Embracing Our Spiritual Riches in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound spiritual riches that we possess as believers in Christ, riches that far surpass any material wealth. Drawing from the story of David and Jonathan's covenant in 1 Samuel 18, we delved into the concept of a blood covenant and how it symbolizes the eternal covenant God made with Jesus Christ for our salvation. Jonathan and David's covenant, sealed with blood, is a powerful illustration of the covenant God made with His Son, which extends to all who are in Christ.
We examined the life of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who was crippled and living in fear, unaware of the covenant that had been made on his behalf. When David became king, he sought out Mephibosheth to show him kindness for Jonathan's sake. Despite Mephibosheth's unworthiness and his negative view of David, he was brought to the king's table, given a place of honor, and treated as one of David's own sons. This story beautifully parallels our own spiritual journey. We, too, were born into the wrong family, crippled by the fall of Adam, and under condemnation. Yet, because of the covenant made by God with Jesus, we are brought into His family, given a place at His table, and showered with His grace and loving-kindness.
The sermon emphasized that our worthiness is not based on our deeds but on the covenant established by God. Just as Mephibosheth was unaware of the covenant and lived in fear, many Christians today live as spiritual paupers, not realizing the immense riches they have in Christ. We are fully accepted, loved, forgiven, and made clean by the blood of Jesus. This understanding should transform how we live, moving us from a place of shame and guilt to one of joy and gratitude for the riches we have in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Eternal Covenant: Before the world was created, God made a covenant with Jesus Christ, promising to bless all who are in Him. This covenant, sealed by the blood of Jesus, is the foundation of our salvation and spiritual riches. It is not based on our worthiness but on God's eternal plan and love for us. [29:14]
2. Unworthiness and Grace: Like Mephibosheth, we were born into the wrong family and crippled by the fall. Our natural state is one of unworthiness and condemnation. However, God's grace, extended through the covenant with Jesus, brings us into His family and grants us a place at His table, not because of who we are, but because of what He has done. [37:51]
3. Spiritual Riches: As believers, we possess spiritual riches that far exceed any material wealth. These riches include being fully accepted, loved, forgiven, and made clean by the blood of Jesus. Understanding and embracing these truths can transform our lives, moving us from a place of shame and guilt to one of joy and gratitude. [43:24]
4. God's Initiative in Salvation: Our coming to Jesus is not of our own doing but is initiated by God. Just as David sent for Mephibosheth, God, through His Holy Spirit, draws us to Himself. This divine initiative underscores the depth of God's love and the certainty of our salvation. [40:51]
5. Living as Children of the King: Being brought into God's family means we are now children of the King, with all the privileges and responsibilities that come with it. We are called to live in the fullness of our identity in Christ, recognizing our spiritual riches and living in a way that reflects our status as heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus. [42:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:12] - Story of the Little Boy
[23:34] - Preaching in Indiana
[25:03] - Riches in Christ
[27:15] - David and Jonathan's Covenant
[28:25] - The Blood Covenant
[30:25] - Mephibosheth's Story
[32:19] - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth
[33:20] - Fetching Mephibosheth
[34:39] - Mephibosheth's Unworthiness
[37:10] - Our Spiritual Condition
[39:19] - God's Covenant with Us
[40:51] - God's Initiative in Salvation
[42:31] - Living as Children of the King
[43:24] - Embracing Our Spiritual Riches
[49:31] - Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 18:1-4 - "As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt."
2. 2 Samuel 9:1-13 - "And David said, 'Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?' ... And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet."
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Jonathan take to show his commitment to David in 1 Samuel 18:1-4?
