Embracing Our Identity as Heirs of God

This morning, the focus is on the profound truth of our identity as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Using a playful illustration of choosing between two “Samuels” for an inheritance—one with little to offer, the other with great worldly wealth—the point is made that Paul, in Romans 8, offers a far greater inheritance: to be heirs of God Himself. This inheritance is not just a future hope, but a present reality, made possible through the death of Christ. Just as an inheritance is only received after a death, so too, through Christ’s death, we receive all that God has for His children.

This inheritance is rich and multifaceted. First, it gives us a new identity: we are beloved children of God, fully accepted and deeply loved, regardless of our past, our present, or any aspect of who we are. This love brings security, confidence, and the freedom to love others as we have been loved. Second, our inheritance grants us full access to God’s presence. Unlike the barriers we often face in society—whether due to race, gender, or background—there are no barriers in Christ. Every child of God can approach the throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy and help in every need.

Third, we inherit the Holy Spirit, the promised presence of God within us. The Spirit comforts, guides, empowers, and assures us of our identity as God’s children. The Spirit is also a deposit, guaranteeing the fullness of our inheritance to come. Fourth, we are given authority in Christ. This is not a passive authority, but an active one—to pray, to speak, to act in Jesus’ name, to see situations change, and to advance God’s kingdom on earth.

Finally, we inherit the kingdom itself—a kingdom marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This kingdom is both present and future, and we are invited to participate in its growth and ultimate fulfillment. Yet, Paul does not ignore the reality of suffering. Being heirs with Christ means sharing in His sufferings, but also in His glory. The inheritance is all by grace, not by our works, and it must be claimed and lived out. The challenge is to embrace and walk in this inheritance, living as true children of God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Our inheritance in Christ is rooted in a new identity as beloved children of God. This identity is not based on our achievements, failures, or any external factor, but on the lavish love of the Father. It brings a deep security and confidence that enables us to stand firm in any circumstance, knowing we are fully accepted and valued. [07:54]
• 2. Full access to God’s presence is a central part of our inheritance. Unlike the barriers we encounter in the world, there are no restrictions for God’s children; we can approach Him directly, receive mercy, and find grace in every situation. This access is not mediated by any human, but is ours through Christ, inviting us into a personal and intimate relationship with God. [12:49]
• 3. The Holy Spirit is both the evidence and guarantee of our inheritance. The Spirit’s presence in our lives brings comfort, guidance, empowerment, and assurance of our sonship. The Spirit works within us to produce fruit, to transform us, and to enable us to live out our calling as heirs of God. [15:56]
• 4. Authority is a significant aspect of our inheritance. We are not called to be passive recipients, but to exercise the authority given to us in Christ—to pray boldly, to speak into situations, and to see God’s kingdom advance. This authority is for every area of life, empowering us to confront challenges, resist the enemy, and make disciples. [16:56]
• 5. Our inheritance includes both present blessings and future glory, but it is not without suffering. Sharing in Christ’s inheritance means sharing in His sufferings, yet the promise is that present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory to come. This inheritance is all by grace, freely given, and must be actively claimed and lived out in faith. [22:44]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:49] - The Two Samuels: Choosing an Inheritance
• [02:37] - The World’s Inheritance vs. God’s Inheritance
• [03:40] - Heirs of God and Co-Heirs with Christ
• [04:29] - The Principle of Inheritance and Death
• [05:30] - God’s Death and Our Inheritance
• [06:07] - The Nature of Our Inheritance
• [06:43] - The Roman Soldiers and the Robe
• [07:54] - A New Identity: Beloved Children
• [09:41] - Barriers to Access and Full Access in Christ
• [12:49] - Approaching God’s Throne with Confidence
• [14:20] - The Promise and Power of the Holy Spirit
• [15:56] - The Spirit as Guarantee of Our Inheritance
• [16:56] - Kingdom Authority: Exercising Our Inheritance
• [19:02] - Inheriting and Advancing the Kingdom
• [20:19] - Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Kingdom
• [21:38] - Suffering as Co-Heirs with Christ
• [22:44] - Present Suffering and Future Glory
• [23:38] - Inheritance by Grace Alone
• [24:29] - Claiming Our Inheritance

Bible Reading

Romans 8:16-18 (ESV) — > 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. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

1 John 3:1 (ESV) — > See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV) — > 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.

Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 8:16-18, what does it mean to be an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ? What is required of us as co-heirs?
2. In 1 John 3:1, what is the significance of being called “children of God”? How does John describe the Father’s love?
3. From Ephesians 1:13-14, what role does the Holy Spirit play in our inheritance as God’s children?
4. The sermon mentioned that our inheritance is both a present reality and a future hope. What are some examples given of what we inherit now, and what is still to come? [[06:07]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon talked about how our new identity as God’s beloved children is not based on our achievements or failures. Why is this important for how we see ourselves and others? [[07:54]]
2. The preacher described full access to God’s presence, with no barriers based on race, gender, or background. How does this challenge the way we sometimes view access to God or spiritual “status” in the church? [[12:49]]
3. The Holy Spirit is described as a “deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” What does this mean for how we live now, especially when we don’t feel spiritual or close to God? [[15:56]]
4. The sermon acknowledged that being heirs with Christ includes sharing in his sufferings. How should this shape our expectations of the Christian life? [[22:44]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said our identity as God’s children gives us security and confidence, not based on our past or present. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to believe you are fully accepted and loved by God? What would it look like to let this truth shape your self-worth this week? [[07:54]]
2. The preacher shared about barriers in society and how, in Christ, we have full access to God. Are there any “barriers” (real or imagined) that make you feel distant from God? How can you remind yourself of your access to Him this week? [[12:49]]
3. The Holy Spirit is described as our comforter, guide, and the one who assures us of our identity. When was the last time you relied on the Holy Spirit for comfort or guidance? How can you be more attentive to the Spirit’s work in your daily life? [[14:20]]
4. The sermon challenged us to use our authority in Christ, not just to ask but to speak and act in Jesus’ name. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to step out and use the authority God has given you? What would that look like practically? [[16:56]]
5. We are called to advance God’s kingdom, which is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy. What is one way you can bring God’s kingdom into your workplace, family, or community this week? [[20:19]]
6. The preacher didn’t shy away from the reality of suffering as part of our inheritance. Are you facing any suffering or challenges because of your faith? How can the promise of future glory encourage you to persevere? [[22:44]]
7. The sermon ended with the reminder that inheritance must be claimed and lived out. Is there a part of your inheritance in Christ (identity, access, the Spirit, authority, kingdom) that you have not fully claimed? What step can you take this week to “claim” and live out that inheritance? [[24:29]]