In what ways can we live as "heirs" of God's promises today? Living Like Heirs: Abraham’s Tent Still Stands Hebrews 11:9 – “By faith he dwelt in the promised land as in a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.” What It Means to Be an Heir • An heir receives what another has secured. • In Christ, “if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). • We share “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4). • The Holy Spirit is “a pledge of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14). Daily Ways to Live as Heirs • Trust the Promiser more than the present. – Abraham stayed in tents; we hold possessions loosely (Matthew 6:19-21). • Walk by faith, not by sight. – Abraham’s promised land was still filled with Canaanites; our culture often looks contrary to God’s kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Embrace pilgrim identity. – “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). Decisions, entertainment, and ambitions should reflect that we are just passing through. • Practice obedient expectancy. – “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Serving, giving, and forgiving display confident expectation of the coming inheritance. • Value covenant community. – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob shared tents; believers today gather, encourage, and correct one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Endure with hope. – Present trials become light and momentary when weighed against eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). • Steward the down payment. – The Spirit’s gifts are used to advance the kingdom now, previewing the fullness to come (1 Peter 4:10). Why Living as Heirs Matters • It proclaims God’s faithfulness: “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). • It guards our hearts from worldliness (1 John 2:15-17). • It attracts the curious, opening doors for the gospel (1 Peter 3:15). The Takeaway Abraham pitched tents because he trusted a city God would build (Hebrews 11:10). When we mirror that faith—trusting, obeying, hoping, and stewarding—we live today as true heirs of every promise God has made. |
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