Our Inheritance in Christ (Ephesians Pt. 4) | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that as believers, we have an incredible inheritance in Christ. It's not just a distant promise, but a present reality that should bring joy and peace to our lives. However, many of us struggle with unhappiness and anger, which suggests that we may not be grasping the fullness of what God has given us.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 1:3-14 - In this passage, Paul writes about the incredible blessings we have in Christ. He explains that God chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. This is our inheritance, and it's not just a gift, but a present reality that should shape our lives.
• Psalm 16:9-11 - David writes about the joy and satisfaction he finds in God's presence. He says, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." This is what we have in Christ – a relationship with God that brings us joy and satisfaction.
• 1 Peter 1:3-9 - Peter writes about the new birth that comes through faith in Christ. He says that we were born again for the purpose of inheritance, to receive the imperishable inheritance that is kept in heaven for you. This inheritance is not just a future promise, but a present reality that should shape our lives.
• John 14:27 - Jesus promises us peace in his presence. He says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." This is what we have in Christ – a peace that surpasses understanding.
• Romans 8:28-30 - Paul writes about the purpose of God's sovereignty in our lives. He says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This is what we have in Christ – a promise that everything will work out for our good.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - Paul writes about the new creation that comes through faith in Christ. He says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This is what we have in Christ – a new identity and a new life.
• Colossians 1:12-14 - Paul writes about the hope that we have in Christ. He says, "Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." This is what we have in Christ – a hope that should shape our lives.

Key Takeaways

• We must understand that our inheritance in Christ is not just a future promise, but a present reality. It's something that should shape our lives and bring us joy and peace.
• We need to grasp the fullness of what God has given us. We can't just take the name of Christian without living out the implications of our faith.
• Our inheritance in Christ is not just about us, but about how we relate to others. It's about being a people who embody the joy and peace that comes from knowing Christ.
• We must recognize that our happiness and anger are often symptoms of a deeper issue – a lack of understanding or appreciation for our inheritance in Christ.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take time to reflect on your inheritance in Christ. Ask yourself, "Do I really believe what I have in Christ?" "Am I living out the implications of my faith?" Take specific steps to cultivate joy and peace in your life by focusing on your relationship with God.

Reflection Questions

• What are some areas in your life where you feel unhappy or angry? How does this relate to your understanding of your inheritance in Christ?
• How can you practically apply the truth that you have a new creation in Christ, and that the old has gone and the new is here?
• Reflect on how your relationships with others are impacted by your understanding of your inheritance in Christ. How can you embody the joy and peace that comes from knowing Christ in your interactions with others?