Claim Your Inheritance
The sermon emphasizes the believer's inheritance in Christ, which includes eternal life and spiritual blessings, and calls for a life that reflects this truth.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of claiming our inheritance as believers, which is a gift received through our relationship with Christ rather than something earned. This inheritance includes eternal life and all spiritual blessings necessary for our journey on earth, as we are citizens of heaven. Epp highlights that upon accepting Christ, believers become heirs to a divine inheritance that is beyond comprehension, with the promise of future blessings that are incorruptible and eternal. He encourages believers to allow Christ to reign in their lives now, while looking forward to the full realization of their inheritance in eternity.
Text
Ephesians 1:7-15
An inheritance is something that a person comes into possession of because of his relationship with another. It is not something that is earned; it is a gift.
The believer's inheritance includes life itself. By receiving Christ as Saviour, the believer inherits eternal life.
Jesus said, "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24).
The inheritance of the believer also includes everything he needs for his life. The believer is actually a citizen of heaven who is on a pilgrim journey on earth. However, God has made all spiritual blessings available to the believer.
Paul told believers, "All things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God" (1 Cor. 3:22,23, NASB).
God's riches made available to the believer are also emphasized in Romans 8:32: "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
Our present blessings are only a small part of our spiritual inheritance, which is to be received in full in the future.
The moment one receives Christ as Saviour he is placed as a mature son into the family of God and becomes an heir of an inheritance that is beyond human comprehension.
We are to let Christ reign in our lives now, but our full spiritual inheritance includes being with Christ and reigning with Him throughout eternity.
"To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet. 1:4).
Sermon Outline
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I
- {'A': 'Definition of inheritance in a biblical context', 'B': 'The nature of inheritance as a gift, not earned', 'C': 'The relationship between the believer and Christ'}
- Understanding Inheritance
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II
- {'A': 'Eternal life as the primary inheritance', 'B': 'Spiritual blessings available to believers', 'C': 'Citizenship in heaven'}
- The Believer's Inheritance
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III
- {'A': 'All things belong to believers through Christ', 'B': 'God's provision emphasized in Scripture', 'C': 'Future inheritance beyond current blessings'}
- God's Promises and Riches
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IV
- {'A': 'The believer's current status as a mature son', 'B': 'Reigning with Christ in the future', 'C': 'The call to let Christ reign in our lives now'}
- Living as Heirs
Key Quotes
“He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” — Theodore Epp
“All things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.” — Theodore Epp
“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Reflect on the significance of your inheritance in Christ and how it shapes your daily life.
- Embrace your identity as a citizen of heaven and live with an eternal perspective.
- Allow Christ to reign in your heart, making room for His guidance and blessings.