Bgroup Lesson Feb 02
Big Idea: There are many people throughout history we consider to have important legacies. Whether historical figures, civil rights leaders, tech-developers, entrepreneurs or religious leaders who made a lasting impact. These individuals are known for their grand accomplishments, things they’ve done. But legacy isn’t something you do, it's something you pass down. God has created us to leave a legacy! Like Abraham, God desires us to pass down our values and beliefs to our children so generations will be impacted and the world will be blessed through our families. Let’s discuss a few mentalities of legacy families!
Key Scripture:
Genesis 12:1-3
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
Faith is fundamental in creating a legacy family! We must allow faith to determine our steps and course in life. Faith is the centerpiece of all we do and the guiding force of our decisions and priorities. God has called men to lead their families and build their lives on the foundation of faith in Jesus! We must create a value for the word of God, prayer, and discussions about faith in our homes and in our families. Legacy is something God gives us–it’s not within our power to leave a legacy. But as we live faithfully and follow Him, the Lord continues to visit our family line through generations.
Genesis 15:6 - And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
Genesis 18:19 - I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.
Discussion Questions: How is your faith impacting your family dynamic in the realm of decision making and setting priorities? Have you allowed other things to become the center of your home other than Christ? We aren’t able to leave a legacy in and of ourselves–how are you leaning on the Lord to help you create a strong family? Is there a key scripture or verse that you declare over your family? If so, share it with the group to build one another’s faith!
A covenant is an agreement between two parties. The parties make a promise to one another with the confession, “if I don’t hold up my end of the bargain, then let me die!” It’s not a decision or something entered into lightly. God is a covenant making God. He is committed to us faithfully, forever! He is the example we look to in order to be people of covenant. Marriage is a covenant! It’s an oath between two people - saying I’d rather die than quit! God cannot bless what isn’t built on a covenant.
Covenant means 3 things:
Genesis 17:7 - “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
Discussion Questions: Have you ever made a commitment to someone and then not held up your end of the bargain? How did they react? Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone not fulfilling on a promise they made to you? How did you feel, react? How can you apply the concept of covenant to your relationships?
In order to create, build, and maintain a legacy family we must be intentional about investing our time, energy and attention into our family members. It requires sacrifice and for us to put others ahead of ourselves. Abraham modeled a life of sacrifice and obedience in his lifetime. Even when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, who symbolized the very promise of God that Abraham had waited on for years.
Genesis 22:2-3 - “‘Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.’ The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about.”
Genesis 22:16-18 - “This is what the Lord says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.”
Abraham chose to sacrifice instant gratification for a future dream. He sacrificed his legacy for our legacy as a family. Selfish ambition and self-seeking destroys families.
Sacrifice says:
Discussion Questions: What are some ways you sacrifice daily/weekly for your family? How likely are you to choose the needs of your family over your own needs or ambitions? Listed above are several statements about sacrifice. Name 1-2 that you feel the Holy Spirit highlighted as things you need to work on in order to serve your family well.
God wants our families to be healthy, strong, and centered on Him. No matter what your family dynamic has looked like in the past, today is a new day for legacy to develop in your home. Ask God to help you live a life of faith and that He would be the center of your life. Ask Him to empower you to live faithfully and to pass on Godly values and beliefs to your family. Ask Him to create a willingness in you to sacrifice for your family & serve your family. Submit your family to Him and allow Him to develop a legacy family in your home!