Your Legacy
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this class, Richard Sutton challenged students to reflect on the legacy they will leave behind by examining what it means to finish life well. Using the example of a pre-Civil War plantation cemetery where a man's epitaph simply read "a man of unquestioned integrity," Sutton posed the central question: What would be written on your tombstone? The teacher then turned to the Apostle Paul's reflection on his impending death in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, where Paul declares "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." Rather than expressing fear, Paul viewed his approaching execution as a final offering to God—a drink offering being poured out as a sacrifice. Sutton explained that finishing well is not accidental; it requires intentional living and dedication to Christ throughout one's life. The class emphasized that death is an appointed reality for all believers (Hebrews 9:27) and that our "finish line" cannot be postponed. Through various illustrations, including the example of marathon runner John Bingham, Sutton demonstrated that knowing where the finish line is changes how we run our race. The overarching message was that a faithful Christian legacy is built through daily choices to give everything to Christ, just as Paul did, so that when our departure comes, we can face it with the same confidence and peace that characterized the apostle's final days.
Key Scriptures
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but to all who have loved His appearing.
And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment,