Embracing Our Identity and Inheritance in Christ
Summary
In our journey through the Epistle to the Hebrews, we are reminded of the profound truths about Jesus Christ that the early church held dear. These truths are not mere historical artifacts; they are the bedrock of our faith and the source of our hope. The writer of Hebrews presents Jesus with eight magnificent characteristics that define His identity and mission.
Firstly, Jesus is the Son of God, the appointed heir of all things. Through Him, the universe was created, and by His word, it is sustained. This truth underscores the divine authority and preeminence of Christ in all things. As the Son, He is the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being. In Jesus, we see the character of God—His humility, His love, and His willingness to forgive.
Moreover, Jesus is not just a figure of the past. He is actively involved in our lives today, upholding the universe by His powerful word. This includes the intricate details of our lives, our families, and our futures. In Him, all things hold together, and this gives us confidence that we are never outside the scope of His care.
The parable of the tenants, as recounted in the sermon, illustrates the patience and communication of God with humanity. God sent prophets, servants, and finally His Son, expecting respect and acknowledgment. Yet, the Son was rejected and killed, foreshadowing Jesus' own crucifixion. This parable serves as a stark reminder of God's desire to be in relationship with us and the lengths to which He has gone to make that possible.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of purification for our sins. He offered Himself once for all, and now He is seated at the right hand of God, having completed the work of redemption. This seated position signifies His authority and the completion of His redemptive work. As believers, we share in this victory and are co-heirs with Christ, a truth that should transform how we view ourselves and our inheritance in Him.
In summary, the message of Hebrews is one of encouragement and exhortation to hold fast to our confession of faith. It calls us to recognize the supremacy of Christ, to appreciate the completeness of His work, and to live in the light of the inheritance we have received as children of God.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus Christ is the appointed heir of all things, and through Him, the universe was created. This truth establishes His authority over all creation and assures us that our lives are under His sovereign care. As we reflect on this, let us embrace our role as stewards of His creation, living with purpose and reverence for the One who holds all things together. [14:26]
- The Son of God is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature. In Jesus, we see the fullness of God's character—His grace, truth, and love. This revelation calls us to a deeper relationship with Christ, seeking to embody His character in our daily lives and interactions with others. [18:47]
- Jesus upholds the universe by His powerful word, an invisible force that holds all things together. This profound truth should give us peace and confidence, knowing that the same power that sustains galaxies is at work in our lives, guiding and preserving us through every circumstance. [22:35]
- The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was a once-for-all act that achieved purification for our sins. This sacrifice reunites us with God and grants us a share in Christ's inheritance. As we contemplate this, let us live in gratitude for the unmerited grace we have received and extend forgiveness to others as a reflection of Christ's love. [26:47]
- As co-heirs with Christ, we have a priceless inheritance that cannot be taken away. This inheritance includes not only eternal life but also the present reality of living in the kingdom of God. Let this assurance shape our identity and purpose, empowering us to live boldly as ambassadors of Christ's kingdom on earth. [13:46]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 1:1-3 (ESV)
> Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
2. Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)
> For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
3. Matthew 21:37-39 (ESV)
> Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 1:1-3, how has God communicated with humanity in the past, and how has this changed in the last days?
2. What are the eight characteristics of Jesus mentioned in Hebrews 1:1-3? ([03:56])
3. In the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:37-39), what was the reaction of the tenants to the son, and how does this foreshadow Jesus' crucifixion? ([08:04])
4. According to Colossians 1:16-17, what role does Jesus play in creation and the sustenance of the universe?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "heir of all things" and how does this impact our understanding of His authority? ([10:46])
2. How does the description of Jesus as the "radiance of God's glory" and the "exact imprint of his nature" deepen our understanding of His divinity and relationship with God the Father? ([18:47])
3. In what ways does the parable of the tenants illustrate God's patience and desire for a relationship with humanity? ([08:47])
4. How does the truth that Jesus upholds the universe by His powerful word provide comfort and assurance in our daily lives? ([22:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Jesus as the heir of all things, how can you embrace your role as a steward of His creation in your daily life? What specific actions can you take this week to live with purpose and reverence? ([10:46])
2. Considering that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory, how can you seek to embody His character in your interactions with others? Identify one area in your life where you can show more grace, truth, or love. ([18:47])
3. Knowing that Jesus upholds the universe by His powerful word, what are some areas in your life where you need to trust more in His sustaining power? How can you remind yourself of this truth during challenging times? ([22:35])
4. The parable of the tenants shows the lengths to which God has gone to be in a relationship with us. How can you respond to God's desire for a relationship with you? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him this week? ([08:47])
5. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a once-for-all act that achieved purification for our sins. How can you live in gratitude for this unmerited grace? Think of a specific way you can extend forgiveness to someone as a reflection of Christ's love. ([26:47])
6. As co-heirs with Christ, we have a priceless inheritance. How does this assurance shape your identity and purpose? What practical steps can you take to live boldly as an ambassador of Christ's kingdom on earth? ([13:46])
7. Reflect on the significance of Jesus being seated at the right hand of God. How does this truth influence your view of His authority and the completion of His redemptive work? How can this understanding impact your daily walk with Him? ([28:17])
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Authority Over Creation
Jesus Christ is not only central to the Christian faith; He is the appointed heir of all things, including the universe itself. This profound truth reveals the extent of Christ's authority and the assurance that our lives are under His sovereign care. The universe, with its vast expanse and intricate details, was created through Him and is continuously sustained by His powerful word. This understanding calls us to live with a sense of purpose, recognizing our role as stewards of His creation. It invites us to live with reverence for the One who holds all things together, knowing that our daily actions contribute to the unfolding of His divine plan. As stewards, we are entrusted with the care of the earth and the responsibility to act in ways that honor the Creator. This perspective should shape our interactions with the environment and with one another, fostering a spirit of gratitude and stewardship that reflects our recognition of Christ's ultimate authority. [07:40]
Colossians 1:16-17: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate stewardship of God's creation in your daily life, and what specific action will you take this week to honor Christ's authority over all things?
