What does being God's "inheritance" imply about our relationship with Him today? Setting the Scene “I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.” What “Inheritance” Means to God • Deuteronomy 32:9 – “But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance.” • Psalm 135:4 – “For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His treasured possession.” • Malachi 3:17 – “They will be Mine… on the day when I prepare My treasured possession.” God uses family language—portion, possession, treasure—showing that He values His people the way an heir values an inheritance, only infinitely more. How This Shapes Our Identity • Priceless Worth – Purchased by Christ’s blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). – Our value is anchored in God’s choice, not in performance. • Exclusive Belonging – “You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). – He has full rights over our lives, gifts, and futures. • Shared Glory – He intends to display His character through us (Ephesians 2:7). – We are trophies of grace, spotlighting His mercy and power. Security for Today and Tomorrow • Kept by God’s Power – 1 Peter 1:4-5 speaks of an “inheritance… kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power.” – Because God guards His treasure, our salvation is unbreakable. • Future Fulfillment – Romans 8:30: those He justified, He also glorified. – One day He will fully “take possession” of His inheritance when Christ returns (Ephesians 1:14). Relational Privileges We Enjoy Now • Intimate Access – “Abba, Father” freedom (Romans 8:15). – Continual welcome to His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). • Loving Discipline – A father trains what He values (Hebrews 12:6-7). – Correction isn’t rejection; it’s proof we belong. • Family Unity – His inheritance is collective—“in the saints.” – Called to guard the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3-6). Practical Outworking in Daily Life • Live Set Apart – Titus 2:14: He “gave Himself… to purify for Himself a people… zealous for good works.” – Choices reflect our Owner’s holiness. • Reject Rival Claims – James 4:4 warns against friendship with the world. – Anything that competes for first place is theft from God’s treasure chest. • Serve with Hope – Colossians 3:23-24: “You will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward.” – Present faithfulness is investment in eternal dividends. Encouragement to Rest in This Truth Because we are God’s inheritance: • Our worth is settled. • Our future is secure. • Our lives have purpose. Embrace the honor of belonging wholly to Him, and let that assurance reshape every thought, choice, and relationship today. |
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