3:5-8- “trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”

25. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Wisdom also implores the young man to appreciate the value of righteous discipline in Pr. 3:11-12- “my son do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of His reproof, for the Lord reproves him who he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Children are to be left a legacy godly discipline. Law without a penalty is just a joke (this is true in the home, church and nation).

26. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY We have all been given this godly pattern for a legacy to follow in God’s precious Word. Even if you were not guided in these ways, you can start today to make your home a place where righteousness reigns and you can guide your children in the ways of God.

27. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY The value of a good, earthly name is stressed in Pr. 22:1 and Eccl. 7:1- however it is a mistake to train children to only be concerned about the family name. Our spiritual family name (Christian) should be our deepest concern. None of us should want to bring reproach in any way on the precious name of Jesus.

28. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Why are we stressing the value of a godly legacy? The present- day picture of the legacy many are leaving for their children is not good as a nation:

29. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY For the first time in the history of the U.S. we will leave the next generation worse off than ever. Recent signs indicate that we will leave the next generation- MORALLY PERVERTED and SPIRITUALLY WEAK AND ECONICALLY BROKE. Indeed the next generation may be the first to have the freedoms that we have enjoyed for many years taken away, and our status as a people free people will be lost.

30. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY The Psalmist observed in Psalm 11:3- “if the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do?” The answer is that the righteous must remain righteous and rally others to righteousness. As a nation it is our task to warn and plead (as Jeremiah and others did ) and it is the job of the hearer to respond or face the consequences.

31. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY As a nation too many have grown silent. They do not speak up and teach the lessons to their children of our history and the price paid for their freedoms. We have a nation of young people today who have no idea of the price paid for what they enjoy. We face a generation that does not like to hear the “boring” stories of our heritage. Our schools are teaching everything but honor, integrity, and an absolute right and wrong way.

32. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY The wise man decribes this in Pr. 30:11-13- “there are those who curse their father and do not bless their mothers. There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth…” he goes on to observe their arrogance.

33. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY In Jer. 5:29-31- God asks the question about Judah, “shall I not be avenged for such a nation as this? A horrible thing is committed in the land. The prophet’s prophesy falsely, the priest bear rule by any means, and my people love to have it so.” Any nation that insists on walking away from God will fall- when we do not know- but it will fall when there is not enough righteousness to preserve it (Pr. 14:34).

34. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Gradually. How did we get to this point? Remember that Moses’ generation of Israelites never imagined their descendants would pass their children through the fire in worship to a heathen god even though Moses told them it would happen. Gradual compromise led to this travesty. Compromise is how we get to where we never thought we would be. How does a generation arise that knows not God? By failing to pick up the mantle of a godly heritage.

35. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Remember that throughout the years when sin has run rampant in a nation God’s Word still stands as the way out of trials. God continues to speak through His word and warn. He has ordained however, that His people be the ones who carry this message to a lost and dying world. Nations choose either demise or rise. When the voices of the righteous go silent, or when the message of righteousness is not heeded, any nation will fall.

36. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY It is our job to speak up and stand for what is right- How many of us do that and how many of us just complain about how bad things are? Remember the enemy is never defeated when righteous soldiers cower in the caves and wring their hands in frustration with no intention of actually taking a stand.

37. OUR CHILDREN’S LEGACY Is it possible to raise godly families in the midst of a decaying society? Certainly it is- New testament Christians did it daily. Our homes can be strong and full of faith. We can leave a righteous legacy for them to follow. We must be diligent for as the home goes- so goes the church and a nation. We have much to do, but we need a spiritual revival in our homes, the church and our nation today- we dare not put it off.

38. OURCHILDREN’SLEGACY HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY?

39. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? First and foremost let us understand that a godly legacy cannot be achieved with compromise with sin. Compromise always makes things worse and is one of Satan’s greatest weapons.

40. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? So how do we leave a godly legacy for our children?

41. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? 1. Start by being committed to the right paths yourself do not just teach in words but also by personal action and application.

42. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? 2. We must establish a legacy of deep abiding love and respect for God’s Word. It is the source of our strength (2 Tim. 3:16,17, Rom. 1:16). Romans 10:17- “for therein is revealed God’s will from faith unto faith” Ps. 119:97- “o how love I thy law it is my meditation day and night.” Do you love the Word of God? Then teach it to your children- -daily family bible study. What kind of Bible knowledge do you and your children presently have?

43. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? If graded on bible knowledge what grade would they get? What grade would you get? Do you have a home curriculum to teach your kids the Bible? Do you insist that the Bible be taught where you worship (Waldron material- memory work, etc)? Do your children know that David did not fight a giant pickle but a man named Goliath, the enemy of the Most High God?

44. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? 2. While it is not the job of the church to train you children in the ways of God (primarily), they should be teaching God’s word in the bible classes with some sort of cohesiveness and standard. EXAMPLE- children respond to challenges- memorize books of bible, ten commands, ten plagues, first psalm, other vital passages. Each church should have a goal for what a student is know before they leave a class. Maybe even remedial classes for those who have not achieved those goals.

45. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? • ESTABLISH A LEGACY OF GODLY PRIORITIES, VALUES, MORALITY AND SERVANT SPIRIT. These virtues do not just happen. Gal. 5:22-6:10 tells us how to live pleasing to God and Gal. 5:19-21 teaches us what to avoid. How are these things established in our homes- the church- our nation? Time and Work. A godly legacy has to be are learned and learning takes teaching. Where will we get the time to do this?

46. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? • Turn off the TV, the hand-held devices and video games • Go to gospel meetings- singing hymns as you travel • Talk with them daily about the bible • Ask questions and LISTEN to what they say • Never forget what being a young person is like • Be their parent- Commit passages like Eccl. 12:13,,14- fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole of man, God will bring every work into judgment whether good or evil. Matt. 6:33- seek first the kingdom

47. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? 4. We must also not neglect discipline in our homes- Mark Mayberry will most likely say more on this in his lecture, but here is my short contribution- MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT LET THE KIDS RULE THE HOUSE. They are a part of the household but everything should not revolve around them. Be careful how driven you become by sports and other activities with them- they can rob you and your children of more valuable things.

48. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? Teach them that life does not consist of the abundance of things- all their toys will grow old and be discarded but their soul is the most precious thing they possess. Losing it is the biggest loss of all.

49. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? Love them enough to discipline them according to God’s word. No one enjoys discipline but it works for lasting good later. Apply the board of education on the seat of rebellion as taught in Proverbs 29:15,17; 19:18 and 23:13-14.

50. HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? HOW DO WE LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY? 5.Establish a legacy of a godly example- 1 Cor. 11:1- be ye followers of me as I am also of Christ. Our children need to see us do the right things. The high standards of a godly legacy apply to all.