Sealed by the Spirit: Our Divine Inheritance

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Our Divine Seal

The Holy Spirit is not merely a comforter but serves as a divine seal, marking believers as God's own possession. This seal is a profound assurance of the inheritance promised to us, a guarantee that we will receive the fullness of what God has pledged. It signifies God's irrevocable claim on our lives, securing us for eternity. This divine seal is a constant reminder of our identity in Christ and the eternal relationship we have with God. As we live in the light of this truth, we are called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a testament to this divine ownership and the future glory that awaits us. [01:58]

Ephesians 4:30 (ESV): "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Reflection: In what ways can you be more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life, and how can this awareness influence your actions and decisions today?

Day 2: Redemption as a Journey

Redemption is not a one-time event but a journey that unfolds in stages. It begins with the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus and culminates in the complete transformation of our bodies and souls. This ongoing work of redemption assures us that God is not finished with us yet and that the best is yet to come. As we navigate this journey, we are reminded that our current struggles and imperfections are part of a larger process that God is orchestrating for our ultimate good. This perspective encourages us to persevere, knowing that our redemption is both a present reality and a future hope. [04:29]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel incomplete or unfinished? How can you trust God to continue His work in you in that area today?

Day 3: Liberating Divine Ownership

Being sealed by the Holy Spirit signifies that we are God's possession, bought with the precious blood of Christ. This divine ownership is not burdensome but liberating, as it frees us from the bondage of sin and calls us into a life of purpose and proclamation. Understanding that we belong to God transforms our identity and empowers us to live in freedom and joy. It invites us to embrace our calling to reflect God's love and grace to the world, knowing that our lives are secure in His hands. [06:07]

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Reflection: How does knowing you are God's possession change the way you view your daily responsibilities and interactions with others?

Day 4: Experiencing the First Fruits of the Spirit

The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a foretaste of the glory to come. This experience of the first fruits fuels our hope and perseverance as we eagerly await the full redemption of our bodies and the completion of our adoption as God's children. While we are already adopted into God's family, the fullness of this adoption will be realized when our bodies are transformed to be like Christ's glorious body. This hope shapes our identity as God's people and motivates us to live in anticipation of the future glory that awaits us. [09:28]

Romans 8:23 (ESV): "And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of hope and anticipation for the future glory that God has promised?

Day 5: The Confident Hope of Full Redemption

Our ultimate hope lies in the complete redemption of our bodies and souls, free from all evil and pain. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation grounded in the finished work of Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we await this full redemption, we are encouraged to live with a sense of purpose and joy, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. This confident hope empowers us to persevere through trials and to live as witnesses of God's transformative power. [12:00]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you keep your focus on the eternal promises of God, especially when faced with challenges and difficulties in your life today?

Sermon Summary

In our journey through Ephesians 1:11-14, we delve into the profound truth of being sealed with the Holy Spirit. This sealing is not just a symbolic gesture but a divine guarantee of our inheritance in Christ. The Holy Spirit acts as a down payment, assuring us of the full inheritance that awaits us. This inheritance is not merely a future promise but a present reality that begins with the forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus. However, this redemption is not yet complete; it unfolds in stages. The initial stage is the forgiveness of sins, and the final stage will be the complete redemption of our bodies and souls, free from all evil and pain.

The sealing by the Holy Spirit signifies God's irrevocable claim on us as His possession. We are bought with a price, the blood of Christ, and this purchase secures our eternal relationship with God. This relationship is not static but dynamic, as we are called to live in the light of this truth, proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a constant reminder of this divine ownership and the future glory that awaits us.

As we await the full redemption, we experience the first fruits of the Spirit, which is a foretaste of what is to come. This anticipation is marked by a deep longing for the completion of our adoption as sons and daughters of God. While we are already adopted into God's family, the fullness of this adoption will be realized when our bodies are transformed to be like Christ's glorious body. This hope fuels our perseverance and shapes our identity as God's people.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit as a Seal: The Holy Spirit is not just a comforter but a seal, marking us as God's own. This seal is a divine guarantee of our inheritance, ensuring that we will receive the fullness of what God has promised. It is a reminder of God's irrevocable claim on our lives, securing us for eternity. [01:58]
2. Redemption in Stages: Our redemption is a process that begins with the forgiveness of sins and culminates in the complete transformation of our bodies and souls. This ongoing work of redemption assures us that God is not finished with us yet and that the best is yet to come. [04:29]
3. Divine Ownership: Being sealed by the Holy Spirit signifies that we are God's possession, bought with the precious blood of Christ. This ownership is not burdensome but liberating, as it frees us from the bondage of sin and calls us into a life of purpose and proclamation. [06:07]
4. The First Fruits of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a foretaste of the glory to come. This experience of the first fruits fuels our hope and perseverance as we eagerly await the full redemption of our bodies and the completion of our adoption as God's children. [09:28]
5. The Hope of Full Redemption: Our ultimate hope lies in the complete redemption of our bodies and souls, free from all evil and pain. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation grounded in the finished work of Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [12:00]
** [12:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:11-14
[00:34] - The Sealing of the Holy Spirit
[01:05] - The Role of Jesus in Our Sealing
[01:43] - The Holy Spirit as a Down Payment
[02:14] - The Inheritance Guaranteed
[02:44] - Purpose of the Sealing
[03:28] - Redemption Through His Blood
[04:29] - Stages of Redemption
[05:33] - We Are God's Possession
[06:25] - Divine Ownership Explained
[07:01] - Fullness of Our Inheritance
[08:10] - Sealed for the Day of Redemption
[09:11] - The First Fruits of the Spirit
[10:07] - The Redemption of Our Bodies
[11:43] - The Aim of Sealing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Sealed with the Holy Spirit

