The Ultimate Inheritance

Study Guide • The Ultimate Inheritance

Central Thesis

The Only Inheritance That Lasts is a Legacy of Faith

The world tells you to build a financial portfolio. God commands you to build a spiritual one. The only inheritance that truly lasts is a legacy of faith—a testimony of God’s works, intentionally passed from one generation to the next.

Opening Reflection

What Are You Leaving Behind?

The sermon began with a powerful contrast between two families. One passed down great financial wealth but no faith, and their children fell apart when faced with trials. The other had little money but intentionally passed down a deep knowledge of God, giving their children an anchor that held them steady for life.

Before diving into the scriptures, reflect on this contrast. What does the term “inheritance” mean to you right now? What do you most desire to leave for the next generation?

Point One • The Duty to Tell

A Vow to Not Conceal God’s Works (Psalm 78:4)

This is not a passive hope, but an active vow. The psalmist declares, “We will not conceal them.” Faith is not inherited through DNA; it is transferred through diligent, detailed testimony. Asaph provides a three-part curriculum for what we must pass on:

God’s Praises: His character and attributes. Who He is.
God’s Strength: His power in action. What He can do.
God’s Wondrous Works: His specific, historical acts of salvation. What He has done.

Discussion & Reflection

1) Of the three topics—God’s character, His power, and His past works—which do you find easiest to talk about with others? Which is the most challenging? Why?

2) Read 2 Timothy 2:2 and Psalm 71:18. How do these verses challenge the church to be more intentional about creating opportunities for older members to share their testimony with younger ones?

Point Two • The Foundation of Remembering

Memory Fuels Faith and Obedience (Psalm 78:5-7)

The sermon highlighted a crucial four-step progression for building lasting faith: knowing God’s works leads to trusting Him, which is sustained by remembering, and ultimately results in obedience. The great enemy of faith is not doubt, but “spiritual amnesia”—forgetting who God is and what He has done.

Discussion & Reflection

3) Joshua 4 describes setting up “stones of remembrance” to provoke questions from children. What could be some modern-day “stones of remembrance” for your family (e.g., framed verses, a prayer journal, celebrating baptism anniversaries)?

4) Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. How does a proper focus on the Lord’s Supper each week serve as the ultimate defense against “spiritual amnesia” for the church?

Point Three • The Enduring Legacy

More Than Money: A Righteous Inheritance (Proverbs 13:22)

A “good man” leaves an inheritance that is multi-generational. While this includes wise financial stewardship, the true, lasting legacy is one of character, wisdom, and faith. The proverb teaches that wealth accumulated without righteousness is temporary and unstable, but a legacy of integrity blesses a family for generations.

Discussion & Reflection

5) Read Proverbs 20:7. Besides finances, what specific aspect of your character, integrity, or faith do you most want your children, grandchildren, or fellow Christians to “inherit” from your example?

6) Jesus’ command in Matthew 6:19-20 to “store up treasures in heaven” is the ultimate estate plan. What is one practical change you can make this month to invest more in heavenly treasures than in earthly ones?

Point Four • The Urgent Choice

Breaking the Cycle of Rebellion (Psalm 78:6-8)

The goal of passing down faith is transformation—to raise a generation that is the polar opposite of the “stubborn and rebellious” one described by Asaph. This failure begins in the heart and is a direct result of the previous generation’s failure to teach. If we fail to intentionally pass down faith, we will unintentionally pass down faithlessness.

Discussion & Reflection

7) Judges 2:10 is a chilling historical record of a generation who “did not know the Lord.” What are some warning signs in our culture or even our own lives that show we are in danger of forgetting God’s works?

8) The sermon posed a final, powerful question: “Will your children know the Lord because of you—or in spite of you?” What is one concrete action you will take this week to ensure the answer is “because of me”?

Action Tool

Our Family’s Spiritual Portfolio

Use this worksheet to begin documenting and building your family’s spiritual legacy. Fill it out together, save your progress, and use the button at the bottom to print a copy for your home records.

Section 1: Our Family’s Foundation

Our Core Beliefs

Our Key Scripture Verses

Section 2: A Record of God’s Faithfulness

Answered Prayers & Blessings

Stories of God’s Help in Hard Times

Section 3: Our Spiritual Heritage

Faith Stories from Past Generations

Spiritual Birthdays (Baptisms)

Section 4: Our Legacy for the Future

Hopes & Prayers for Our Children

A Letter to Future Generations

Keeping the Faith 2025 Ed Rangel

Deeper Dive

Key Hebrew Word Study

Understanding the original language can deepen our appreciation for these commands.

Word	Transliteration	Meaning	Sermon Significance
סִפֵּר	sippēr	To recount, declare, narrate in detail	This is not just mentioning God, but giving a full, detailed account of His works. It implies intentionality and precision.
עֵדוּת	‘edut	Testimony, witness	This refers to God’s actions in history. It is the evidence and witness of His faithfulness that we are commanded to remember.
תּוֹרָה	torah	Law, instruction, teaching	This is God’s revealed will. It’s the instruction that flows from His actions. We can’t separate what God did from what He commands.
טוֹב	tov	Good, pleasant, righteous	In Proverbs, the “good man” is not just nice, but one whose life is aligned with God’s wisdom and righteousness.