DIVIDING THE LAND OF INHERITANCE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 13:1-7
Key Verse:
“Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh.” — Joshua 13:7
Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 1:8; Numbers 34:2; Ephesians 1:11; Colossians 1:12; Joshua 18:3
INTRODUCTION:
When Joshua was old and stricken in years, the Lord reminded him that although much land had been conquered, much more remained to be possessed. This reminder carried a divine command: to divide the land as an inheritance among the tribes. It was both an act of faith and a fulfillment of God’s ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In the same way, God has given every believer an inheritance in Christ Jesus; peace, power, victory, and eternal glory. However, many have yet to take possession of what is already theirs because of ignorance, fear, or inaction. God’s promises are sure, but His people must rise up to claim and occupy them.
Dividing the land represents identifying and possessing what God has reserved for each person. Just as Joshua followed divine instruction to distribute the inheritance, we too must discern, pursue, and occupy the spiritual, material, and territorial promises that belong to us in Christ.
1. GOD’S PROMISE IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR INHERITANCE
Every inheritance begins with what God has spoken. His Word is the legal document that guarantees what belongs to us.
a) God’s Word Guarantees Possession (Deuteronomy 1:8)
God had already given the land before Israel ever set foot in it. His Word settles ownership long before manifestation.
b) Faith Activates the Promise (Hebrews 6:12)
God’s promises must be mixed with faith to produce results. Faith transforms unseen realities into tangible experiences.
c) God’s Faithfulness Secures Fulfillment (Joshua 21:45)
Not one of God’s good promises ever failed. His faithfulness is the believer’s assurance of inheritance.
d) Obedience Confirms Ownership (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Walking in obedience to God’s commands ensures that the blessings of inheritance manifest in fullness.
Biblical Example: Abraham received the promise of Canaan by faith and obedience, and though he did not see all its fulfillment, his descendants possessed it in due time (Genesis 12:1-7).
2. INHERITANCE REQUIRES SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT
Joshua could not divide the land by human wisdom. He needed divine guidance to know which tribe received which portion.
a) Divine Direction Ensures Right Allocation (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Leaning on divine guidance prevents us from making costly mistakes in destiny matters.
b) The Spirit of Wisdom Brings Clarity (Isaiah 11:2)
The Spirit of wisdom helps believers identify what belongs to them and how to appropriate it.
c) Discernment Guards Against Envy (Galatians 6:4-5)
Understanding your unique inheritance keeps you focused and content with your divine portion.
d) Revelation Opens Hidden Territories (Ephesians 1:18)
With enlightened eyes, believers can recognize blessings and opportunities not yet possessed.
Biblical Example: Moses divided the eastern land among Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh through divine direction, ensuring each tribe had its rightful portion (Numbers 32:33-34).
3. POSSESSING YOUR INHERITANCE REQUIRES ACTION
Faith without corresponding action leaves promises unrealized. God gives the inheritance, but man must take possession.
a) Take the First Step of Faith (Joshua 18:3)
God rebuked the Israelites for being slow to claim their land. Faith demands movement.
b) Engage in the Battle of Possession (Deuteronomy 2:24)
Even though the land was promised, Israel had to fight for it. Every inheritance has opposition.
c) Reject Complacency (Philippians 3:13-14)
Settling too soon limits progress. Keep pressing toward your complete inheritance in Christ.
d) Occupy Till It Is Fully Yours (Luke 19:13)
The believer must steward and protect his inheritance until it reaches full manifestation.
Biblical Example: Caleb boldly demanded his mountain at age 85 and received it because he acted in faith and courage (Joshua 14:10-12).
4. THE BLESSING OF FULL POSSESSION
When God’s people fully possess their inheritance, they enter into peace, dominion, and generational impact.
a) Full Possession Brings Rest (Joshua 21:43-44)
When Israel occupied their inheritance, the Lord gave them rest from war.
b) Full Possession Establishes Dominion (Deuteronomy 28:13)
Those who possess their inheritance rise above limitations and reign in life.
c) Full Possession Secures Legacy (Proverbs 13:22)
True possession blesses future generations. It ensures continuity of God’s covenant.
d) Full Possession Produces Fulfillment (Psalm 16:5-6)
When you stand in your God-given territory, you experience satisfaction and joy.
Biblical Example: Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel finally took possession of the promised land, and not one of God’s good promises failed (Joshua 21:43-45).
CONCLUSION:
Every believer has an inheritance in Christ, but it must be intentionally claimed and occupied. Like Joshua, you must discern your divine portion, act in faith, and walk in obedience. God has already spoken the Word, your task is to possess it.
Refuse to live below your inheritance. Step forward in faith and take possession of every blessing; spiritual, material, and territorial that God has designed for you. The land is yours; rise up and divide it according to divine instruction.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the inheritance You have prepared for me in Christ Jesus.
2. Father, open my eyes to recognize every blessing You have already given me.
3. O Lord, give me wisdom and discernment to identify my portion in destiny.
4. Every power sitting on my inheritance, be uprooted in Jesus’ name.
5. Lord, strengthen my faith to take bold steps toward my divine possession.
6. Every spirit of complacency and delay, be destroyed from my life.
7. Father, help me to walk in obedience that secures my inheritance.
8. Lord, let every unclaimed territory in my life be revealed and occupied.
9. I receive grace to maintain and expand what You have committed into my hands.
10. Lord, establish me in full possession and grant me rest on every side.
