The Lord God of Israel Was Their Inheritance
The sermon emphasizes the importance of inheriting the Lord Himself, rather than just receiving sanctification or other blessings.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that while God granted the land to the tribes of Israel, He offered Himself as the inheritance to the Levites, illustrating a deeper spiritual truth. He contrasts the temporary blessings some receive from God with the profound experience of having God Himself as our inheritance, which provides lasting joy, peace, and sanctification. Simpson encourages believers to move beyond mere gifts from God to a relationship where God Himself is our source of strength and health, highlighting the importance of abiding in Him for true fulfillment.
Text
The procedure was very significant. God gave the land to the other tribes of Israel, but He gave Himself to the Levites. There is such a thing in the Christian life as an inheritance from the Lord, and there is such a thing as having the Lord Himself for our inheritance. Some people receive a sanctification from the Lord that is of much value, but variable and often impermanent. Others have learned the higher lesson of taking the Lord Himself to be their keeper and their sanctity, and abiding in Him they are kept above the vicissitudes of their own states and feelings. Some receive from the Lord large measures of joy and blessing and times of refreshing.
Others, again, learn to take the Lord Himself as their joy.
Some people are content to have peace with God, but others have taken the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Some have faith in God, while others have the faith of God. Some have many touches of healing from God, others have learned to live in the very health of God Himself.
Sermon Outline
- The Inheritance of the Levites points: - God gave the Levites Himself as inheritance - This is a higher lesson in the Christian life
- The Inheritance of the Christian Life points: - There are different levels of inheritance - Some receive sanctification, others receive the Lord Himself
- The Higher Lesson of Abiding in the Lord points: - Taking the Lord as keeper and sanctity - Abiding in Him, kept above life's vicissitudes
- The Inheritance of Joy and Peace points: - Some receive measures of joy and blessing - Others take the Lord as their joy and peace
- The Inheritance of Faith and Healing points: - Some have faith in God, others have the faith of God - Some have touches of healing, others live in the health of God
Key Quotes
“God gave the land to the other tribes of Israel, but He gave Himself to the Levites.” — A.B. Simpson
“Some people are content to have peace with God, but others have taken the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” — A.B. Simpson
“Some have faith in God, while others have the faith of God.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Take the Lord as your keeper and sanctity by abiding in Him.
- Learn to live in the very health of God Himself.
- Take the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, as your inheritance.