CHOICES THAT BUILD OR BREAK A LEGACY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Kings 15:1-34
Supporting Texts: 2 Chronicles 14:1-7; Psalm 1:6; Proverbs 10:7; 2 Chronicles 16:7-9; 1 Samuel 2:30
INTRODUCTION:
1 Kings 15 presents a striking contrast between two kings of Judah—Abijam and Asa. While both were descendants of David and sat on the same throne, their reigns left different legacies. Abijam continued in the sinful pattern of his father Rehoboam, whereas Asa sought the Lord and implemented spiritual reforms in Judah.
This chapter teaches us that leadership is not just about position but about choices. Though Abijam had a divine heritage, he failed to live up to it. Asa, however, chose to follow God and led Judah into a season of peace and spiritual renewal. The lives of these kings remind us that every leader leaves a legacy—either of compromise or of commitment to God.
Whether in ministry, family, or public life, our decisions today shape our influence tomorrow. The legacy we leave is determined by whether we walk in the fear of God or in the footsteps of rebellion.
1. SPIRITUAL HERITAGE DOES NOT GUARANTEE RIGHTEOUSNESS
Abijam was the son of Rehoboam and grandson of Solomon, yet he did not walk with God.
a) “He committed all the sins his father had done before him.” (1 Kings 15:3)
Inheritance without transformation leads to stagnation.
b) God does not bless people because of their family line alone—obedience is required
Abijam had David’s blood but not David’s heart.
c) A godly lineage is a privilege, but not a substitute for personal faith
Every generation must choose to serve God afresh.
d) Without personal conviction, religious titles and connections are powerless
He reigned but had no spiritual depth.
Biblical Example: Eli’s sons were priests by birth but were corrupt in practice (1 Samuel 2:12-17).
2. GOD REMEMBERS THE RIGHTEOUS AND PRESERVES THEIR SEED
God showed mercy to Judah for David’s sake.
a) “Nevertheless, for David’s sake, the Lord gave him a lamp in Jerusalem.” (1 Kings 15:4)
David’s covenant with God brought stability to his lineage.
b) Righteousness secures blessings beyond one’s own lifetime
God keeps covenant with those who walk uprightly.
c) God rewards integrity even generations later
A faithful man leaves an inheritance that is more than material.
d) One man’s obedience can become the shield for his children
David’s faithfulness still echoed in God’s dealings with Judah.
Biblical Example: God remembered Noah’s righteousness and preserved his family (Genesis 6:8-9).
3. RIGHTEOUS LEADERS BRING SPIRITUAL REFORMATION
Asa chose to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord and led Judah back to holiness.
a) “Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done.” (1 Kings 15:11)
His leadership was anchored in obedience.
b) True leadership confronts sin, not tolerates it
He removed idols and expelled the perverted shrine practices.
c) God honours those who stand for righteousness even in corrupt environments
Asa ruled during a dark time, yet he shined.
d) National transformation begins with godly leadership
He was not perfect, but he feared the Lord.
Biblical Example: Josiah also brought revival through reforms and returning to God’s word (2 Kings 22:1-2).
4. COMPROMISE IN LATER YEARS CAN STAIN EARLIER FAITHFULNESS
In his later years, Asa made a treaty with Ben-Hadad instead of relying on God.
a) “He took silver and gold… and sent them to Ben-Hadad…” (1 Kings 15:18)
He relied on man instead of trusting God’s deliverance.
b) Earlier obedience does not exempt one from accountability
Finishing well is just as important as starting well.
c) Compromise often comes when we lean on past victories rather than present obedience
Even the righteous must remain watchful.
d) Leadership must be consistent in depending on God at all stages
Success can be a snare if not accompanied by humility.
Biblical Example: Uzziah became proud after success and was struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).
5. THE FRUIT OF YOUR REIGN WILL BE SEEN IN YOUR LEGACY
Jeroboam’s lineage continued in wickedness through Nadab, his son.
a) “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and walked in the ways of his father.” (1 Kings 15:26)
Wickedness was passed down and judgment followed.
b) Leadership that ignores God brings cycles of destruction
Nadab’s reign was short and ended violently.
c) Every decision made in office becomes a seed—either for peace or destruction
Jeroboam’s sins became a national plague.
d) The legacy of wicked rulers is often judgment, shame, and bloodshed
Israel continued to suffer due to his choices.
Biblical Example: Ahab’s house was eventually wiped out because of generational evil (2 Kings 9:7-9).
CONCLUSION:
1 Kings 15 challenges us with a powerful truth: it is not where you come from, but what you choose that determines your destiny. Abijam had the right heritage but made the wrong choices. Asa came from a broken line but chose righteousness and led a revival. Legacy is built choice by choice, decision by decision.
We must pray for leaders and also examine ourselves. What choices are we making that shape our families, ministries, and future generations? Godly leadership is not accidental—it is intentional and sacrificial.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to make daily decisions that build a righteous legacy.
2. Deliver me from repeating the errors of those before me.
3. Give me grace to lead with integrity and courage like Asa.
4. Help me finish well and not compromise in my latter days.
5. Let my life attract Your mercy to my children and generations after me.
