How can we apply the concept of inheritance in our spiritual lives today? A Snapshot of Joshua 23:4 “See, I have allotted to you as an inheritance for your tribes all the nations I have cut off—from the Jordan to the Great Sea in the west—along with all the nations I have already conquered.” The Land as a Picture of Our Spiritual Inheritance • Israel received something tangible, measured, and guaranteed. • In Christ we receive a spiritual possession just as real, yet eternal (Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 1:12). • The same God who distributed Canaan now distributes grace (John 1:16). What Our Spiritual Inheritance Includes • Eternal life—unending fellowship with God (1 John 5:11). • The indwelling Holy Spirit—“the pledge of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14). • Full adoption as sons and daughters—“heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). • A future kingdom—“imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:3-4). • Present rest and victory—Canaan prefigures the believer’s daily walk of victory over sin (Hebrews 4:9). Living Like Heirs Today • Believe the title deed—take God at His word, just as Joshua trusted God’s boundary lines. • Obey the covenant—“Be very strong… to keep and do all that is written” (Joshua 23:6). • Drive out lingering enemies—turn from habits, thoughts, and influences that threaten godly living (Romans 13:12-14). • Draw daily on Holy Spirit power—our inheritance is enjoyed, not merely admired (Galatians 5:16). • Cultivate expectancy—set your hope “fully on the grace to be brought to you” (1 Peter 1:13). Guarding the Treasure • Joshua warned against compromise (Joshua 23:7-8); Paul echoes, “Guard the treasure entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). • Practical safeguards: – Stay in Scripture. – Maintain fellowship with faithful believers. – Reject false teaching that minimizes Christ’s sufficiency. Passing the Inheritance Forward • The land was to remain within each tribe; our gospel inheritance is to be shared, not sold. • Teach the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Entrust truth to faithful people who will teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). • A good man “leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22)—spiritual wealth outlasts material assets. Takeaway Joshua’s allotment of land assures us that God keeps His promises. Because He does, every believer can walk today in the security, authority, and hope of an inheritance already won and waiting to be fully revealed. |
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