BUILDING ON LEGACY AND LEAVING A LEGACY BEHIND
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The idea of being a trailblazer is appealing, but for most of us, our calling is to build on the legacy left behind. This is especially true in the Church and the Kingdom of God, where even what appears to be new or groundbreaking must be rooted in the legacy of Jesus Christ and the entirety of Scripture (1 Cor 3:10-11, 2 Tim 3:14-17).
In a sense, we must look back in order to effectively forge ahead; otherwise, we risk going in circles, returning to the starting point of the previous generation (Rom 15:4, 1 Cor 10:11-12). This exhortation is especially relevant today, as much of what should be an established legacy in Christianity is being eroded before our eyes. Rather than progressing, many Christians are retrogressing.
Paul observed a similar issue in his time and urged believers to hold on to foundational truths so they could mature and move forward, instead of relaying the basics (Heb 6:1-3). Isn’t it ironic that, after more than two millennia, the Church still debates Paul’s “elementary teachings about Christ” like repentance, faith, water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, and the final judgment? If we continue to struggle with these fundamentals, how can we expect to grow into maturity or leave a meaningful legacy for the next generation?
There’s no shame in admitting we’ve lost our bearings. That recognition allows us to reassess, return to the basics, and chart the right path. But if we continue blindly without reflection, we endanger not just ourselves but future generations. As Jesus implied, “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Luke 6:39).
Each generation carries the responsibility of leaving behind a true and solid legacy—one that guides the next generation forward.
God has assigned a unique layer of revelation to every generation, expecting each to fulfill its part and pass on the baton. In this way, the crown of one generation's faithfulness becomes the throne upon which the next stands to earn its own crown.
It’s important to understand that, in His sovereignty, God does not reveal everything to a single generation. His process always involves progression. For instance, Abraham, God's friend (James 2:23), received specific revelations of God’s Personality. God revealed Himself to Abraham as El-Shaddai—Almighty God (Gen 17:1 NLT), and as Jehovah Jireh—the Lord Who provides (Gen 22:14 KJV). Yet it was four generations later that God revealed Himself to Moses, another friend of His (Ex 33:11, Num 12:6-8), as “I AM,” YHWH (Ex 3:14-15, *6:2-4*).
Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and the tribal patriarchs knew God based on Abraham’s revelation (Gen 28:3-5), along with their personal encounters (Gen 26:24-25, 28:12-22). While from Moses onward, Israel stood on the promises given to the Patriarchs (Ex 6:7-8, Lev 26:40-42), while also receiving a foundational revelation for future generations— which is God’s Eternal Name, YHWH. So we see a progression.
I could cite many more Scriptural examples to illustrate the progressive nature of God's revelations and how each generation is expected to build on the last, but doing so would make this a lot longer.
Now I know that an astute student of Scripture would point out to me that my examples from the Old Testament may be correct, but we are in the New Covenant and Jesus Christ is the culmination of every prophecy and revelation (Heb 1:1-2); so this talk of progressive revelation in each generation is irrelevant. I'll say you're right about one thing, every prophecy, revelation, and mystery is HIDDEN in Jesus Christ (Col 2:2-3), however, not everything has been revealed (1 John 3:2, Rom 8:23-25). God still follows a pattern of unveiling truths progressively, according to what each generation needs or can handle (Matt 25:15).
To begin with: Jesus Christ ABSOLUTELY finished the work He was sent to do on earth (John 4:34, 19:30). He spent His life on earth teaching about the Kingdom of God (Matt 4:17), and He did a lot of this with parables which He even EXPLAINED to His disciples (Luke 8:9-11, Matt 13:24-30, 36-43).
Still, even Jesus did not FULLY disclose all the Kingdom’s mysteries, because His audience lacked spiritual understanding, and for the most part they were unlearned folks (Matt 15:10-11, 15-20, Acts 4:13). And even the supposedly learned couldn't understand all He had to say (John 3:3-4, 9-12); furthermore, they weren't emotionally ready for all He had to say. So Jesus left further revelations to the Holy Spirit, who would guide them into all truth and remind them of His teachings (John 14:26, 16:5-7, 12-15). Thus, the Holy Spirit both grounded them in Christ’s foundational teachings and progressively unveiled the things Jesus Christ couldn’t fully explain to them at that time.
This clearly demonstrates progressive revelation, even in the New Testament. But if that’s not convincing enough, allow me to share another illustration.
By the standards of his Jewish peers, Paul likely appeared to be a trailblazer. After all, God revealed to him the Gospel for the Gentiles—a message of salvation and inclusion in the promises made to Abraham (Gal 1:11-17, 2:7-8, 3:14, 26-29, Eph 2:11-22). This was a radical concept for Jews at the time, who typically avoided Gentiles (Acts 10:28), and even Samaritans—fellow Israelites by ancestry—were scorned (John 4:9).
