The Holy Spirit: Our Guarantee of Eternal Inheritance

 

Summary

In Ephesians 1:14, Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as the "earnest of our inheritance," a concept that is rich with meaning and significance. This passage is a continuation of Paul's grand vision of God's plan to unite all things in Christ, a plan already in motion as evidenced by the unification of Jews and Gentiles in the church. This unity is a testament to God's purpose and is sealed by the Holy Spirit, who serves as both a guarantee and a foretaste of the full inheritance that awaits believers.

The term "earnest" is crucial here, as it conveys more than just a pledge or guarantee. It is an installment of the very thing promised, a first payment in kind that assures us of the full inheritance to come. This is not merely a promise of future glory but an actual participation in it, even now. The Holy Spirit within us is a foretaste of heaven, a first installment of the eternal life and glory that we will fully experience in the presence of God.

Paul emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's presence is not just a guarantee of our future inheritance but a present reality that transforms our lives. It assures us of our identity as children of God and gives us a taste of the heavenly life to come. This includes the joy, peace, and holiness that are characteristic of heaven, which we begin to experience here on earth. The Spirit's work in us is a transformative process, changing us into the image of Christ and preparing us for the day when we will see Him face to face.

The concept of the Holy Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance is a profound encouragement for believers. It assures us that our salvation is secure and that we are already partaking in the eternal life promised to us. This understanding should lead us to live with a sense of anticipation and joy, knowing that the fullness of our inheritance is guaranteed and that we are already experiencing its first fruits.

Key Takeaways:

- The Holy Spirit as the "earnest" of our inheritance is not just a pledge but an installment of the very inheritance promised to us, providing a foretaste of the eternal glory to come. [13:32]

- The presence of the Holy Spirit assures us of our identity as God's children and transforms our lives, giving us a taste of the joy, peace, and holiness that characterize heaven. [27:06]

- Our current experience of the Holy Spirit is a foretaste of the full redemption and transformation that will occur when we see Christ face to face and are made like Him. [35:23]

- The Holy Spirit's work in us is a transformative process, changing us into the image of Christ and preparing us for the day when we will fully enter into our inheritance. [36:53]

- Understanding the Holy Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance encourages us to live with anticipation and joy, knowing that our salvation is secure and that we are already partaking in the eternal life promised to us. [44:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:14
- [01:08] - God's Grand Plan in Christ
- [02:34] - Unity of Jews and Gentiles
- [03:51] - The Challenge of Acceptance
- [05:27] - The Holy Spirit as Proof
- [07:10] - Sealing and Assurance
- [09:02] - The Earnest of the Spirit
- [12:13] - Meaning of "Earnest"
- [15:05] - Pledge vs. Earnest
- [19:07] - Redemption and Inheritance
- [23:24] - God's Possession and Our Inheritance
- [26:05] - Assurance of Inheritance
- [29:25] - The Spirit as a Foretaste
- [32:38] - First Fruits of the Spirit
- [36:31] - Seeing and Becoming Like Him
- [41:31] - Enjoying Holiness and Love
- [44:53] - Living with Anticipation and Joy

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:13-14
- Romans 8:11, 23
- 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by referring to the Holy Spirit as the "earnest of our inheritance" in Ephesians 1:14? How does this concept differ from a simple guarantee? [09:02]

2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the unity of Jews and Gentiles as part of God's grand plan? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this unity? [03:05]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Holy Spirit being described as both a seal and an earnest? How do these concepts relate to a believer's assurance of salvation? [07:41]

4. How does the pastor explain the term "first fruits of the Spirit" in relation to our current experience of the Holy Spirit? [29:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding the Holy Spirit as the "earnest" of our inheritance impact a believer's view of their current spiritual life and future hope? [13:32]

2. In what ways does the presence of the Holy Spirit transform a believer's life according to the sermon? How does this transformation serve as a foretaste of heaven? [27:06]

3. The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit assures us of our identity as God's children. How might this assurance affect a believer's daily life and decisions? [07:58]

