Claiming Our Inheritance: Freedom and Hope in Christ
Summary
Today, I began by welcoming everyone to Heritage Bible Church, acknowledging those visiting for the first time or celebrating special occasions. I introduced the upcoming guest, Katie McGinty from Changing Lives Center, and highlighted the recent losses within our church community, leading us into a time of prayer for the families affected.
I then transitioned into the core of my sermon, focusing on the theme "Claim Your Inheritance in Jesus Christ." I emphasized the importance of understanding and claiming the inheritance that Christ has secured for us, not just in the future, but in our current, everyday struggles. I pointed out that while many teachings focus on the "sweet by and by," the "nasty now and now" is often neglected, leaving many believers unprepared to face daily challenges with the power of their inheritance in Christ.
I delved into the book of Hebrews, explaining its context and purpose. The book addresses Jewish Christians who were reverting to Judaism under pressure. It emphasizes that Christ is superior to all old covenant elements, including angels, Moses, and the priesthood. This superiority is crucial because it underscores that the rituals and sacrifices of old are now powerless compared to the work of Christ.
I discussed the legal metaphor of a will, explaining how a will is activated by the death of the one who made it, and how Christ's death activated the new covenant, which is our inheritance. This inheritance includes freedom from the penalty and power of sin, and ultimately, from the presence of sin.
I explained the theological concepts of justification and sanctification—justification being the immediate declaration of righteousness upon faith in Christ, and sanctification being the ongoing process of being set apart for God. Both are aspects of the freedom Christ has won for us.
I concluded by reflecting on the future hope of being completely free from the presence of sin, a promise secured by Christ's sacrifice and assured by His second coming. This future aspect of our salvation ensures that while we struggle now, complete deliverance is certain.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Our Inheritance: It's vital to grasp the full scope of our inheritance in Christ. This inheritance isn't just a future promise but a present reality that offers freedom from sin's penalty, power, and presence. By understanding this, we can live more fully in the freedom Christ has secured for us. [28:06]
2. The Superiority of Christ: The book of Hebrews makes it clear that Christ is superior to all old covenant figures and practices. This superiority is foundational to our faith because it shifts our focus from dead works to living faith in a living Savior, who intercedes for us in the heavenly realms. [31:09]
3. Legal Metaphors in Scripture: The metaphor of a will and its activation upon the death of the testator helps us understand the new covenant. Christ's death activated the promises of God, which include not only eternal life but a transformed life here and now. [32:56]
4. The Ongoing Work of Sanctification: While justification is a one-time act, sanctification is an ongoing process. Understanding this helps us cooperate with the Holy Spirit in becoming more like Christ, embracing the freedom from sin's power daily. [46:21]
5. Future Hope in Christ's Return: The promise of Christ's second coming is not just about escaping earth's troubles but about the complete restoration and freedom from sin. This hope should motivate us to live faithfully and eagerly await His return. [54:01]
Chapters:
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 0:05:09 - Opening Announcements and Welcome
- 0:06:04 - Prayer for Bereaved Families
- 0:17:11 - Introduction to Sermon Theme
- 0:28:06 - Claiming Our Inheritance
- 0:31:09 - Christ's Superiority in Hebrews
- 0:32:56 - The Will and Testament of Christ
- 0:38:21 - High Priestly Work of Christ
- 0:46:21 - Sanctification Explained
- 0:54:01 - Hope in Christ's Second Coming
- 0:58:14 - Conclusion and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 9:24-28
2. Romans 8:1
3. 1 John 1:9
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 9:24-28, what did Christ's sacrifice accomplish for believers?
2. In Romans 8:1, what is the promise given to those who are in Christ Jesus?
3. How does 1 John 1:9 describe the process of forgiveness and cleansing from sin?
4. What are the three key principles mentioned in the sermon that Jesus has given us in our inheritance? ([29:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that Christ's sacrifice frees us from the penalty of sin (Hebrews 9:24-28) change the way we view our past mistakes and guilt? ([42:00])
2. What does it mean to be free from the power of sin in our daily lives, and how can we actively participate in this process of sanctification? ([46:21])
3. How does the promise of being free from the presence of sin in the future (Hebrews 9:27-28) provide hope and motivation for believers today? ([51:15])
4. How does the metaphor of a will and its activation upon the death of the testator help us understand the new covenant in Christ? ([32:56])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt condemned by your past actions. How does Romans 8:1 help you to see your situation differently? ([42:00])
2. What are some practical steps you can take to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification, especially in areas where you struggle with sin? ([46:21])
3. How can the promise of Christ's second coming and the complete freedom from sin's presence influence your daily decisions and actions? ([51:15])
4. The sermon mentioned that many believers are unprepared to face daily challenges with the power of their inheritance in Christ. What are some ways you can remind yourself of this inheritance in your everyday life? ([28:45])
5. Think about a specific "hang-up" or bad habit you struggle with. How can you bring this to the Lord and trust in His power to free you from it? ([50:39])
6. How can you encourage someone else in your life who might be struggling with understanding or claiming their inheritance in Christ?
