MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
(Hebrews 13:7)
A godly leader’s legacy isn’t about buildings, but about touching lives, teaching values and making lasting impact with their faith and service.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 3: Godly Leaders’ Legacy (Jer. 35:1-2)
Tue. 4: Godly Leaders Leave Behind Godly Legacy (Jer. 35:3-6)
Wed. 5: Godly Leaders Must Be Followed (Jer. 35:7-11)
Thur. 6: Godly Legacy: Great Leaders (Jer. 35:12-15)
Fri. 7: God Condemns Non-Compliance (Jer. 35:16-17)
Sat. 8: God Commends And Rewards Faithfulness (Jer. 35:18-19)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
An impactful godly leader is one remembered for leading people toward God’s purpose.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: 1 Kings 14: 8,9; Psalm 112:6; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 11:1;2 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 13:7
May the name of the Lord be highly exalted as He continues to daily load us with wonderful blessings through His ever-fulfilling Word. In the last lesson, Her made us aware that it is important to heed God’s calling and be duly commissioned and empowered for any assignment He gives us. The lesson highlighted Moses calling, commissioning and empowerment as he led the people of God out of Egypt.
The present lesson is yet another profound encounter from the Lord, focusing on a godly legacy in leadership. Legacy is essentially what a leader, or anyone is remembered for – the imprint they leave behind. It could be a virtuous, or malevolent deed. The significance of living a godly legacy cannot be overstated, and this will be the central the me of our lesson.
LESSON OUTLINE
- LEADERSHIP IS A LEGACY
- LEARN FROM GODLY LEADERS’ LEGACIES
LESSON EXPOSITION
LEADERSHIP IS A LEGACY (1 Kgs. 14:8,9; Psa. 112:6; Heb. 13:7)
..My servant David, who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only what was right in My eyes.
(1 Kgs. 14:8b).
a) A saying goes, “The evil that men do lives after them.” This also applies to good deeds. Every action and inaction has its own reward/ recompense (Rev. 22: 12).
b) Psa. 112:6 describes the legacy of the godly leader, that he will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance (cf. 2 Tim. 4:6-8).
c) 1 Kgs. 14:8,9: God is a righteous Judge Who always notices all we do while we are in the flesh. Hle has His expectations for anyone He puts in leadership positions. He referred to David’s godly legacy and used it as a yardstick to
d) measure other kings, including the godless Jeroboam, who led God’s people into idolatry.
e) Heb. 13:7: Whether we like it or not, people will always remember Us for what we do, whether good or bad, even long after we have departed.
LEARN FROM GODLY LEADERS’ LEGACIES (1 Cor. 10:11; 11:1; 2 Tim. 2:2)
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ
(1 Cor. 11:1)
a) 1 Cor. 10:11: Life is a learning curve- constantly learn, relearn, and unlearn. The unshakeable legacy of the godly leader which is in everlasting remembrance (Psa. 112:6) is God-expected to be followed.
b) 11:1:Believers must follow the examples of godly leaders who, in turn follow Christ. Imitating their godly legacies is a way to avoid disappointing God (Eph. 5:1).
c) You iearn from the godly leaders’ legacies by walking in their godly footsteps that align directly with Christ’s path. Godly leaders steadfastly follow Christ. Are you following suit?
d) 2Tim. 2:2 emphasises the generational impact of passing on teachings and, leadership principles. Followers must learn to take on godly leaders’ legacies (cf. Deut. 34:9).
e) Today, many mention the God of our fathers but neglect their godly paths, missing the virtuous actions that inspired God to be their God.
LESSONS DERIVED
- Good leaders typically leave behind a positive and godly legacy for those who follow them. Avoid becoming a negative reference point.
- To succeed in leadership, you have the responsibility to learn from the godly legacies of leaders who preceded you.
QUESTIONS
- Good leaders typically leave behind godly legacies Explain.
- Why is it generally easier for humans to learn from negative legacies rather than positive and godly ones?
