Embracing Our Inheritance: Living in God's Promise
Summary
Today, I began by welcoming everyone to Heritage Bible Church, acknowledging the presence of both the congregation and those joining us online. I shared the sad news about Patricia Sell's passing and provided information for those who wished to send condolences to her husband, Richard. This set a tone of community and mutual support as we transitioned into our worship.
As we moved into the heart of the sermon, I focused on the profound theme of our inheritance in Christ, emphasizing that this inheritance is both a present reality and a future promise secured by Jesus' sacrifice. I explained that through Christ's blood, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins, which is part of the rich grace that God lavishes upon us. This grace is not only abundant but also transformative, enabling us to live in alignment with God's will.
I delved into the theological depths of Ephesians, where Paul outlines God's grand plan to unite all things in Christ—things in heaven and on earth. This plan is not just a future expectation but something that actively involves us now. I encouraged the congregation to consider how they are aligning with God's plan amidst the distractions and chaos of the world, which often seems contrary to the unfolding of God's will.
A significant part of today's message was the assurance of our inheritance. I clarified that the Holy Spirit is our guarantee, the "first installment" of what is to come, empowering us to live out the fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, and patience. This empowerment is crucial as it underpins our ability to adhere to God's plan and to witness to others about the hope that is within us.
Towards the end of the sermon, I addressed practical implications, urging everyone to reflect on how they can participate more fully in God's plan. Whether it's through making decisions aligned with God's will or engaging more deeply in our communities, each action contributes to the larger purpose of glorifying God.
In conclusion, I reassured everyone of the security of our inheritance in Christ, which is both a present help and a future hope. This inheritance is not earned but given, and it is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit who seals us as God's own.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Assurance of Our Inheritance:
Our inheritance in Christ is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, who acts as a seal of authenticity and a promise of what is to come. This assurance allows us to live with confidence and purpose, knowing that our future with God is secure. This security should empower us to live boldly for Christ, making decisions that align with God's will and purpose for our lives. [59:58]
2. Living Out the Fruits of the Spirit:
The Holy Spirit not only seals our inheritance but actively works in us to produce characteristics that reflect the nature of Christ—love, joy, peace, patience, and more. Embracing these fruits in our daily lives is essential for demonstrating the reality of our faith to the world around us. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's grace working through us. [01:01:53]
3. Participation in God's Plan:
Understanding and participating in God's plan involves recognizing that we are co-workers in Christ. This participation means aligning our actions, decisions, and entire lives with the goal of bringing everything under Christ's authority. It's about active engagement, not passive observance, in the divine strategy laid out since the foundation of the world. [50:13]
4. The Transformative Power of Understanding God's Will:
When we grasp the fullness of God's will, it changes our priorities and the way we live. This understanding should shift our focus from earthly distractions to eternal objectives, influencing our interactions and decisions every day. This alignment with God's will is crucial for living a life that truly glorifies Him. [49:31]
5. The Role of the Church in the World:
As members of the body of Christ, we are called to stand against the evils of this world, including the injustices that plague our societies. Our role is not passive; we are to actively engage in spiritual warfare, using the armor of God to stand firm against the forces that oppose His kingdom. This engagement is part of our inheritance and our responsibility as believers. [20:51]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [05:12] - Remembering Patricia Sell
- [17:03] - Introduction to Our Inheritance
- [33:59] - God's Plan for Unity in Christ
- [41:23] - The Assurance of Our Inheritance
- [49:31] - Understanding and Participating in God's Plan
- [59:58] - The Holy Spirit as Our Guarantee
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:3-14 - This passage outlines God's grand plan for the ages, emphasizing our inheritance in Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of this inheritance.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 1:3-14 say about the role of the Holy Spirit in our inheritance? How is the Holy Spirit described in this passage?
2. According to the sermon, what are the two meanings of the word "inheritance" as used in Ephesians 1:11? ([41:23])
3. How does the sermon describe the transformative power of understanding God's will? ([49:31])
4. What practical steps did the pastor suggest for participating more fully in God's plan? ([50:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the assurance of our inheritance in Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:13-14, impact the way we live our daily lives? ([59:58])
2. In what ways does the Holy Spirit produce the fruits of the Spirit in us, according to the sermon? How does this transformation serve as a testament to God's grace? ([01:01:53])
3. What does it mean to be co-workers in Christ, and how does this understanding affect our actions and decisions? ([50:13])
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of God's plan to unite all things in Christ? What are the implications of this plan for believers today? ([33:59])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the assurance of your inheritance in Christ. How does this assurance give you confidence and purpose in your daily life? ([59:58])
2. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) that you struggle with. What specific action can you take this week to cultivate this fruit in your interactions with others? ([01:01:53])
3. Consider the distractions and chaos in your life that may be hindering your alignment with God's plan. What steps can you take to minimize these distractions and focus more on God's will? ([49:31])
4. Think about a recent decision you made. How did you ensure that it was aligned with God's will? What can you do in the future to make sure your decisions are in line with God's plan? ([50:13])
5. The sermon emphasized the role of the church in standing against the evils of the world. How can you actively engage in spiritual warfare and stand firm against the forces that oppose God's kingdom in your community? ([20:51])
6. Reflect on the pastor's encouragement to participate more fully in God's plan. What is one specific way you can engage more deeply in your community or church to contribute to the larger purpose of glorifying God? ([50:13])
7. The sermon mentioned the transformative power of understanding God's will. How has your understanding of God's will changed your priorities and the way you live? Share a specific example. ([49:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Living with Assured Inheritance
Our inheritance in Christ is not just a future hope but a present reality, sealed by the Holy Spirit. This divine assurance enables us to live with a profound sense of purpose and confidence, knowing that our future is secured in God's promises. As believers, this should embolden us to make decisions that reflect our faith and align with God's will. The Holy Spirit's role as our guarantee is not merely for comfort but as a call to action, to live boldly for Christ in a world that often seems uncertain and tumultuous. This assurance is a cornerstone of our faith, providing stability and motivation to pursue a life that glorifies God. [59:58]
Ephesians 1:13-14, "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 does knowing your inheritance in Christ change the way you face challenges and make decisions in your daily life?
