Living in the Joy of Our Inheritance in Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of our inheritance in Christ, a reality that should transform our lives and fill us with joy. Imagine being told you have a $10 million inheritance waiting for you; it would change your perspective on your current struggles and future plans. Similarly, the Bible tells us that we have an inheritance in Christ, yet many Christians live without the joy and assurance that should accompany this promise. This disconnect often stems from doubt and the enemy's lies, questioning whether God truly promised us such an inheritance.
Ephesians 1:11 reminds us that we have obtained an inheritance, not by our efforts but through God's will. This inheritance is not something we earn; it is already ours, predestined by God, who works all things according to His will. This truth should fill us with joy and confidence, knowing that everything God does is for His glory and our good. Our inheritance is a testament to God's grace, a gift He lavishes upon us because He desires to, not because He is obligated.
As believers, we are called to live in the reality of this inheritance, allowing it to shape our lives and our worship. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we fully possess it. This sealing is a mark of ownership, a divine assurance that we belong to God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy lives, producing in us the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
In a world filled with broken promises and disappointments, we must hold fast to the truth of God's Word. Our inheritance is secure, and the Holy Spirit within us is the evidence of this promise. Let us live with the assurance that we are fellow heirs with Christ, destined for glory, and let this truth transform our worship and our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Inheritance in Christ: Our inheritance in Christ is a reality that should transform our lives. It is not something we earn but a gift from God, predestined according to His will. This truth should fill us with joy and confidence, knowing that everything God does is for His glory and our good. [01:51]
2. God's Sovereign Will: God works all things according to the counsel of His will. He does not seek counsel from anyone else because He is the ultimate authority. This truth should humble us and remind us that God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans for us are perfect. [07:02]
3. Sealed by the Holy Spirit: Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance. This sealing is a mark of ownership, assuring us that we belong to God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy lives and produces in us the fruit of the Spirit. [21:30]
4. Living in Assurance: In a world filled with broken promises, we must hold fast to the truth of God's Word. Our inheritance is secure, and the Holy Spirit within us is the evidence of this promise. Let us live with the assurance that we are fellow heirs with Christ, destined for glory. [19:48]
5. The Fruit of the Spirit: The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities should be growing in our lives as we live in the reality of our inheritance. [34:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - The Inheritance Analogy
- [01:34] - Biblical Inheritance
- [02:44] - Doubts and Lies
- [03:33] - Ephesians 1:11 Explained
- [05:13] - God's Sovereign Will
- [07:30] - God's Counsel
- [08:36] - God's Grace and Will
- [09:30] - Praise and Glory
- [11:36] - Jesus' Sacrifice
- [12:31] - Praying Against Doubt
- [14:03] - Heirs of the Kingdom
- [16:32] - Fellow Heirs with Christ
- [19:48] - Sealed with the Holy Spirit
- [21:30] - Assurance of Inheritance
- [34:28] - Fruit of the Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:11 - "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."
2. 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."
3. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:11, how is our inheritance in Christ obtained? What does this imply about our role in receiving it? [03:33]
2. In Romans 8:16-17, what does it mean to be fellow heirs with Christ? How does this relate to our identity as children of God? [16:32]
3. What are the characteristics listed as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23? How do these qualities manifest in a believer's life? [34:28]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in assuring us of our inheritance? [21:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God to work all things according to the counsel of His will, as mentioned in Ephesians 1:11? How does this understanding affect our trust in God's plans? [05:13]
2. How does the concept of being "sealed with the Holy Spirit" provide assurance of our inheritance? What does this sealing signify about our relationship with God? [19:48]
3. In what ways does the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives produce the fruit of the Spirit? How can believers cultivate these qualities more intentionally? [34:28]
4. How does the sermon address the doubts and lies that believers may face regarding their inheritance in Christ? What strategies are suggested to combat these doubts? [12:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted your inheritance in Christ. What steps can you take to remind yourself of this promise and live with greater assurance? [12:31]
2. Consider the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Which aspect do you find most challenging to exhibit, and what practical steps can you take to grow in this area? [34:28]
3. How can the understanding that God works all things according to His will change your perspective on current challenges or uncertainties in your life? [05:13]
4. In what ways can you actively rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to live a holy life? Identify one specific area where you need His guidance and strength. [21:30]
5. Think about the analogy of receiving a $10 million inheritance. How can this perspective help you approach your spiritual inheritance with more joy and confidence? [00:12]
6. How can you support fellow believers who may be struggling with doubts about their inheritance in Christ? What role can prayer and community play in this process? [12:31]
7. Identify a specific promise from God's Word that you can hold onto this week. How will you remind yourself of this promise daily to combat any doubts or lies you may face? [19:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Our Inheritance in Christ Transforms Us
Our inheritance in Christ is a profound truth that should transform our lives. This inheritance is not something we earn; it is a gift from God, predestined according to His will. Understanding this truth should fill us with joy and confidence, knowing that everything God does is for His glory and our good. Many Christians struggle to live in the reality of this inheritance due to doubt and the enemy's lies. However, Ephesians 1:11 assures us that we have obtained this inheritance through God's will, not by our efforts. Embracing this truth allows us to live with a renewed perspective, much like how a significant financial inheritance would change our outlook on life. [01:51]
Ephesians 1:11-12 (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."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you struggle to believe in the reality of your inheritance in Christ? How can you remind yourself of this truth daily?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Sovereign Will
God's sovereign will is the ultimate authority, and He works all things according to the counsel of His will. This truth should humble us and remind us that God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans for us are perfect. Often, we may question God's plans, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties. However, understanding that God does not seek counsel from anyone else and that His will is perfect should bring us peace and assurance. Trusting in God's sovereign will allows us to surrender our plans and desires, knowing that He is working everything for His glory and our good. [07:02]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: Is there a specific situation in your life where you find it difficult to trust in God's sovereign will? How can you practice surrendering this situation to Him today?
Day 3: Sealed by the Holy Spirit
Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance. This sealing is a mark of ownership, assuring us that we belong to God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy lives and produces in us the fruit of the Spirit. This divine assurance should give us confidence in our identity as God's children and motivate us to live in a way that reflects His character. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a constant reminder of our secure inheritance and our calling to live according to God's will. [21:30]
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are sealed by the Holy Spirit impact your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to be more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life?
Day 4: Living with Assurance in a World of Broken Promises
In a world filled with broken promises and disappointments, we must hold fast to the truth of God's Word. Our inheritance is secure, and the Holy Spirit within us is the evidence of this promise. Living with the assurance that we are fellow heirs with Christ, destined for glory, should transform our worship and our lives. This assurance allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God's promises are unchanging and reliable. By focusing on the truth of our inheritance, we can find hope and strength in the midst of uncertainty. [19:48]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: What are some promises of God that you need to hold onto more tightly in your life? How can you remind yourself of these promises when faced with doubt or disappointment?
Day 5: The Fruit of the Spirit as Evidence of Our Inheritance
The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities should be growing in our lives as we live in the reality of our inheritance. The fruit of the Spirit is not something we can produce on our own; it is the result of the Holy Spirit's work within us. As we cultivate our relationship with God and live according to His will, the fruit of the Spirit becomes more evident in our lives, reflecting our identity as God's children and our secure inheritance in Christ. [34:28]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "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 feel is most lacking in your life right now? What practical steps can you take to allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate this fruit in you?
