Ephesian 1:7-12
I. Introduction
A. Explanation of believer’s inheritance
The believer’s inheritance as described in the Bible is a spiritual blessing that includes salvation, eternal life, and a relationship with God.
Ephesians 1:7-12 outlines the believer’s inheritance as redemption through Jesus’ blood, the forgiveness of sins, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit. This inheritance results from God’s grace and serves as a reminder of His love and faithfulness towards believers. This inheritance is not based on our merit or works but is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.
B. Importance of understanding and embracing inheritance as a believer
Understanding and embracing our inheritance as believers is crucial for living a life of faith and hope in God’s promises. It reminds us of our identity in Christ and empowers us to walk in the fullness of what God has prepared for us. By recognising and accepting our inheritance, we can tap into the abundant blessings and resources that God has provided for us. It also motivates us to live a life that reflects the love and grace we have received from Him.
By fully grasping our inheritance, we can overcome challenges and obstacles with confidence, knowing that we have the authority and power given to us by God. Embracing our inheritance also allows us to share the good news of salvation and hope with others, leading them to experience the transformative love of Christ in their own lives.
C. Overview of what will be covered in the blog post
This blog article will examine the notion of inheritance in Christianity and its influence on our everyday existence. We will explore the significance of acknowledging and embracing our spiritual legacy and the tangible consequences it has on our path to religion. Furthermore, we will explore how comprehending our inheritance can empower us to triumph and conquer obstacles via faith. Upon completing this post, readers will have a more profound comprehension of the importance of their spiritual legacy and its potential to influence their outlook on life.
II. What is your inheritance as a believer?
As believers, our inheritance includes the promises of God, the gift of salvation, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Understanding and embracing this inheritance can provide us with strength, hope, and guidance in navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties.
A. Eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ
For example, John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This promise of eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ is a foundational aspect of our spiritual inheritance as believers. Embracing this truth can bring us peace and assurance in life’s trials and tribulations.
By accepting Jesus as our Saviour, we are granted the gift of eternal life and salvation, allowing us to have a personal relationship with God and experience His love and grace in our lives. This inheritance is a source of comfort and strength that can sustain us through all circumstances, reminding us of God’s unwavering presence and promises.
B. Adoption into God’s family
Through adoption into God’s family, we become heirs to His kingdom and can call Him our Father. As Romans 8:17 states, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” This truth solidifies our identity as beloved children of God, giving us a sense of belonging and security in His family.
Ephesians 1:5–6 further emphasises this point by stating, “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, following his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” This demonstrates the depth of God’s love for us and the privilege we have as His chosen children.
As heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, we have access to all the blessings and promises that come with being part of His family. This knowledge should fill us with gratitude and confidence in our identity as children of God.
C. Access to the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith and fulfill the purposes God has for us. Romans 8:11 reminds us that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, giving us strength and guidance in our daily lives.
This access to the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our purpose and fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives. The Holy Spirit equips us with everything we need to walk in obedience and bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.
Through the Holy Spirit, we are also given spiritual gifts that enable us to serve others and build up the body of Christ. These gifts are meant to be used for the edification of the church and to bring glory to God.
1 Corinthians 12:7 states, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” This reminds us that our spiritual gifts are not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of the entire body of believers. As we seek to use these gifts in service to others, we are fulfilling God’s plan for us and bringing honor to His name.
III. How to claim and walk in your inheritance
One key step in claiming and walking in our spiritual inheritance is to first identify and understand the gifts that God has given us. Through prayer, reflection, and seeking guidance from mature believers, we can discover our unique spiritual gifts and how they can be used to serve others. Once we have a clear understanding of our gifts, we must actively seek opportunities to use them in the church and community, trusting that God will work through us for His glory and the common good.
A. Faith and belief in God’s promises
For example, Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” By holding onto this promise and trusting in God’s plan for our lives, we can step out in faith and confidently walk in our spiritual inheritance.
This not only strengthens our faith but also inspires and encourages others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positivity and growth in the body of Christ. Ultimately, by using our gifts in service to others, we are fulfilling our purpose and contributing to the greater good of God’s kingdom.
Romans 12:6-8 reminds us that we each have different gifts according to the grace given to us, and we should use them accordingly. By having faith in God’s promises and believing that He equips us for our purpose, we can confidently step into our inheritance and fulfill our calling.
As we embrace our unique gifts and talents, we not only enrich our own lives but also play a vital role in building up the community of believers. Through our service and dedication, we can make a lasting impact on those around us and bring glory to God through our actions.
B. Prayer and seeking God’s will
Here we have the fundamental elements for determining the most effective way to utilise our talents for the advancement of His kingdom. By maintaining a strong connection with Him via prayer and actively seeking His guidance, we may ensure that we are utilising our skills for His intended purposes for us. Not only does this satisfy us, but it also enables us to be efficient agents in disseminating His love and truth throughout the world.
Ultimately, our goal should be to align our talents and actions with God’s will, allowing us to make a meaningful impact on those around us. Through prayer and seeking His guidance, we can be confident that we are fulfilling our purpose and bringing glory to Him in all that we do.
C. Living a life of obedience and holiness
It is crucial to remain connected to God’s will and perform our destiny. Through persistent pursuit of His counsel and unwavering adherence to His laws, we can be confident that we are leading a life that bestows reverence upon Him. By adhering to obedience and purity, we not only experience personal benefits, but also become efficient conduits for disseminating His love and truth to others. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” – 1 John 5:3
Living a life of obedience and holiness allows us to experience the fullness of God’s love and grace. By following His commandments, we show our love for Him and fulfill our purpose in spreading His message to others. We can inspire others to seek God’s guidance and walk in His ways as well. Our actions and choices can serve as a testimony to the transformative power of God in our lives.