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of living in the freedom Christ has secured for us. What is one area of your life where you need to embrace this freedom more fully? ([57:50])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Inheritance in Christ
Understanding our inheritance in Christ transforms how we live today. The inheritance we have through Jesus is not merely a future hope but a present reality that empowers us to live free from the bondage of sin. This inheritance includes the immediate benefits of justification—being declared righteous by faith—and the ongoing process of sanctification, where we are being made holy. By grasping the full scope of what Christ has secured for us, believers can navigate daily challenges more effectively, knowing they are not bound by their past or present struggles but are continually being renewed and prepared for eternal life. This understanding should shift how we view our daily lives, encouraging us to live in the freedom and victory that we have in Jesus. [28:06]
Ephesians 1:11-14 ESV: "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: How can you live differently today knowing that you have an inheritance in Christ that frees you from sin's power?
Day 2: Christ's Superiority Over Old Covenant Practices
The book of Hebrews highlights the superiority of Christ over all old covenant figures and practices, emphasizing that our faith should not be anchored in outdated rituals but in the living Christ who intercedes for us. This shift from dead works to a living faith is foundational, as it reorients our spiritual life towards a relationship with a living Savior who actively participates in our lives. Understanding this helps believers appreciate the magnitude of what Christ accomplished on the cross and why His new covenant is superior, offering a more profound, personal connection with God. [31:09]
Hebrews 8:6-7 ESV: "But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second."
Reflection: In what ways might you still be clinging to old ways of religious thinking or behavior that Christ has already freed you from?
Day 3: Understanding the New Covenant Through Legal Metaphors
The metaphor of a will, which only takes effect upon the death of the one who made it, helps us understand the activation of the new covenant through Christ's death. This legal perspective reveals that the promises of God, including eternal life and a transformed life here and now, are irrevocably ours now that Christ has died and risen. This understanding should deepen our appreciation of the gospel's power and encourage us to live in the reality of these promises today, experiencing transformation and freedom in every aspect of our lives. [32:56]
Galatians 3:15-18 ESV: "To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, 'And to offsprings,' referring to many, but referring to one, 'And to your offspring,' who is Christ."
Reflection: How does understanding the new covenant as a legally binding agreement change your perspective on God's promises?
Day 4: The Ongoing Work of Sanctification in Believers
Sanctification is an ongoing process that involves our active participation with the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ. This transformative work is part of our inheritance in Christ, enabling us to gradually overcome the power of sin and grow in godliness. Recognizing that sanctification is a continuous journey helps believers to remain patient and committed to the process, even when progress seems slow. It encourages a daily surrender to the Holy Spirit's work, knowing that each step brings us closer to the fullness of life Christ promised. [46:21]
Thessalonians 4:3-4 ESV: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you see the need for sanctification? How can you cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this process today?
Day 5: Anchored in the Hope of Christ's Return
The promise of Christ's second coming is a powerful motivator for living a faithful Christian life. This future hope is not just about escaping the troubles of this world but about looking forward to the complete restoration and freedom from sin. Knowing that Christ will return to fully establish His kingdom helps believers to endure current trials with perseverance and joy, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporal. This hope should shape how we live each day, encouraging us to be vigilant and enthusiastic in our faith journey. [54:01]
Titus 2:13-14 ESV: "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
Reflection: How does the hope of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?
Quotes
1. "We're in a series that's called Claim Your Inheritance in Jesus Christ. And as we started this last week, we commented together that, you know what? We don't hear a lot about this. Some of you have told me that, quite frankly, you've never heard about it." [28:06]
2. "Christ died as a voluntary sacrifice, shedding his blood for us as a perfect sacrifice. And in that, he bequeaths to us at least these three key principles that will help you be free today. You ready for it? You on fire for it?" [36:16]
3. "God wants to set us free today with three key principles and they're found right here. Now, where Ann was going, let me just be brief. She's talking about in order for a will to be enacted, the person who created the will has to what? Die." [32:56]
4. "He appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice. The word appeared. It means to cancel. To remove it. And here's the beautiful thing. It excludes all other and any other sacrifice. You don't have to do anything for Christ." [48:10]
5. "He will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin. To those who eagerly await him. Are you eagerly awaiting him? Of course you are. You can't wait to shed this bag of bones. Right? I mean, the aches and pains and the headaches and the backaches, the feet aches and everything else that aches." [54:01]
6. "That's what this process is called. The first process is justification. That's the big theological word that we're declared righteous in God's eyes and he sees Christ when he sees us. Now we're talking about the process of being set apart for God or what theologians call the three dollar word sanctification." [46:21]
7. "Christ didn't go into that. Why couldn't Christ go into the tabernacle? Well, number one, the tabernacle was gone. It was replaced by the temple. And go into the Holy of Holies. Why couldn't we? Why couldn't Christ do that? Which tribe was he born of? had Judah." [37:32]
8. "He freed us. His blood was presented to God and said, mission accomplished. I came and did what you told me to do, Father. I finished your plan. I administrated what your plan was and that was for me to die for your children, your lost children, so they could be reconciled to you." [40:00]
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