What practical steps can we take to ensure we inherit God's kingdom? Our Inheritance Defined (Ephesians 5:5) “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person— that is, an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Why Moral Purity Matters • God’s kingdom is holy; anything opposed to His character cannot remain (1 Peter 1:16). • Immorality, impurity, and greed are labeled idolatry—giving our hearts to something other than God (Colossians 3:5). • Persistent, unrepentant sin signals a heart not truly yielded to Christ (1 John 3:9). Practical Steps Toward Inheriting the Kingdom 1. Personal Heart Examination • Invite the Spirit to search you daily (Psalm 139:23-24). • Identify patterns of sexual sin, secret impurity, or materialistic cravings. • Confess immediately; hidden sin hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:13). 2. Genuine Repentance • Turn from sin, not just regret it (Acts 3:19). • Replace sinful habits with righteous ones: lust with love, greed with generosity. 3. Consistent Scripture Intake • “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Read, memorize, and meditate on passages that confront impurity (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). 4. Spirit-Empowered Living • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Daily surrender—ask the Spirit to rule thoughts, words, desires. 5. Pursuit of Holiness in Community • Meet regularly with believers for encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Confess sins to trustworthy brothers or sisters; pray for one another (James 5:16). 6. Cultivating Generosity Over Greed • Practice cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Use resources to serve others, breaking materialism’s grip (Luke 12:33-34). 7. Guarding Eyes and Mind • Make covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1). • Filter media; avoid anything that stirs impure desires (Philippians 4:8). 8. Regular Remembrance of Your Identity • “You are no longer a slave but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you an heir.” (Galatians 4:7) • Live like an heir, not an outsider. Warnings and Encouragement from Related Scriptures • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11—similar list; but “such were some of you” shows hope after repentance. • Galatians 5:19-21—works of the flesh vs. fruit of the Spirit; inheritance at stake. • Titus 2:11-14—grace trains us to renounce ungodliness while we wait for our blessed hope. • Romans 8:13-17—putting to death deeds of the body confirms we are children and heirs. Living Today with Tomorrow in View • Keep eternity front-and-center; vision of the kingdom fuels purity now (2 Peter 3:11-14). • Small daily choices accumulate into lasting character. • Walk in love, light, and wisdom (Ephesians 5:1-21), letting Christ’s lordship shape every desire. |
    |