In what ways can we avoid losing our spiritual inheritance? Setting the Context “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (Matthew 21:43) Jesus had just finished the Parable of the Vineyard. The warning is clear: privileges can be forfeited when fruit is absent. Our spiritual inheritance—every promise, reward, and eternal blessing secured in Christ—remains ours as we remain faithful. Here’s how we keep from losing what God so generously entrusts to us: Recognize the Giver of the Inheritance • Remember that everything begins with God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8–9). • Salvation is a gift, but rewards and opportunities can be lost through neglect (2 John 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:14–15). • Keep gratitude fresh: “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.” (Colossians 1:12) Bear the Fruit the King Desires • Fruit is evidence of genuine faith (James 2:17). • Spiritual fruit includes character (Galatians 5:22–23), praise (Hebrews 13:15), good works (Titus 3:14), and disciples made (Matthew 28:19–20). • Unfruitfulness invites removal of privileges (Luke 13:6–9). Guard Against Unbelief and Hardness of Heart • Israel’s example stands as a sober reminder (Romans 11:20–22). • “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12) • Repent quickly when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). Obey the Word Wholeheartedly • Jesus ties blessing to obedience (John 14:21). • Partial obedience cost Saul his kingdom (1 Samuel 15:22–23). • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) Stay Connected to Christ, the True Vine • “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you… apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5) • Daily fellowship through Scripture, prayer, and worship keeps the life-flow fresh. • Fruitfulness is impossible without continual abiding. Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • The Spirit empowers us to finish well (Romans 8:13–14). • Quenching or grieving the Spirit endangers our effectiveness (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30). Exercise Faithful Stewardship • Talents, time, and truth are to be invested, not buried (Matthew 25:14–30). • Faithfulness in little qualifies us for greater responsibility (Luke 16:10). • Our inheritance includes future roles in Christ’s kingdom administration (2 Timothy 2:12). Persevere Until the End • “Let us run with endurance the race set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1) • Do not grow weary—there is a crown for those who finish (2 Timothy 4:7–8). • Hold what you have “so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11) Celebrate the Promised Outcome • An imperishable inheritance is “kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4) • Faithful believers hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) • The joy of ruling and rejoicing with Christ forever is worth every effort now. Living alert, obedient, and Spirit-filled keeps our spiritual inheritance secure and our lives fruitful, ensuring Christ receives the glory He deserves from us. |
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