Though Paul appeared as a trailblazer, what he was preaching was still firmly founded on Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:10-11, 2:1-5, Gal 1:6-10), and aligned with God’s earlier revelations through the Old Testament prophets (Acts 13:32-48, [*v47, Isaiah 49:5-7, 42:1-7]).
Like I said in the beginning, in the Church and Kingdom of God, everything MUST be built on the legacy of Jesus Christ and Scripture. So also Paul's ministry, which disclosed great mysteries to us (2 Cor 12:7), was firmly founded and situated on Jesus Christ (Eph 3:7-12).
I must emphasize this point for balance sake: while the Holy Spirit continues to reveal new aspects of God and Jesus Christ (Jer 33:3, Rom 11:33-34, 1 Cor 2:10-12, 16, *John 14:26, 16:5-7, 12-15*), we MUST remain discerning. We cannot blindly accept every “new” teaching without carefully examining its alignment with Jesus Christ and Scripture (Eph 4:11-16, 20-24, 30-32, Rev 2:14-16, 20, 24-29). Even teachings that sound correct must be scrutinized—and we must discern the Spirit/spirit behind the message (Acts 16:16-18, 1 John 4:1, 1 Tim 4:1-3, 6-16, *2 Tim 4:1-5*); because the devil and his collaborators are skilled in deception, and they are very “good” actors (Matt 7:15-20, 2 Cor 11:13-15, [1 Peter 5:8-11, Rev 5:5]).
Anyway, be on your guard and be discerning. Also learn to recognize the Holy Spirit’s work so that you don’t reject the new things He intends to reveal and accomplish (Gal 2:7-9, 1 Thess 5:19-22).
Speaking of which, Peter himself initially resisted the revelation concerning the Gentiles. Despite seeing the vision three times, his reaction was, “Surely not, Lord!” (Acts 10:10-16). However, when God gave the same revelation to Paul, Paul embraced it and immediately pursued the mandate (Acts 9:4-6, 15-20, 26:12-20, *v19*). Now generations since then remain grateful for the work the Holy Spirit accomplished through Paul, and Peter also acknowledged the wisdom Paul was given and equated his writings to Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16).
Note, with respect to the generation of Peter, Scripture referred primarily to the Old Testament writings, because Gospels and Epistles were not yet canonized; hence Peter's statement about Paul's writing is all the more significant. In his time, Paul faithfully fulfilled his assignment, never deviating from the foundation of Jesus Christ, and ultimately he earned his crown (2 Tim 4:7-8).
His crown, along with those of many faithful saints across generations, forms the thrones upon which we now build. Their victories are our foundation (John 4:38). And I believe Jesus Christ illustrated this through the image of the New Jerusalem, whose foundation is built on the twelve apostles (Rev 21:14).
Paul clearly understood the progressive nature of God's revelation and His dealings with generations. He recognized that his own ministry was not the complete picture, but merely a part of the unfolding plan. He acknowledged this reality in the following passage:
1 Cor 13:9-12
[9] For we know in part and we prophesy in part, [10] but WHEN completeness comes, what is in part disappears. [11] … [12] For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. NOW I KNOW IN PART; THEN I SHALL KNOW FULLY, even as I am fully known. NIV
Even his life and doctrine reflected a progressive maturity:
2 Cor 5:16
[16] SO FROM NOW ON we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we ONCE regarded Christ in this way, WE DO SO NO LONGER. NIV
A practical illustration of the above is the change of his perspective on Mark (a.k.a John - Acts 15:37), who caused a sharp disagreement between him and Barnabas (Acts 13:13, 15:36-40). Yet later, Paul acknowledged Mark’s value and called him “helpful” for his ministry (2 Tim 4:11).
This progression shows us that the Holy Spirit continues to reveal new aspects of God's nature and plan, building upon the foundation of previous generations.
For example, in recent Church history, various generations have received distinct revelations: one experienced the outpouring of healing; another emphasized holiness; another, faith; another, prosperity; and still another, deliverance and spiritual warfare, unveiling the schemes, devices, and secrets of the dark kingdom (2 Cor 2:11, Eph 6:10-18). These insights—each rooted in Scripture—have helped prepare subsequent generations to receive deeper truths and build their own legacies.
For this reason, we must learn to glean from the legacy of those who have served the Lord faithfully, and we must yield to the Holy Spirit to build on what they did, or where they left off. And also be sure to note that this does NOT in any way imply that we are superior to the previous generations, we are merely reaping from their labors (John 4:36-38).
To reinforce this point, Jesus Christ acknowledged the progressive nature of God's work. He understood that His own time on earth was limited and that others would continue with what He began (John 12:23-24, 32). So He told His disciples they would do even greater works than He had done (John 14:12-14). This did NOT mean that they would be superior to Him (John 15:20), but rather that their accomplishments would be made POSSIBLE because of Him and His ascension to the Father.
