THE RICHES OF HIS GLORIOUS INHERITANCE

THE RICHES OF HIS GLORIOUS INHERITANCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 1:17-18

Key Verse: “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” — Ephesians 1:18 KJV

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 8:16-17; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Colossians 1:12; Colossians 3:23-24; Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 9:15.

Description: This message reveals the spiritual riches, privileges, blessings, and eternal glory contained in the inheritance God has prepared for His people in Christ.

INTRODUCTION

Inheritance is something received because of a relationship, not merely because of personal achievement. A child may receive an inheritance from a wealthy parent simply because he belongs to the family. In the same way, those who have been adopted into God's family through Jesus Christ have received an inheritance that cannot be compared with earthly possessions. Paul prayed that believers would have their understanding enlightened so that they might know “the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”

Many believers know that they are saved, but they do not fully understand what salvation has made available to them. They may live as spiritual beggars while possessing great privileges in Christ. They may continually focus on what they lack while overlooking the spiritual riches God has already provided. Ignorance of our inheritance can produce fear, insecurity, spiritual weakness, and an unhealthy dependence upon earthly things.

The inheritance God has prepared for His people is glorious, eternal, incorruptible, and far greater than material wealth. It includes our relationship with God, forgiveness, adoption, spiritual blessings, divine grace, the Holy Spirit, eternal life, spiritual authority, God's promises, and ultimately eternal glory with Christ. When our eyes are opened to these riches, our faith becomes stronger, our gratitude deeper, and our commitment to God greater.

1. OUR INHERITANCE IS ROOTED IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

The foundation of our inheritance is not our human ability but our relationship with God through Christ. We become heirs because God has made us His children. The riches of our inheritance flow from our position in God's family.

A person who does not know his identity may live beneath his privileges. But when we understand that we belong to God, we begin to appreciate what He has made available to us.

a) We Are Children of God (John 1:12) – Those who receive Christ and believe on His name are given the power to become the sons of God.

b) We Are Heirs of God (Romans 8:16-17) – The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are God's children, and if children, then heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

c) We Have Been Adopted (Ephesians 1:5) – God predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ. Our inheritance is connected to our adoption into His family.

d) We Belong to Christ (Galatians 3:29) – If we belong to Christ, then we are Abraham's seed and heirs according to God's promise.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son lost his sense of identity when he left his father's house, but when he returned, the father restored him to the privileges of sonship (Luke 15:20-24).

2. OUR INHERITANCE CONTAINS SPIRITUAL RICHES IN CHRIST

The riches of our inheritance cannot be measured by money, houses, vehicles, land, or other earthly possessions. These things can be useful, but they are temporary. The greatest riches believers possess are spiritual riches that come through Christ.

God has blessed us with resources that the world cannot manufacture and money cannot purchase.

a) We Have Redemption (Ephesians 1:7) – Through Christ's blood we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of God's grace.

b) We Have Grace (Ephesians 2:7) – God demonstrates the exceeding riches of His grace towards us through Christ Jesus.

c) We Have Spiritual Blessings (Ephesians 1:3) – God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

d) We Have Peace with God (Romans 5:1) – Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Biblical Example: The early believers understood that their relationship with Christ was more valuable than material possessions. They joyfully endured the loss of their earthly goods because they knew they had “a better and an enduring substance” (Hebrews 10:34).

3. OUR INHERITANCE INCLUDES GOD'S PRESENCE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

One of the greatest riches God gives His children is His own presence. The believer is not left alone to face life. The Holy Spirit lives within us as the seal of God's ownership and the earnest of our inheritance.

The presence of the Holy Spirit is a present foretaste of the glorious inheritance that awaits us. God does not merely give us things; He gives us Himself.

a) The Holy Spirit Dwells in Us (1 Corinthians 6:19) – Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. God's Spirit dwelling in us is an extraordinary spiritual privilege.

b) The Spirit Is Our Seal (Ephesians 1:13) – Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, marking us as God's possession.

c) The Spirit Is Our Earnest (Ephesians 1:14) – The Holy Spirit is God's deposit and guarantee of the inheritance that awaits us.

d) The Spirit Gives Us Access to God (Ephesians 2:18) – Through Christ, we have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Biblical Example: Moses understood the value of God's presence when he told the Lord, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15). He valued God's presence above the destination itself.

4. OUR INHERITANCE IS INCORRUPTIBLE AND ETERNAL

Earthly inheritance can be lost, stolen, destroyed, devalued, or consumed. But the inheritance God has prepared for His children cannot be destroyed by earthly circumstances.