Day 2: The Radiance of God's Glory
The Son of God is not a mere reflection but the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature. In Jesus, the fullness of God's character is revealed—His grace, truth, and love. This revelation is not just for admiration but for transformation. It calls believers to a deeper relationship with Christ, seeking to embody His character in our daily lives. As we interact with others, we are to mirror the humility, love, and forgiveness that Jesus displayed. This embodiment of Christ's character is a testament to the world of the transformative power of the gospel. It is through living out these attributes that one can truly demonstrate the nature of God to those who may not yet know Him. The call to reflect Jesus' character is a daily pursuit, one that requires intentionality and a commitment to grow in spiritual maturity. [18:47]
Hebrews 1:3: "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embody the character of Christ in your interactions with others, and what is one practical step you can take today to reflect His nature?
Day 3: Sustained by His Powerful Word
The same power that sustains galaxies is at work in our lives, guiding and preserving us through every circumstance. Jesus upholds the universe by His powerful word, a force that is both invisible and invincible. This truth should instill peace and confidence in believers, knowing that no aspect of our lives is too small or insignificant for His attention. The intricate details of our existence—our joys, our struggles, and our hopes—are all held together by His word. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with a steadfast heart, trusting in the invisible hand that guides the cosmos. It is a reminder that we are never alone, for the same power that commands the stars is intimately involved in the narrative of our lives. [22:35]
Hebrews 1:3b: "After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
Reflection: What area of your life do you need to trust Jesus to uphold with His powerful word, and how can you surrender your concerns to His sustaining power today?
Day 4: The Once-for-All Sacrifice
The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was a definitive act that achieved purification for our sins. This once-for-all sacrifice reunites us with God and grants us a share in Christ's inheritance. It is a gift of unmerited grace that calls for a response of gratitude and a life lived in reflection of Christ's love. As recipients of this grace, believers are to extend forgiveness to others, just as we have been forgiven. The cross is both the symbol of our salvation and the model for our interactions with others. It is a reminder that the work of redemption is complete, and we are now called to live in the light of that truth, sharing the message of reconciliation with a world in need. [26:47]
Hebrews 10:12-14: "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: How can you live out the reality of Christ's sacrifice in your daily life, and who can you extend forgiveness to today as a reflection of the grace you've received?
Day 5: Living as Co-heirs with Christ
As co-heirs with Christ, believers have received a priceless inheritance that includes eternal life and the present reality of living in the kingdom of God. This inheritance is secure and cannot be taken away. It shapes our identity and purpose, empowering us to live boldly as ambassadors of Christ's kingdom on earth. As co-heirs, we are called to a life of victory, not in our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. This assurance should transform how we view ourselves and our role in the world. It is a call to live with confidence, knowing that we are part of a larger story—one that culminates in the restoration of all things under Christ's reign. [13:46]
Romans 8:16-17: "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
Reflection: What does living as a co-heir with Christ look like in your practical day-to-day life, and what is one way you can embody your identity as God's child this week?
Quotes
- "When Jesus is on the cross and he says, 'Father forgive them, they don't know what they're doing,' what's he teaching us? That he would lay down his life so that you might have life." [21:03] (Download | )
- "We have to be careful that we don't lose the reality of who Christ is, who we sing to, who we give to, who we have faith in, who we trust in, who we look to." [31:20] (Download | )
- "The good news of God is that God loves you so much that he sent his son, who is the heir of all things, and all those who receive his son become a joint heir with him of all things." [12:13] (Download | )
- "Through him, God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. Are you talking about the guy who walked in Palestine 2,000 years ago? Yes, him." [15:11] (Download | )
- "Just as the physical sun radiates and gives light, so the Son of God is the radiating light of God. He shines in the darkness, bringing clarity to a person's life." [17:22] (Download | )
- "He upholds the universe by his mighty word. This much smarter people than me have said. What holds the universe together? Gravity, the invisible force by which something that has a lot of weight draws other objects to its center." [22:35] (Download | )
- "He made purification for our sins by offering his own self. I'm going to give my life so that their sins might be forgiven, and they might be reunited with God and share the inheritance that I have." [26:47] (Download | )
- "For by the blood of Christ, we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God which he has given us." [27:36] (Download | )
- "After he makes purification for sins, we see this phrase 'he sat down' at the right hand of God. This signifies that Christ is highly exalted, seated at the place of supreme power and authority." [28:17] (Download | )
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