Intro: What is the first thing you think of when I use the word “inheritance?” Because we live in a physical world, we will more than likely think about the passing on of property or possessions from one generation to another following a death. It is a legal process that is typically linked to family blood lines. This concept of inheritance is true and evident between many biblical patriarchs and their descendants. However, in our reading this concept of inheritance takes things way beyond the things of this world.
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul wants us to know the inheritance Father God has for his children is irrevocable and includes the acquisition of spiritual blessings and promises; however, our Benefactor does not die. Jesus—the Living Christ—is the unique Son of God and this qualifies him as God’s heir of all things (Hebrews 1:1-2). Believers are co-heirs with Christ! (Ro 8:17).
We have already begun to inherit some things: Christ has come to save us, wash away our sins, free us from death, offer us new life in the Holy Spirit, provide strength so we can be victorious over our unredeemed flesh, and declare us righteous so we have the confidence that we will inherit eternity as his sons and daughters (Heb 1:14; Titus 3:5-7). The inheritance for the believer is eternal and joyful existence in the glorious love of God! Let’s remember something crucial to our understanding; it is not our love for Christ that has been demonstrated in the salvation that brings us victory and this inheritance; rather, it is Christ’s love for us…and nothing can separate us from his love. Have a wonderful weekend. Hope to see you in worship!
Romans 8:31-39 Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If [since] God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, [rulers] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the inheritance you have created for us as your sons and daughters. Thank you for loving us in such a perfect and eternal way. We know nothing we encounter on our path of life—from beginning to end—can separate us from your love. Thank you for walking with us every single day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.