This should give every believer confidence. Our greatest possession is not dependent upon economic conditions, political stability, human relationships, or earthly security. It is preserved by God.

a) It Is Incorruptible (1 Peter 1:4) – Our inheritance cannot decay or perish.

b) It Is Undefiled (1 Peter 1:4) – Nothing sinful or impure can contaminate what God has prepared for His children.

c) It Does Not Fade Away (1 Peter 1:4) – Unlike earthly possessions whose value diminishes, our heavenly inheritance remains glorious forever.

d) It Is Reserved in Heaven (1 Peter 1:4) – God Himself preserves our inheritance in heaven, beyond the reach of earthly destruction.

Biblical Example: Abraham lived as a pilgrim because he looked beyond earthly possessions to “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:9-10).

5. OUR INHERITANCE GIVES US HOPE BEYOND THIS PRESENT LIFE

The believer's inheritance reaches beyond this present world. Christianity is not simply about having a better life on earth; it is about being reconciled to God and receiving eternal life through Jesus Christ.

This eternal perspective gives believers strength to endure temporary suffering. When we know what awaits us, we can remain faithful even when the present journey is difficult.

a) We Have Eternal Life (John 3:16) – Whoever believes in Christ should not perish but have everlasting life.

b) We Have a Heavenly Home (John 14:2-3) – Jesus has gone to prepare a place for His people and has promised to receive them unto Himself.

c) We Have Resurrection Hope (1 Corinthians 15:52-54) – The believer looks forward to the resurrection and the final victory over death.

d) We Have Eternal Glory (2 Corinthians 4:17) – Our present affliction is temporary and works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

Biblical Example: Stephen remained faithful even when facing death because he saw beyond his immediate circumstances. He looked into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-60).

6. THE RICHES OF OUR INHERITANCE SHOULD PRODUCE A LIFE OF GRATITUDE AND FAITHFULNESS

Understanding our inheritance should transform the way we live. We should not treat God's blessings as reasons for pride or selfishness. Instead, they should produce gratitude, holiness, service, generosity, and greater commitment to Christ.

The more we understand what God has done for us, the more willing we should be to surrender our lives completely to Him.

a) Live with Gratitude (Colossians 3:15-17) – The believer's heart should overflow with thanksgiving because of God's grace and goodness.

b) Seek Eternal Things (Colossians 3:1-2) – Since we have received heavenly privileges, we should set our affection on things above rather than being controlled by earthly things.

c) Serve God Faithfully (1 Corinthians 15:58) – Knowing that our labour in the Lord is not in vain should motivate us to remain steadfast and committed.

d) Walk Worthy of Your Inheritance (Ephesians 4:1) – Those who have received such a glorious calling should live in a manner that reflects their identity in Christ.

Biblical Example: The Macedonian believers demonstrated extraordinary generosity despite their own difficulties because they understood the grace of God and willingly gave themselves first to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

CONCLUSION

The riches of God's glorious inheritance are far greater than earthly wealth. Through Christ, we have been adopted into God's family, redeemed by His blood, blessed with spiritual blessings, filled with His Spirit, given eternal hope, and made heirs of an inheritance that cannot perish. These riches are not merely future realities; many of their benefits are already being experienced by believers through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, do not live like a spiritual beggar when God has made you an heir. Let your understanding be enlightened. Appreciate your position in Christ, value eternal things above temporary possessions, walk in holiness, serve God faithfully, and live with confidence in the inheritance that awaits you. The riches of God's glorious inheritance should produce a life that continually praises and honours Him.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, open my eyes to understand the riches of the glorious inheritance You have given me in Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from every form of spiritual ignorance concerning my position and privileges in Christ, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me to value spiritual riches above temporary earthly possessions, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, let the Holy Spirit continually remind me of my identity as Your child and heir, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to walk daily in the benefits of redemption, grace, peace, and spiritual blessings, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, strengthen my faith to remain focused on my eternal inheritance when I face trials and difficulties, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let every blessing and promise assigned to my life according to Your will be fulfilled, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me grace to live a life worthy of the glorious inheritance You have prepared for me, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let the riches of Your grace be evident in every area of my life and make me a blessing to others, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, preserve me faithfully until I enter into the fullness of my eternal inheritance with Christ, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your eyes are enlightened, and you shall understand the riches of your glorious inheritance in Christ.

2. You shall not live beneath your spiritual privileges; you shall walk in the fullness of God's grace and purpose for your life.

3. You are an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ, and your divine inheritance shall not be taken from you.

4. Every good promise of God concerning your life shall be fulfilled according to His perfect will.

5. The riches of God's grace shall be increasingly evident in your life, your family, your ministry, and your service to Him.

6. You shall not exchange eternal riches for temporary pleasures; your heart shall remain fixed on Christ and His kingdom.

7. The Holy Spirit shall continually guide you, strengthen you, and give you a foretaste of the glory that awaits you.

8. You shall have grace to remain faithful through every trial until you receive the fullness of your inheritance.

9. Your life shall become a testimony of God's goodness, grace, provision, and faithfulness.

10. You shall finish your earthly journey faithfully and enter into the fullness of the glorious inheritance God has prepared for you, in Jesus' name.