Quotes
if you know that's coming you know the Bible you know if we know this inheritance is coming it's going to affect us is is my point and the Bible talks about us having an inheritance and it it bothers me it bothers me because as I was looking at it this week I'm thinking no this isn't right I know too many people who call themselves Christians and they're so unhappy they're they're just angry people and I'm like wait if we really know if we really believe this inheritance that's coming to us if we really believe what we have in Christ [00:01:38]
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 I was looking at that passage and uh you know I've often said I tell people go I don't know anyone happier than I am I just feel like my life has been ridiculous the way God has blessed me And yet when I read that passage I go I should be happier than I am even me Mr Happy happiest man on Earth [00:03:33]
everything according to the counsel of his will think about that the counsel of his will everything he does like for example if I want to do something with the church I go to the elders and I get counsel help me out with this what do you guys think what are your thoughts let's pray about this God God you give us give us wisdom from Heaven I don't know what to do if we're going to do some something as a household I'll I'll go to my wife and I'll say hey honey what do you think I'm thinking about you know us moving to Thailand or whatever [00:05:22]
here when God decides to do something it says that everything he does his only counsel is his own desire he does all things according to the counsel of his will I mean if you're God who are you going to go to who are you going to ask a question that that's why like scripture says who's been his counselor that's why he says to job he goes where were you when I spoke the world into existence when I laid the foundations of the Earth where were you nowhere and here he says I do everything according to the counsel of my will [00:06:47]
I've decided for you to obtain an inheritance because I want you to I've decided to Lavish my grace upon you not because I'm bound to by any external means this was the counsel of my own will I wanted to bless you I'm going to Lavish my grace upon you I want to adopt you as my children 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 that we who were the first to Hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory [00:08:36]
listen my beloved brother has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and hes of the Kingdom which he has promised to those who love him just meditate on that e God help us to believe that we are hires of the Kingdom God right now I ask that your spirit would just burn that into our souls that we believe we are HS to your kingdom we're talking about the kingdom of God that's everything that everything that's been created everything that's been made [00:14:00]
the spirit himself Bears witness with with our spirit that we are children of God and if children then hirs heires of God and fellow heirs with Christ provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him fellow heirs with Christ think about that phrase does that just freak you out that you are a fellow Heir with Christ my name should not be in the same sentence as Christ I don't belong next to him and yet God says I'm a fellow Heir with Christ [00:16:25]
when you believe that when you believe that so if you believe that right now or maybe that's the first time you heard it and you believe it right now God says he would seal you at that moment the idea of sealing is it's it's kind of like you if you ever seen a cow where they're branded you know it's it's it's it belongs to this owner now this is one of mine I'm going to Brand it I'm going to seal it and God says I sealed you with my Holy Spirit and he's the guarantee of this coming inheritance until you actually acquire possession of it [00:21:08]
the Bible says if the spirit is in you the fruit of that love joy peace patience kindness gentle the these things it just starts happening in your life think about who you were before you believed in Jesus and and maybe some of you I know this is harder for those who grew up in the church um you don't have a testimony like some other people they're like ah yeah I used to shoot people I used to I was on drugs I did this I was immoral and then Christ changed me and I walked away from all of that [00:35:03]
the way you see yourself as knowing you're filled with the spirit is the fruit of your life love joy PE because there's many people who grew up in Christian homes who do not have this okay it's not guaranteed this is the fruit of the spirit so understand the guarantee of our inheritance is the holy spirit that's in you and so today you can say Jesus is Lord and you can cry ABA father and if you have an obligation to righteousness and you can't just stay in your sin and you see this fruit in your life not perfectly [00:36:40]
we have an obligation when the spirit enters into you the Bible says he makes you a slave to righteousness so this is how you know the holy spirit is in you let me ask you a question can you remain in sin I'm not saying can you sin I can sin I just can't stay in it I can't just keep on doing something happens inside of me where the guilt the shame they're like gosh this isn't me this isn't who I want to be that's the holy spirit it's the Holy Spirit some of you you used to be able to just go on in your sin and feel nothing [00:31:52]
but the fruit of the spirit is love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness self-control against such things there is no law and those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires he says the fruit of the spirit see in my backyard there's a lemon tree you ask Francis how do you know I go well it's a bunch of lemons on it every year these lemons come out I'm fairly certain it's a lemon tree [00:34:16]
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