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 Le

gacy

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)

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THE LEGACY OF A LIFESTYLE

Psalms 101:2

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• “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

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LIFESTYLE

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• “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)

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LIFESTYLE

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•“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

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LIFESTYLE

THE LEGACY OF A WHOLESOME, SPIRITUAL ENVIRONMENT

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

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• 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 22:6

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• Worship together, Deut 12:12– Pleasant, anticipated event

– Remove obstacles, Heb 10:25

– Be a faithful participant during worship services

– Worship at home, too

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• 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

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THE LEGACY OF RESPECT FOR GOD

Matthew 10:37

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• 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

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The Legacy We Leave Our Children

-Epitaphs fade, memories fail and monuments erode

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

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