What's Your Inheritance?

Background text from the OT: God's covenant to Abraham and the children of Israel -- Genesis Chapter 15

Background text from the NT: God separates the sheep from the goats -- Matthew 25:31-34

An inheritance is something that somebody in your family either worked for and earned or was given to them. When they die, they they pass it on to you. This system allows wealth or treasured possessions to stay in the family.

What would you like to inherit? Money? Land? A House?

Ask for examples of inheritances

Show the example of the antique drum sticks I inherited from my father

Overview of Chapter 15

The vision (verse 1)

Abram's response (verse 2)

God shows him the stars, relates to his descendents (verse 5)

Abram believed (verse 6)

God also promises an inheritance of land (verse 7)

Since God showed him the stars relating to the promise of his descendents, Abram wants to know how God will "show" him this promise (Verse 8)

Abram prepares the sacrifice, has the dream, God speaks again and wraps it up with the Covenant of land ownership (Verses 9-21)

The OT uses the word "inherit" 48 times, almost entirely with respect to physical riches. The NT uses it 13 times, almost entirely with respect to spiritual riches.

Read Matthew 5:5 -- the very first reference in the NT.

Before Jesus, the inheritance to God's chosen was a land for them to call their own, where they could serve and glorify God

After Jesus, the inheritance became an eternal gift of salvation.

Read Matthew 25:31-34 This is the ultimate inheritance.

Who will inherit what?

First, there's an "earnest payment" Read Ephesians 1:13-14

Abram received a promise and God demonstrated His intent to make good on the promise

When we receive the salvation through faith, the Holy Spirit seals us with His promise

Some will inherit eternal reward, others will inherit eternal damnation. Read Colossians 3:24-25; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:50

Those who do the works of the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Read Galatians 5:19-21

Final Thought:

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." -- Revelation 21:7-8

What does it mean to "overcome"?

Copyright 1999 Leon V. Smith. All rights reserved.