So Jesus’s Legacy was the throne from which they built; and Jesus Christ made their ministry (i.e. the apostles) the foundation upon which the rest of the Church was built (Matt 16:17-18, Eph 2:19-20). And we in turn are living stones continuing in the building project of God (1 Peter 2:5). So all through the centuries it has been layer upon layer being added to God's Building. And it is important to understand that succeeding layers are not superior to their predecessors, just as the apostles were not superior to Jesus Christ (John 14:12-14).
This truth is vital to guard against spiritual pride (Rom 11:17-23, *v25). While we might look back and see that past generations viewed certain matters through limited cultural or temporal lenses—sometimes leading to misinterpretations—that does not give us the right to judge them harshly.
John the Baptist, for example, was the living legacy upon which Jesus began His ministry (Matt 3:1-3, 13-15, John 5:31-40). Yet, when imprisoned, John began to question whether Jesus was truly the Messiah he had once boldly proclaimed (John 1:29-36). Despite this moment of doubt, Jesus never rebuked John. Instead, He offered clarity and affirmed John's role and importance, admonishing him not to stumble (Matt 11:2-15).
What does all this mean for us today? It means that spiritual legacy is central in the Church and the Kingdom of God, and it is a progression. Each of us must examine whether we are building on a solid legacy (2 Cor 13:5-8)—be it the legacy of our parents, grandparents (2 Tim 1:3-5), or church leaders (2 Tim 3:14-15).
Additionally, submission to spiritual authority is essential. Serving God on your own terms—doing what you want, when you want, and how you want—is NOT an option. When you became a Christian, you committed to laying down your life for Christ (Matt 16:24-27, 2 Cor 5:14-15, 1 Cor 6:19-20), and following the Holy Spirit’s lead (Rom 8:5-9, 12-14, Gal 5:16-18, 24-25). The sooner you learn to submit to God-ordained authority, the stronger and more enduring your legacy will be. “Success” without submission will ultimately be exposed as failure (Matt 7:21-23, Isaiah 50:10-11, 2 Tim 3:1-5 [*v2 “… disobedient to their parents…”]).
If you've disrespected parents or elders out of a sense of being right, it is not too late to repent and apologize. And avoid slandering and casting slurs at Church leaders (Acts 23:1-5, Heb 13:17-18, 1 Tim 5:17-22).
At twelve years old, Jesus Christ had reached the age of legal accountability in Jewish society—He had been Bar Mitzvahed. However, though He gave a justifiable reason for remaining behind at Jerusalem, while His earthly parents frantically searched for Him, He still submitted to their authority and was not disobedient to them (Luke 2:41-52, *v51-52*). Seemingly small acts of obedience like this matter deeply if we hope to leave behind a lasting, unshakable legacy. Nothing built on chaos or disorder will endure; it lacks God’s signature (1 Cor 14:29-33).
Another example is David. David had numerous chances to kill Saul, and seemingly valid reasons to do so—and was even presented with what looked like Divine opportunities. Yet David restrained himself, recognizing Saul as the anointed king. He refused to rise against someone God had placed in authority (1 Sam 24:3-7, 10, 12). It didn’t matter if Saul seemed unrighteous, unworthy, or unqualified—David understood that if God gave someone authority, he had no right to undermine it. We must learn to humble ourselves and submit to those in authority until God either changes the person or releases us from that authority (Jer 27:1-11, Rom 13:1-8, 1 Tim 2:1-4). Don’t nurture a rebellious spirit, even if you feel justified. Let God be the Judge and Avenger (Rom 12:17-21).
These principles are essential if you want to be a wise builder of something that holds generational blessing for your children and others. Even something as simple as pouring “perfume” on the right person can secure an enduring legacy for endless generations (Matt 26:10-13, 10:40-42, 2 Sam 19:31-38). On the other hand, engaging in seemingly noble acts—such as honoring the departed in unwholesome ways—can result in generational curses (Luke 11:47-51, Isaiah 8:19-22).
A word of caution with respect to “honoring” the dead: many African and Asian cultures are deeply entangled with ancestral worship. This practice creates generational spiritual bondage that must be broken. Be discerning about cultural traditions. Participating in ancestral rituals can open doors to familiar spirits, which would affect you, your children, and down through your lineage. Break these demonic legacies and begin a righteous one instead. It may not be easy, but in Christ, victory is assured—and it will be worth it.
So, returning to where we left off: don’t be quick to judge others. You don’t need to tear others down to make room for your own growth or ministry. The harvest is plentiful, but it is the laborers that are few (Luke 10:2). Around the world today, countless souls have never heard the Gospel—not even once. So there’s more than enough work to go around. And bear in mind that we are on the same team after all (Phil 1:15-18).