Bible Reading:

Ephesians 1:11-14
Romans 8:22-23
1 Peter 2:9

---

Observation Questions:

According to Ephesians 1:13, what does it mean to be "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise"? How does this sealing relate to our inheritance in Christ? [00:34]
In the sermon, it was mentioned that redemption occurs in stages. What are the initial and final stages of redemption as described? [04:29]
How does the sermon describe the Holy Spirit's role as a "down payment" of our inheritance? What does this imply about our current and future relationship with God? [01:58]
What does it mean to be God's possession, and how is this concept explained in the sermon using Acts 20:28? [06:25]

---

Interpretation Questions:

The sermon describes the Holy Spirit as a seal and a guarantee of our inheritance. How does this understanding affect the way believers view their security in Christ? [01:58]
In Romans 8:23, Paul talks about the "redemption of our bodies." How does this future hope influence the way believers live in the present?
The sermon mentions that we are already adopted into God's family, but the fullness of this adoption is yet to come. How does this "already but not yet" concept shape a believer's identity and purpose? [10:51]
How does the idea of being God's possession, as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:9, challenge or encourage believers in their daily walk with Christ?

---

Application Questions:

Reflect on the idea of being sealed with the Holy Spirit. How does this assurance of your inheritance in Christ impact your daily life and decisions? [00:34]
The sermon talks about redemption in stages, beginning with the forgiveness of sins. How can you actively participate in this ongoing process of redemption in your life? [04:29]
Consider the role of the Holy Spirit as a down payment of your inheritance. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Spirit's presence and work in your life? [01:58]
Being God's possession is described as liberating rather than burdensome. How can you embrace this truth to find freedom from sin and live a life of purpose and proclamation? [06:07]
The sermon highlights the hope of full redemption, including the transformation of our bodies. How does this future hope motivate you to persevere through current challenges and trials? [12:00]
Reflect on the concept of adoption as sons and daughters of God. How can you live out this identity in your relationships and community, knowing that the fullness of this adoption is yet to come? [10:51]
The sermon encourages believers to proclaim the excellencies of God. Identify one specific way you can share God's light and love with someone in your life this week. [08:10]

Sermon Clips

In him that is in Christ Jesus, you, you also not only we who were the first to hope in Christ we Christian Jews but you Gentile Christians having heard of the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation and having believed in him, were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. [00:00:21]

The Holy Spirit is that seal and the way he makes it irrevocable and certain is by down payment. We were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise who is the down payment so the end of our full inheritance is guaranteed by a part of the inheritance being given to us now. [00:01:54]

The staggering reality is, God is that part of the inheritance. Can you even talk like that? God is part of anything if you've got God what more do you need? Well, you don't need anything else but there's more to come namely the possession, the redemption of the possession. [00:02:23]

We do have already the redemption and we are now enjoying that redemption which we said was release by payment or freed by ransom so that has that payment has been paid the blood of Jesus has been paid we have been released from our sins now what we learn here is that this redemption which we enjoy the first stage of in completely sure forgiveness for all our trespasses is that it's not finished yet. [00:03:47]

We get redemption in stages and the first stage is forgiveness for our sins and now here comes the last stage we have the spirit as a down payment of our inheritance so the forgiveness of sins here by redemption through blood is not the completion of our inheritance. [00:04:28]

We are his possession because he has bought us with his blood back here in verse 7 of chapter 1 I stressed freedom release by payment or ransom but I didn't stress that this payment also secures ownership new ownership like we were slaves and now we've been paid and ransomed and in that release we don't go into no man's land. [00:05:29]

We are now owned by the one who bought us and that's the meaning of the word possession here you see it notice this noun here peripoiseos and you can see it here in acts 20 where Paul is preaching pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to care for the church of God which he obtained. [00:06:10]

The point here is we are sealed kept irrevocably bonded by God so that we will most definitely get the fullness of our inheritance which is going to be the redemption the complete release not just in the forgiveness of our sins but in the provision of everything good and the taking away of everything evil body and soul. [00:06:47]

We groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoptionist sons the redemption same word as Ephesians 1 7 and 14 the redemption of our bodies so now we know we know what the redemption of the possession means it means he's going to finish it our bodies are going to be raised from the dead and made like his glorious body. [00:09:45]

We wait eagerly not only for redemption because it comes in phases or stages so that right now according to Ephesians 1 7 we have the forgiveness of our sins by purchase but not only is it redemption that comes in stages adoption comes in stages because here he says we're waiting for adoption. [00:10:30]

The great aim of sealing here the irrevocable stamp of God on our lives by giving us the Holy Spirit as a down payment is that we most certainly will obtain our inheritance namely the finishing of the redemption of what he purchased on the cross and that is body and soul rid of everything evil and everything painful. [00:11:53]

We are the children of God now according to Ephesians 5 1 or Romans 8 15 you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear but you have received the spirit of adoptionist sons by whom we cry Abba Father he is our father now we have been adopted now. [00:11:14]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?

Sealed by the Spirit: Our Divine Inheritance

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Our Divine Seal

Day 2: Redemption as a Journey

Day 3: Liberating Divine Ownership

Day 4: Experiencing the First Fruits of the Spirit

Day 5: The Confident Hope of Full Redemption

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Sealed by the Spirit: Our Divine Inheritance

Share