In what ways can we express gratitude for God's chosen inheritance for us? Recognizing the Worth of the Inheritance God Chose Psalm 47:4: “He chooses our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob whom He loves. Selah.” What the inheritance includes: • Salvation and adoption through Christ (Ephesians 1:11–14). • The Holy Spirit as a pledge (Ephesians 1:13–14). • An imperishable, undefiled, unfading inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). • Present access to divine promises—peace, joy, wisdom, strength (2 Peter 1:3–4). • Future rule and reign with Christ (Revelation 5:10). Practical Responses of Gratitude 1. Praise with intentional worship • “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) 2. Obey with willing hearts • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) 3. Steward material blessings generously • “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) 4. Practice daily remembrance • “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2) 5. Cultivate contentment and trust • “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have...” (Hebrews 13:5) 6. Serve the body of Christ • “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others...” (1 Peter 4:10) 7. Testify to unbelievers • “Proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) 8. Persevere in hope • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Habits to Keep Gratitude Fresh • Begin and end each day with a verse about your inheritance. • Celebrate spiritual birthdays and baptism anniversaries. • Memorize Psalm 47:4 and pray it back to God. • Pair giving with remembering: set aside a “firstfruits” gift each payday. • Keep an “Inheritance Journal” noting present tastes of eternal blessings. Closing Encouragement “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Lives filled with praise, obedience, generosity, and hope declare our gratitude for the inheritance He lovingly chose for us. |
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