How to claim your inheritance.

1 Peter 3:8–12 NKJV

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Corrie Ten Boom Tells of a lady that she met who had commited a horrible sin 42 years prior. During those 42 years she had prayed each day for forgiveness. Many of us are the same way. We have committed great sin, yet never realize that we stand forgiven due to Calvary. Instead, we seek forgiveness for debt that has already been paid.

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Romans 6:5–7 NKJV

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.

What is our inheritance?

It is said that an inheritance is a promise given that is fulfilled upon death. Thus our inheritance was fulfilled upon the death of Jesus and will be fully revealed upon our death.

A. Redemption

Ephesians 1:7 NKJV

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

B. Forgiveness of sin

C. Answered prayer V12

D. Joy 1.8

E. The Holy Spirits presence

1 Peter 4:14 NKJV

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

F. Our needs met

1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Ultimately we will receive our inheritance in Heaven. However, we can and do receive blessings in this present life.

Notice this morning that easy is not part of our inheritance.

Worldly riches are not our blessing.

Prosperity of relationships is not our blessing.

Our blessings are spiritual.

To often as children of God we look to Him seeking a heavenly Grandfather instead of a heavenly Father.

We want a grandfather that is easily manipulated and twisted to give in to our every whim. We want a grandfather who showers us with gifts while turning a blind eye to our shortcomings.

We do not desire a Father, who meets our needs while also demanding that we live right. Who displays compassion but but requires duty and obedience. We have molded God into our own image and desires and have attempted to make Him into what He is not, so that we may receive His blessings without His commandments.

Thus, to receive blessings from Him, we must see Him for who He is, and live according to His will for our lives.

There are two sides of this passage.

I. Mirror Christ

I want to say that we are not working to obtain or to retain our salvation. Rather, we labor that we may experience the fulness of our salvation and liberty in Christ.

Philippians 2:5 (NKJV)

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 2:12–13 NKJV

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

We labor to work out our salvation. We do not work to obtain a job, we work because we have a job. We work out our salvation, not to obtain salvation but that we will be effective ambassadors of Christ.

A. Have compassion

B. Love

C. Be tenderhearted

D. Be courteous

E. Bless others

F. Seek peace

II. Resist the Devil

James 4:7–10 NKJV

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

A. Don’t give revenge

B. Bridle your tongue

C. Reject evil

Ultimately, our inheritance is in heaven and is found in Jesus Christ.

Today, if you do not know Him as your personal savior and friend I would ask you to come to Calvary.

We have redemption through His blood and forgiveness of sins. We can have an inheritance of eternal life that is freely offered if we will place our faith in Jesus.