2. How did David respond to Mephibosheth when he was brought before him? ([34:39])
3. What was Mephibosheth's initial reaction to being summoned by King David? ([34:39])
4. According to the sermon, what does the story of Mephibosheth illustrate about our spiritual condition before God? ([37:10])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of the blood covenant between Jonathan and David, and how does it relate to the covenant between God and Jesus? ([29:14])
2. How does Mephibosheth's story reflect the concept of unworthiness and grace in the Christian faith? ([37:51])
3. In what ways does understanding our spiritual riches in Christ transform our daily lives and attitudes? ([43:24])
4. How does the initiative taken by David to seek out Mephibosheth parallel God's initiative in our salvation? ([40:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's love. How does the story of Mephibosheth help you understand God's grace better? ([37:51])
2. In what ways can you remind yourself daily of the spiritual riches you have in Christ? What practical steps can you take to live in the fullness of your identity as a child of the King? ([43:24])
3. How can you show kindness and grace to others, especially those who may feel unworthy or marginalized, as David did for Mephibosheth? ([34:39])
4. Think about a specific area in your life where you struggle with shame or guilt. How can embracing the truth of your acceptance and forgiveness in Christ help you overcome these feelings? ([43:24])
5. Identify one person in your life who may not realize the spiritual riches available in Christ. How can you share this message of grace and acceptance with them this week? ([48:34])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the covenant God made with Jesus for your salvation? What resources or practices can help you grow in this area? ([29:14])
7. Reflect on the concept of being "fetched" by God. How does this change your perspective on your own salvation and the way you view others who are being drawn to Christ? ([40:51])
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Covenant
Before the world was created, God made a covenant with Jesus Christ, promising to bless all who are in Him. This covenant, sealed by the blood of Jesus, is the foundation of our salvation and spiritual riches. It is not based on our worthiness but on God's eternal plan and love for us. This eternal covenant is a testament to God's unchanging nature and His unwavering commitment to His promises. It assures us that our salvation is secure, not because of anything we have done, but because of what God has established through Jesus.
Understanding this covenant helps us to see the depth of God's love and the lengths He has gone to ensure our redemption. It is a reminder that our relationship with God is not transactional but is rooted in His grace and mercy. This covenant is a source of immense spiritual wealth, providing us with a foundation of hope and assurance in our faith. [29:14]
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: How does understanding the eternal covenant between God and Jesus change your perspective on your own salvation and relationship with God?
Day 2: Unworthiness and Grace
Like Mephibosheth, we were born into the wrong family and crippled by the fall. Our natural state is one of unworthiness and condemnation. However, God's grace, extended through the covenant with Jesus, brings us into His family and grants us a place at His table, not because of who we are, but because of what He has done. This grace is unmerited and freely given, transforming our status from outcasts to beloved children of God.
Recognizing our unworthiness and the magnitude of God's grace should lead us to a place of humility and gratitude. It is a powerful reminder that our worth is not determined by our actions or achievements but by God's love and the sacrifice of Jesus. This understanding can free us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allow us to rest in the assurance of His grace. [37:51]
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Reflection: In what ways have you tried to earn God's favor? How can you shift your focus to rest in His grace instead?
Day 3: Spiritual Riches
As believers, we possess spiritual riches that far exceed any material wealth. These riches include being fully accepted, loved, forgiven, and made clean by the blood of Jesus. Understanding and embracing these truths can transform our lives, moving us from a place of shame and guilt to one of joy and gratitude. These spiritual riches are a testament to the abundant life that Jesus promised to those who follow Him.
Living in the awareness of these spiritual riches can change our outlook on life. It can help us to prioritize our relationship with God over material possessions and to find contentment in His provision. This perspective can also empower us to live generously, knowing that our true wealth is found in Christ and not in the things of this world. [43:24]
Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily of the spiritual riches you have in Christ? What practical steps can you take to live out of this abundance?
Day 4: God's Initiative in Salvation
Our coming to Jesus is not of our own doing but is initiated by God. Just as David sent for Mephibosheth, God, through His Holy Spirit, draws us to Himself. This divine initiative underscores the depth of God's love and the certainty of our salvation. It is a reminder that our relationship with God is not based on our efforts but on His sovereign will and grace.
Understanding that God takes the initiative in our salvation can bring us great comfort and assurance. It means that our faith is not dependent on our ability to seek God but on His relentless pursuit of us. This truth can deepen our trust in God's faithfulness and encourage us to respond to His call with gratitude and obedience. [40:51]
John 6:44 (ESV): "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God drawing you closer to Him. How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to His leading in your life today?
Day 5: Living as Children of the King
Being brought into God's family means we are now children of the King, with all the privileges and responsibilities that come with it. We are called to live in the fullness of our identity in Christ, recognizing our spiritual riches and living in a way that reflects our status as heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus. This identity should influence every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our daily decisions.