IV. Challenges to receiving your inheritance
A. Doubt and unbelief
in Matthew 21:21, Jesus tells His disciples that if they have faith and do not doubt, they can move mountains. Doubt and unbelief can hinder us from fully receiving the blessings and inheritance that God has in store for us. It is important to trust in God’s promises and have unwavering faith in His plan for our lives.
Doubt and unbelief can hinder us from fully receiving the blessings and inheritance that God has in store for us. It is important to trust in God’s promises and have faith in His plan for our lives. Through prayer, seeking guidance, and staying connected to Him, we can overcome these challenges and walk in the fullness of our inheritance as children of God.
B. Distractions and temptations
1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
Distractions and temptations can lead us astray from God’s plan for us, but staying grounded in His word can help us resist these obstacles. Furthermore, these distractions have the potential to shift our attention away from the assurances made by God, so causing us to deviate from His intended path for our existence. By maintaining a strong connection to prayer and actively seeking His guidance, we can effectively counteract these distractions and remain in harmony with His intended path for us. Placing our trust in God’s unwavering loyalty and remaining dedicated to following His guidance will finally result in us obtaining the blessings and inheritance that He has prepared for us.
Proverbs 4:25–27 advises us to “let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or the left; turn your foot away from evil.” This serves as a reminder to stay focused on God’s path and not let distractions or obstacles stand in our way. By staying true to His guidance, we can ultimately receive the blessings He has in store for us.
C. Lack of understanding of God’s promises
The Bible contains over 3,000 promises from God to His people, offering guidance, comfort, and hope in times of need. Understanding and holding onto these promises can help strengthen our faith and trust in God’s plan for our lives. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). God’s promises are for our good, even when we may not fully understand them. Trusting in His plan can help us overcome doubt and fear, allowing us to walk confidently in His will for our lives.
Our ability to fully trust in God’s plan for us is hampered when we do not grasp His promises, which can cause doubt and worry. We must use scripture and prayer to seek knowledge and clarity to bolster our faith and confidence in God’s faithfulness.
In uncertain times, it might be consoling to recall that God’s promises are based on love and that He cares about our welfare. We might discover the courage to accept His plan with assurance and hope by giving Him our worries and uncertainties.
V. Encouragement and reminders for believers
A. God’s faithfulness and provision
One bible verse that exemplifies God’s faithfulness and provision is Philippians 4:19, which states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
The faithfulness and provision of God are evident throughout the Bible, showing us that we can rely on Him in all circumstances. By meditating on these truths, we can find peace and strength to face any challenges that come our way. Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past can help us trust in His promises for the future.
God’s faithfulness and provision are not limited to material needs but extend to emotional and spiritual needs as well. By trusting in God’s faithfulness, believers can experience a deep sense of peace and security in their relationship with Him.
Additionally, reflecting on how God has provided for us in the past can increase our faith and confidence in His ability to meet our needs in the present and future. It is important for believers to continually remind themselves of God’s faithfulness and provision, especially during times of uncertainty or difficulty.
B. Community and support from other believers
The community and support from other believers play a crucial role in helping believers recognise and appreciate God’s faithfulness and provision in their lives. Through sharing testimonies and offering encouragement, fellow believers can help strengthen one another’s faith and trust in God’s promises. This sense of community can provide a source of comfort and reassurance during challenging times, reminding believers that they are not alone in their journey of faith.
As it says in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
C. The hope and joy of eternity with God
serve as a reminder of the ultimate goal of our faith, giving believers a sense of purpose and motivation to continue living out their beliefs. This shared hope can also create a sense of unity among believers, strengthening their bond and commitment to supporting one another in their spiritual journey.
1 John 2:25 “This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.” This hope of eternal life gives believers a sense of purpose and direction in their daily lives, guiding them to live in a way that honours God and reflects His love for others. It serves as a source of strength and resilience during difficult times, reminding believers that their current struggles are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits them.
“This is eternal life, so that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3
Believers find comfort and encouragement in the promise of eternal life, knowing that their faithfulness will be rewarded with everlasting joy in the presence of God. This assurance of a future beyond this life motivates believers to persevere through trials and challenges, keeping their focus on the goal of knowing and being with God for eternity.
VI. Conclusion
A. Recap of believer’s inheritance
The believer’s inheritance is not just limited to the promise of eternal life but also includes the blessings of God’s presence, love, and peace for all eternity. This inheritance serves as a source of hope and strength for believers as they navigate through the ups and downs of life on earth.
B. Encouragement to embrace and walk in your inheritance
Being aware of how much the universe’s creator loves and cares for you as a child of God. It is encouraged for believers to live out their faith with confidence, joy, and appreciation, understanding that they are God’s children with a magnificent destiny ahead of them. This is how they completely accept and walk in their heritage. Believers can live more fully, purposefully, and peacefully in their everyday lives by accepting and claiming their heritage.
C. Final thoughts and call to action
Remember, you are a chosen and beloved child of God, destined for greatness. Embrace your inheritance with faith and courage, knowing that you are never alone in this journey. Take the next step in claiming your heritage and living out your purpose with confidence and gratitude.
Reference notes.
- Our Sufficiency in Christ, John MacArthur Crossway, 10 Jul 1998 – Religion – 288 pages
- The Riches of His Inheritance, James A. (Meek, 2002) chrome extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.onegreatstory.com/articles/MeekJA-Riches.pdf