Paul would have relished the opportunities we now have, I mean: access to multitudes of unreached souls, and being aided by modern tools like technology, global communication, and transportation (Rom 15:20, 2 Cor 10:15-16, [1 Cor 1:10-13, 3:4-15]). So let's not squander our opportunity (Eph 5:15-18), but rather let us strive to do more than the previous generation by utilizing the advantages we have.
Now even if you feel God is calling you to blaze a trail no one else in your family, church, or community has traveled—and therefore no one seems to understand or support you—ensure three things:
1. Be absolutely certain the Holy Spirit is leading you, and that you aren't driven by selfish ambition or a contrary spirit.
2. Ensure that what you’re doing aligns fully with Scripture. God and the Holy Spirit never contradict the Word (Num 23:19, Isaiah 40:8, [John 16:13-15, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Eph 6:17]).
3. And at some point, submit your work to the Body of Christ. Mature, discerning elders must affirm that your ministry is truly of God and on the right track (Nehemiah 2:11-18, [Gal 1:11-12, 15-19, 2:1-2, *6-10*]).
We must be diligent to do what is right in the eyes of God—and also in the eyes of righteous, Spirit-led men and women (2 Cor 8:20-21, Rom 12:17-18).
Now that you understand the importance of building on the legacy of the past and leaving a solid one for the future, here lies the charge: our generation must not drop the ball. If we fail, the next generation may be left without the bearings they need to forge ahead. We must rise to our God-ordained calling, ensuring that we move the ball further towards the goal, and equip the next generation to maintain the course.
The painful truth is that an entire generation can miss its calling, leaving its children wandering aimlessly. This happened with the Israelites who left Egypt. That generation rejected God’s will and caused their children to waste forty years in the wilderness—years that could have been spent enjoying the Promised Land that “flowed with milk and honey” (Num 14:1-11, 19-24, 26-35). The point however is that, even if a generation fails to accomplish what God has assigned to them, God's plan would NOT be thwarted (Job 42:1-2, Psalms 33:8-11), because He would just raise another generation to do what He wants (*Num 14:11-12* & *v31-33*, [Luke 3:8, 19:39-40]). It's that easy for Him. But woe to the generation that fails Him.
Even if your generation has turned away from God's will, you can still be like Joshua and Caleb (Num 14:5-9, 30), or the seven thousand Israelites who didn’t bow to baal (1 Kings 19:18), or like the tax collectors and prostitutes that REPENTED at John the Baptist’s preaching (Luke 7:29-30, Matt 21:31-32). Indeed, swimming against the tide of cultural norms and generational trends is difficult. It invites persecution and scorn—but it would be worth it at the end (Luke 6:22-23, 2 Tim 3:12, 1 Peter 4:1-5, 13-14). When you stand for Christ, you will NEVER stand alone—even if everyone else leaves (2 Tim 4:16-18). Just stay focused on fulfilling the purpose God predestined for you (Eph 2:10, Phil 3:10-14).
So in conclusion, be intentional about building on the solid legacy from the previous generations, and be just as intentional about leaving a sure legacy for the next. This is NOT optional—it is your spiritual duty. Parents and elders MUST leave a true legacy for the children, and the children MUST see to it that they build on that legacy. This is what the Lord Jesus Christ expects of us; this is exactly what He did in His time on earth, and He FINISHED His work. Now it is our turn. Let the wise builders arise and secure the crown for this generation, so that the next would rule with ease. Let it not be said of our generation that after our passing the next generation would be clueless and unfaithful to God, just as it happened after the passing of Joshua’s generation (*Judges 2:6-13*).
Malachi 4:6
[6] He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” NIV
Psalms 22:27-31
[27] All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him, [28] for dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations. [29] All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him— those who cannot keep themselves alive. [30] POSTERITY WILL SERVE HIM; FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL BE TOLD ABOUT THE LORD. [31] They will proclaim His righteousness, DECLARING TO A PEOPLE YET UNBORN: HE HAS DONE IT! NIV
John 19:30
[30] When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “IT IS FINISHED.” With that, He bowed His Head and gave up His Spirit. NIV
Just as the Father sent Jesus Christ into the world, and He completed His mission in His generation, so too are we sent (John 20:21-22). And we must ensure that we complete the work assigned to us (Acts 20:24, 2 Tim 4:7-8).
Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom!
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https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/ #BuildingOnLegacy #GodlyLegacy #SpiritualInheritance #FaithfulStewardship #ChristOurFoundation #LegacyInChrist #SpiritualLegacy #LegacyOfFaith #GenerationalLegacy #KingdomLegacy #KingdomBuilders #KingdomMindset #StandOnTruth #FaithfulGeneration #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod #God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #Theology #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod #Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife
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