Christian love, often described as Agape love, is a core tenet of the Christian faith. It’s a love that transcends human understanding, mirroring God’s unconditional love for humanity. This sermon explores the concept of inheritance in the Bible, connecting it to God’s promises, including His love, provision, and ultimate plan for His people.
God’s Love: A Foundation of Inheritance
God’s love is the cornerstone of our inheritance. Just as a parent loves and provides for their child, God desires to bless His children with all good things. This love isn’t earned or deserved; it’s a gift freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. The story of Gideon and his 300 men illustrates this. Armed with only earthen jars and trumpets, they triumphed over a vast army, demonstrating that God’s power works through faith, not human strength. The ram’s horn, a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ, reminds us that victory comes through the cross.
The parable of the barley bread further emphasizes God’s humble yet powerful love. Jesus, the bread of life, entered the world in humility, not to exert authority but to conquer the forces that destroy humanity: disease, demons, and the destructive power of nature. By introducing Jesus into every situation, we invite His love and power to transform our lives and overcome strife.
The Promise of Inheritance: Heir of the World
Romans 4 reveals the incredible promise given to Abraham: he would be the heir of the world. This promise, received through righteousness by faith, encompasses not only earthly possessions but also the entire cosmos. It includes health, provision, freedom from depression, and ultimately, eternal life. This inheritance isn’t about striving or earning; it’s about resting in God’s grace and believing in His promises.
The story of the elderly lady who unknowingly possessed a will highlights the tragedy of unclaimed inheritance. Like her, many believers fail to grasp the fullness of God’s promises, living in lack and striving when abundance is their birthright. The message of grace empowers us to claim our inheritance and live in the fullness of God’s blessings.
The Role of Grace in Inheritance
The enemy, recognizing the power of grace, attacks this message relentlessly. He promotes the law and works-based righteousness, seeking to rob believers of their confidence and keep them from claiming their inheritance. Galatians 4 clarifies that we are children of promise, heirs through faith, not works of the law. The law brings bondage, while grace brings freedom and the power to live a holy life. It’s not about our performance; it’s about the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Possessing Your Possessions: Stepping into Inheritance
While our inheritance is secured in heaven, we must actively step into it here on earth. Just as God instructed Israel to walk upon the land to possess it, we must walk in faith, confessing our righteousness in Christ. Psalm 44 reminds us that victory comes not through our own strength but through God’s favor and power. The story of the Iron Dome and the miraculous east wind demonstrates God’s continued protection and intervention on behalf of His people.
Practical Steps to Inherit
How can we practically inherit God’s promises? First, maintain righteousness consciousness by confessing, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ.” Second, immerse yourself in the Word of grace, especially during trials. Third, regularly partake of the Lord’s Supper, proclaiming Christ’s death and resurrection, the foundation of our inheritance.
The Inheritance is Secure
Finally, 1 Peter 1:4 assures us that our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for us. It’s not subject to sin, time, or decay. It’s a promise secured by God Himself. Embrace this truth, walk in faith, and experience the fullness of God’s love and provision.