Living as children of the King involves embracing our royal identity and the responsibilities that come with it. It means living with integrity, showing love and kindness to others, and seeking to honor God in all that we do. It also means relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us to live out our calling as God's children. [42:31]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: What does it mean to you to live as a child of the King? How can you practically reflect your royal identity in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "No, I'm telling you, you are some of the richest people in the whole country, in the whole world. The Bible tells us that we have been given riches, unbelievable riches. Let me just read a passage to you. It says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. I mean, God has poured out riches into your life that are much, much greater than anything that Bill Gates or Elon Musk, or Mark Zuckerberg, or any of these other people have. You are richer than any of them." [25:03] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because his riches, their riches, are going to all pass away someday. Your riches are eternal riches. So I want us to think about how you got those riches. And I want to base it, actually, the title of my sermon is The Amazing Blessings That Come to Us as a Result of a Blood Covenant Planned in Eternity Past and Established Through the Death of Jesus on the Cross as Illustrated in a Covenant Between David and Jonathan." [25:59] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And because of that, because of that blood covenant, they said, I will bless you, and all of those who are in you will be covered by this covenant. And I want you to know, long before you were ever made, long before this world was ever created, God cut a covenant with the Lord Jesus Christ, His own Son, His dear Son. And in that covenant, He said, I will bless all those who are in you. And that's exactly what we read a minute ago. It says, blessed be the God and Father who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing." [29:14] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to tell you something about Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was born into the wrong family. He was born in the family of Saul. And do you know that you and I were born in the wrong family? We were born in the family of Adam who was under God's curse. When you were born, your natural birth qualified you to be the enemy of God. You understand that? He was born in the wrong family, and he was crippled by a fall. He fell and was crippled. And do you know that you and I were crippled by a fall? By the fall of Adam." [37:10] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But here's the good news, is that God loves you because of a covenant that he made before you were ever born. Does that make any sense at all? And I'm telling you, when David asked who is left I can show covenant kindness to, and they said, Mephibosheth. He said, go get him. And I want to tell you, there was a day when I was 17 years old that the Spirit of God was telling me and I was told by God the Father, little old Nicky Harris down there in Bolivar, Tennessee, was included in that covenant that we cut before the world was ever created." [39:19] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And I want you to know today. I'm just thinking this morning, praying about this service. I said, Lord, I want to be an encouragement to believers. And I also want to give an invitation to unbelievers. And there are some of you maybe who are now, I don't know how many unbelievers come to an 830 service. But there may be one or two. And I just would say to you, if you feel any urging in your heart and say, I would love to sit at the King's table. I would love to be called a child of God. Then I want you to know you didn't originate that thought. God's Holy Spirit put it in there." [48:34] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And so I became and you became a child of the King and was fed at the table continually. To feast at the table of the King. Now friend, I'm just telling you that's how rich you are. And I can just imagine there might have been a day when Mephibosheth was sitting there with his little crippled legs underneath the tablecloth and they're eating dinner and Mephibosheth says, David, could you pass me the potatoes please? And David hands the bowl over to Mephibosheth. And David said, I'm glad you asked about that Mephibosheth. I want you to know about that scar. That scar on my hand is why you're here." [45:22] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Here's the sad thing. So many, many Christians today still live as if they're paupers. They live as if somehow or another they are so unworthy and they are so disgusting and they live under shame and guilt and they don't realize that they have all the riches of God in Christ. That you have been fully accepted. You have been loved. You are loved. And you are forgiven. You are clean. You are rich. Isn't it wonderful to be clean? Don't you love being clean before the Lord?" [43:24] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And so, they take him to David. He's trembling all the way. And he thinks, This is my last day to be alive. He doesn't know anything at all about this covenant that his dad made with David. And so, they came to David. The Bible says in Mephibosheth, the son of Saul, son of Jonathan, came to David and he fell on his face. That is, he's laying down on his face. And he said, Behold, I'm your servant. And David said, Do not fear. For I will show you kindness. For the sake of your father Jonathan. And I will restore all the land that belonged to your father." [34:39] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And that's what happened with Mephibosheth. David sent and fetched him and brought him, and David brought him to himself. You know, we talk about come to Jesus, and we do come to Jesus, but we don't come to Jesus on our own. We come to Jesus because we are brought to Jesus. Do you remember the time? Do you remember when you were saved? You may have thought, well, I did that. No, no, the Spirit of God was bringing you. He brought you to Jesus, just like Mephibosheth was brought to David." [40:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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