LIVING IN CHRIST – Inheritance In Christ
Ephesians 1:1-14 NIV
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. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession — to the praise of his glory.
INTRODUCTION:
Opening Illustration: The reading of a will—I’ve prepared my last will and testament, but it does not go into effect until after I die. Sorry kids, my stuff remains mine and your mom’s and you can’t have it until then! Jesus died, and has been raised to life. His will—His new covenant is in effect now. We have an inheritance in Christ.
I. In Christ we receive EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING.
Ephesians 1:3 NIV
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.
1. IN Christ.
a) Our life (our residence) is in Christ—the place in which we live.
b) Don’t forget Paul’s focus in verses 3-14. Everything flows from our being in Christ.
2. We are given every SPIRITUAL BLESSING – not material.
a) Being “In Christ” does not give us access to everything we want. God is not a genie in a bottle to respond to our every whim – or even grant us even three wishes.
b) While God does not give us every material blessing, He does meet our material needs.
2 Peter 1:3 NIV
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
3. What are some of the SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS we have received?
a) Contentment.
Philippians 4:12 NIV
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
b) Freedom from worry and fear.
Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
c) Peace in the midst of the storms of life.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
d) Unshakable Joy!
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.
e) Power to overcome sin.
Romans 6:22 NIV
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
II. In Christ we are REDEEMED and FORGIVEN.
Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
1. God has lavished His grace upon us. Grace, unmerited favor; God’s giving of Himself “in the One He loves”—Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
2. Redemption—to buy back. Our present possession in Christ. Purpose of redemption—purify a people for Himself.
Titus 2:14 MsgB
He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us [redeemed us] from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
3. Forgiveness of sins. Our sins are removed from us.
Psalms 103:11-14 NIV
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
III. In Christ we receive THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession — to the praise of his glory.
1. The Spirit indwells believers at conversion.
2. Seal is for the purpose of authenticity and ownership. The Spirit demonstrates that the believer has been genuinely transformed in Christ and belongs to God.
3. The best is still to come!
a) Deposit, a guarantee of what is to come. God has given of Himself assuring us that the best is still to come.
CONCLUSION:
Application:
1. What do you need from God? Where are you weakest? Ask God to provide you with whatever it is that you need right now. Pray, “Lord, give me faith.” “Make me more loving.” “Set me free from worry and give me Your peace.” Whatever your need is, God will provide it for you so ask Him.
2. God has redeemed you and sealed you with His Holy Spirit. What sin are you holding onto? Lying? Greed—covetousness? Pride? Ask God to empower you to live your life free from sin. Make the choice to surrender your all to the Spirit’s control.