4. How does the pastor's explanation of the Holy Spirit as a "first installment" challenge or encourage believers in their spiritual journey? [15:05]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit's presence in your life. How did it serve as a foretaste of the eternal life promised to you? How can you seek more of these experiences? [34:05]

2. The sermon emphasizes living with anticipation and joy because of the Holy Spirit's work in us. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a sense of joy and anticipation in your daily life? [44:53]

3. Consider the transformative process of the Holy Spirit in your life. What specific area of your life do you feel the Holy Spirit is working on right now, and how can you cooperate with this transformation? [36:53]

4. How can the assurance of your identity as a child of God influence your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your faith? [07:58]

5. The sermon discusses the unity of Jews and Gentiles as part of God's plan. How can you contribute to unity within your church or community, especially among diverse groups? [03:05]

6. Identify one aspect of the heavenly life (joy, peace, holiness) that you want to experience more fully here on earth. What specific actions can you take this week to cultivate that aspect in your life? [42:04]

7. The pastor mentioned the importance of understanding doctrine to be established in faith. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of biblical doctrine and its application in your life? [11:26]

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit as a Foretaste of Glory
The Holy Spirit is described as the "earnest" of our inheritance, which means more than just a pledge or guarantee. It is an installment of the very inheritance promised to us, providing a foretaste of the eternal glory to come. This concept assures believers that they are already participating in the eternal life promised to them. The presence of the Holy Spirit is not merely a promise of future glory but an actual participation in it, even now. This understanding should lead believers to live with a sense of anticipation and joy, knowing that the fullness of their inheritance is guaranteed and that they are already experiencing its first fruits. [13:32]

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."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life today, recognizing it as a foretaste of the eternal glory to come?


Day 2: Identity and Transformation Through the Spirit
The presence of the Holy Spirit assures believers of their identity as God's children and transforms their lives. This transformation is a foretaste of the joy, peace, and holiness that characterize heaven. The Holy Spirit's work in believers is a transformative process, changing them into the image of Christ and preparing them for the day when they will see Him face to face. This assurance of identity and transformation should encourage believers to live with confidence and purpose, knowing that they are being shaped into the likeness of Christ. [27:06]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the Holy Spirit's transformative work in your life today, allowing Him to shape you into the image of Christ?


Day 3: A Foretaste of Full Redemption
The current experience of the Holy Spirit is a foretaste of the full redemption and transformation that will occur when believers see Christ face to face and are made like Him. This experience is not just a future hope but a present reality that transforms lives. The Holy Spirit's presence assures believers of their future inheritance and gives them a taste of the heavenly life to come. This includes the joy, peace, and holiness that are characteristic of heaven, which believers begin to experience here on earth. [35:23]

1 John 3:2 (ESV): "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."

Reflection: How does the promise of being fully redeemed and transformed when you see Christ face to face impact the way you live your life today?


Day 4: The Transformative Work of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit's work in believers is a transformative process, changing them into the image of Christ and preparing them for the day when they will fully enter into their inheritance. This transformation is not just a future event but a present reality that believers experience as they grow in their relationship with God. The Holy Spirit's presence assures believers of their identity as God's children and gives them a taste of the heavenly life to come. This understanding should encourage believers to live with anticipation and joy, knowing that their salvation is secure and that they are already partaking in the eternal life promised to them. [36:53]

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 specific steps can you take today to cooperate with the Holy Spirit's transformative work in your life, allowing Him to prepare you for your eternal inheritance?


Day 5: Living with Anticipation and Joy
Understanding the Holy Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance encourages believers to live with anticipation and joy, knowing that their salvation is secure and that they are already partaking in the eternal life promised to them. This assurance should lead believers to live with a sense of purpose and hope, recognizing that they are already experiencing the first fruits of their inheritance. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of the full inheritance to come, providing believers with a foretaste of the eternal glory that awaits them. [44:53]

Romans 8:23-24 (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. For in this hope we were saved."

Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate a lifestyle of anticipation and joy, rooted in the assurance of your secure salvation and the foretaste of eternal life you are already experiencing?

Quotes

In Ephesians 1:14, Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as the "earnest of our inheritance," a concept that is rich with meaning and significance. This passage is a continuation of Paul's grand vision of God's plan to unite all things in Christ, a plan already in motion as evidenced by the unification of Jews and Gentiles in the church. This unity is a testament to God's purpose and is sealed by the Holy Spirit, who serves as both a guarantee and a foretaste of the full inheritance that awaits believers. [00:00:10]

The term "earnest" is crucial here, as it conveys more than just a pledge or guarantee. It is an installment of the very thing promised, a first payment in kind that assures us of the full inheritance to come. This is not merely a promise of future glory but an actual participation in it, even now. The Holy Spirit within us is a foretaste of heaven, a first installment of the eternal life and glory that we will fully experience in the presence of God. [00:12:13]

Paul emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's presence is not just a guarantee of our future inheritance but a present reality that transforms our lives. It assures us of our identity as children of God and gives us a taste of the heavenly life to come. This includes the joy, peace, and holiness that are characteristic of heaven, which we begin to experience here on earth. The Spirit's work in us is a transformative process, changing us into the image of Christ and preparing us for the day when we will see Him face to face. [00:27:06]

The concept of the Holy Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance is a profound encouragement for believers. It assures us that our salvation is secure and that we are already partaking in the eternal life promised to us. This understanding should lead us to live with a sense of anticipation and joy, knowing that the fullness of our inheritance is guaranteed and that we are already experiencing its first fruits. [00:44:53]

The Holy Spirit within us is not only a pledge; he's an installment. I like that phrase of Paul, "first fruits." Even we ourselves, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, you know what it means, don't you? At the time of harvest, you see, the men went out and reaped a certain amount and went rushing home with it and said to his wife, "Bake this, we're going to have the first fruits." [00:32:38]

The Holy Spirit is an installment given to us until we receive in all its fullness. I don't like the word "acquired" until we receive in all its fullness what Christ has purchased for us by his own precious blood. Oh, how important it is that we should keep our eye on these various translations and versions. [00:35:23]

The Holy Spirit within us says Paul gives us a foretaste of heaven, and Christian people, that's what you and I should be enjoying this morning, a foretaste of Heaven. Our coming together like this should be a foretaste of Heaven to us, where we meet to consider these things and to talk about them and to discuss them. [00:41:31]

The Holy Spirit as the "earnest" of our inheritance is not just a pledge but an installment of the very inheritance promised to us, providing a foretaste of the eternal glory to come. The presence of the Holy Spirit assures us of our identity as God's children and transforms our lives, giving us a taste of the joy, peace, and holiness that characterize heaven. [00:36:53]

The Holy Spirit's work in us is a transformative process, changing us into the image of Christ and preparing us for the day when we will fully enter into our inheritance. Understanding the Holy Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance encourages us to live with anticipation and joy, knowing that our salvation is secure and that we are already partaking in the eternal life promised to us. [00:44:53]

The Holy Spirit within us is not only a pledge; he's an installment. I like that phrase of Paul, "first fruits." Even we ourselves, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, you know what it means, don't you? At the time of harvest, you see, the men went out and reaped a certain amount and went rushing home with it and said to his wife, "Bake this, we're going to have the first fruits." [00:32:38]

The Holy Spirit is an installment given to us until we receive in all its fullness. I don't like the word "acquired" until we receive in all its fullness what Christ has purchased for us by his own precious blood. Oh, how important it is that we should keep our eye on these various translations and versions. [00:35:23]

The Holy Spirit within us says Paul gives us a foretaste of heaven, and Christian people, that's what you and I should be enjoying this morning, a foretaste of Heaven. Our coming together like this should be a foretaste of Heaven to us, where we meet to consider these things and to talk about them and to discuss them. [00:41:31]

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Transcript
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