Day 2: Embodying the Fruits of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit's work in our lives is transformative, producing characteristics that reflect the nature of Christ—love, joy, peace, patience, and more. These fruits are essential not only as evidence of our faith but as tools for impacting the world around us. By embracing these qualities, we demonstrate the reality of God's transformative power in us. This change is not superficial but a deep, ongoing process that shapes how we interact with others and how we view our role in God's plan. The fruits of the Spirit are a testament to what it means to live under God's grace and to be a light in a world that desperately needs it. [01:01:53]
Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit in your daily interactions, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate it more fully?
Day 3: Active Participation in God's Plan
Understanding and participating in God's plan involves recognizing our role as co-workers in Christ. This participation means aligning our actions, decisions, and entire lives with the goal of bringing everything under Christ's authority. It's about active engagement, not passive observance, in the divine strategy laid out since the foundation of the world. Each decision and action contributes to this larger purpose, and as believers, we are called to be intentional in how we live out this calling. This understanding should inspire us to engage more deeply with our communities and the world at large. [50:13]
1 Corinthians 3:9, "For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building."
Reflection: In what ways can you more actively participate in God's plan this week, and how can you encourage others to do the same?
Day 4: Transformative Understanding of God's Will
Grasping the fullness of God's will can profoundly change our priorities and the way we live. This understanding shifts our focus from earthly distractions to eternal objectives, influencing our interactions and decisions every day. When we align with God's will, it not only affects our personal lives but also how we interact with others and engage with the world. This alignment is crucial for living a life that truly glorifies Him, as it directs our actions and decisions towards God's ultimate plan for humanity and creation. [49:31]
Colossians 1:9-10, "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to realign your priorities to better understand and follow God's will?
Day 5: The Church's Role in Spiritual Warfare
As members of the body of Christ, we are called to actively engage in spiritual warfare, standing against the evils of this world. This involves not only prayer and spiritual discipline but also taking tangible actions against injustices and moral decay in our societies. Our role is proactive, using the armor of God to stand firm against the forces that oppose His kingdom. This engagement is part of our inheritance and our responsibility as believers, emphasizing that our faith must be lived out not just in personal piety but in societal engagement. [20:51]
Ephesians 6:11-13, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can engage in spiritual warfare in your community, and how can you encourage your church to join you in this fight?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You know are a very kind person. But more importantly, you are a person that shows tremendous grace. And what do you say? Boy that was a lot, right? No. They go you know. Can I tell you why? Because I'm not that way. It's my relationship with Jesus Christ that's changed me. What you're saying are the character qualities of my Lord. Not me. He's the one that's empowering me to be this way." [55:20]
2. "It's not our job to convert the world. It's not our job to tell everybody, you know, turn or burn. That's not what we're about. It's to enhance the person of Jesus Christ in our hearts and minds. So it changes our lives. So that people see a difference. And Christ is glorified." [56:19]
3. "The Holy Spirit is God's engagement ring to you and me. That the rest of it's coming. So part of our installment is already here through the Holy Spirit. He gives us the attributes, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control. That's ours. That's our inheritance. We don't have to work. It's there." [01:01:53]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God not only has a beautiful plan, but he works it out completely. This word 'works' is the same word where he says that God raised Christ from the dead. From the grave. God fulfills his plan through the power, the same power that he raised Christ from the dead. Which means what? That no matter what the world throws against God, His will is being worked out. Period. And we can rely on that, can trust him for that." [47:10]
2. "For us to understand what his plan is, you see how when we know his plan, it changes ours. And it makes all the difference in the world. When I get out of bed, I'm not here to fulfill Frederick's will. I'm not here to fulfill what Sagewick thinks, or what my employer thinks, or what anyone else thinks. I'm here to say, God what is your plan of bringing things in my life under the subjection of Jesus Christ? What is that plan today?" [49:31]
3. "The word 'glory' is doxa. When we get doxology, we praise. You say well, does that mean we're just going to be sitting on a cloud with the angels and strumming the harp and singing, you know? I mean, I love singing hymns, but Paul, is that all we're going to be doing? Oh no. The praise of his glory is right now. The word doxa contains the whole idea of to make known, to help someone understand. It means it carries the idea of enhancement." [51:29]
4. "When we think about what God has done for us, it is to enhance our view of God. Let me give an illustration to kind of expand on this. Have you ever had someone approach you, and they go, 'Oh you know that colonel guy, you know he's a marine pilot right?' And I can pick on him because we have a good... You know he's not a nice guy. You ever notice that? Yeah, we were at dinner, and he took a piece of steak off my plate. He's not a nice... What have I done to you?" [52:04]
5. "The greatest gift of God to his people is God himself. And the greatest gift of Jesus to his Father is you and me. Did you catch that? The greatest gift of God to his people is God himself. And the greatest gift of Jesus to his Father is you and me." [45:47]
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