We use the names Old Testament and New Testament, but how often do we remember that a testament is a kind of will. Paul wants us to know what is in God’s will for us.
Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Paul is praying for the church. Foremost among many of his prayers is that we might have knowledge, would grow in knowledge. In this prayer Paul prays that we would know three things – the hope to which he has called us, the riches of his glorious inheritance, and his incomparably great power for us. Last week I talked about hope. Today I want to focus on the nature of our hope – our inheritance. Paul wants us to know what’s in God’s will for us.
How do people choose their heirs? Many people divide it between their children or other relatives. Some people make their favorite charity I’ve heard some people leave everything to their cat. One, a newspaper publisher, had to choose between 3 nephews. He said the one who could come up with the most sensational headline in only three words would be his heir. One chose “Reagan turns Communist”, the second decided on “Khomeini becomes Christian”. The third one was selected, however, for his headline of only two words – “Pope Elopes”. My favorite will reads something like, “I, John Smith, being of sound mind and sound body, spent everything I had while I was alive.”
Fortunately, God isn’t like that. With God it is all of grace. It does not depend on anything we have done or ever could do.
We are God’s inheritance
Shows how much God loves us – to call us His own, His children
Purchased at great cost – a will goes into effect when someone dies. Jesus died so that we can receive this inheritance
John MacArthur – Only when we know who we really are can we live like who we are.
He gives us an inheritance
Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
The riches – abundance
Glorious
We begin to experience the abundance of our inheritance here and now
Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Through the many daily blessings
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit – a ‘down-payment’
We’ll receive the complete inheritance at the end of the age – The kingdom
Salvation
Set free from sin
Resurrected bodies
Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
Not for us alone – something we will share among the saints.
The one inheritance the government won’t be able to tax.
When we know whose we are and what we’ve been given we can look beyond our present trials. It gives a reason to have hope and a sense of security far beyond anything this world has to offer.