How should we view our spiritual inheritance in light of 1 Chronicles 7:29? Where Geography Meets Grace “and along the borders of Manasseh: Beth-shean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor, together with their surrounding villages. In these towns lived the descendants of Joseph son of Israel.” (1 Chronicles 7:29) Physical Land, Permanent Lesson - The verse records real towns and borders. God had promised land to Joseph’s sons (Genesis 48:21-22), and here we see the promise honored. - A literal boundary line testified that the tribe belonged, was provided for, and was expected to steward what it received. - In Christ, every believer receives an inheritance just as concrete—only now the territory is spiritual and eternal (Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 1:12). Four Truths About Our Spiritual Inheritance 1. God Himself draws the lines • He “has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light” (Colossians 1:12). • No rival claim can erase a line God has fixed (John 10:28-29). 2. The inheritance is covenant-rooted, not performance-rooted • “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Him” (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Joseph’s descendants occupied land because of covenant; we stand in grace for the same reason (Romans 5:2). 3. It is enjoyed in community • The towns lay side by side; so do believers as “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). • We guard one another’s portion, refusing envy and division (Galatians 5:25-26). 4. It is both present and future • We already possess “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3). • We await “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4). Living Within the Borders God Gave - Receive your identity: chosen, adopted, sealed (Ephesians 1:4-14). - Cultivate the land: grow in holiness, knowledge, and love (2 Peter 1:3-8). - Defend the territory: resist false teaching and moral compromise (Jude 3-4). - Expand the borders by witness: invite others into the family estate (Acts 1:8). Guarding Against Boundary-Breakers • Sin’s deceit (Hebrews 3:13) • Worldly values (1 John 2:15-17) • Spiritual apathy (Revelation 3:15-19) Celebrating the Heritage - Praise that the deed is signed in Christ’s blood (Hebrews 9:15). - Walk daily in the Spirit, enjoying foretastes of the coming kingdom (Romans 14:17). - Anticipate the full possession when faith becomes sight: “The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God” (Revelation 21:7). |
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