.gif){kind=small}
rwcamp@gpp-5grace.comSeries: First Peter, Ser. #9
THOUGH PILGRIMS WE HAVE BEEN BEGOTTEN TO A MARVELOUS INHERITANCE
PHBC February 2, 1997
Series: First Peter, Sermon #9
TEXT: I Peter 1:3-5
INTRO: In the last message in this study of First Peter we saw that we have been greatly blessed in being begotten to a living hope. But, there is more to this matter than was found in verse 3. Here in our text, verses 4 and 5, we learn that we have also been begotten to a marvelous inheritance.
It is my desire in this message to unfold for you the identity of this marvelous inheritance. Then we will consider some of the characteristics of this inheritance. Thirdly, we will consider the certainty of all pilgrims receiving their inheritance.
THE IDENTITY OF THIS INHERITANCE
Generally speaking, this inheritance includes all that is ours through the wonderful, saving grace of God.
Peter tells us in one place that it is a blessing, doubtless having in mind the blessing of the firstborn with which these Jewish believers were familiar. 1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
As pilgrims we enjoy many temporal blessings during our life on this earth.
More importantly, we enjoy many spiritual blessings such as regeneration, conversion, peace, pardon from sin, justification, assurance, sanctification, and eternal life.
And, there are many blessings reserved in heaven for us; we truly inherit many blessings.
David speaks of God’s word as a heritage for the people of God. Psalm 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Have you ever considered how blessed we are to have God’s blessed book.
It is one of the most precious items in our inheritance.
It is an inheritance among the sanctified. Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
In this world we are pilgrims and must live in the world while not being of this world.
In this world we must often associate and deal with people who are distinctly not Christians and many of them love to vex and irritate us with their vulgar conversation and actions.
The blessed inheritance we have reserved for us is and inheritance among the sanctified. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Those who would be contrary to our holy nature will simply not be there. Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
There was a time in our lives when the presence of such people did not cause us any concern spiritually, but our heavenly inheritance would not be heavenly and holy if we had to be among those who were still this type of persons. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
It is an inheritance that is in perfect keeping with the eternal purpose of God which he has purposed for us. Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.
It is an inheritance that is assured by the indwelling Holy Spirit who lives in us. Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
It is an inheritance that includes eternal life. Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
It is an inheritance that is our salvation. Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
It is an inheritance in which we are joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
It is an inheritance that makes us heirs of a kingdom. James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Let us not feel deprived by being strangers on earth below for we are heirs of a kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world by our loving and rich Heavenly Father.
SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS INHERITANCE
As to its substance, it is an incorruptible inheritance. 1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.
Everything of this world is subject to corruption; rust, rot, aging, mold, erosion, corrosion, and putrefication take their toll on everything.
Empires and kingdoms rise and fall, dynasties are wrecked and governments are corrupted.
Our inheritance has nothing in it that can cause it to decay or become corrupt, it never perishes from within or from without.
As to its purity, it is an undefiled inheritance.
The inheritance of the Kennedys was defiled by the fact that much of it was made in illegal liquor and prostitution traffic; if one examines all that has befallen this family, it is easy to see their inheritance was cursed and defiled.
But, our inheritance is undefiled; it was won for us by the perfect obedience and perfect sufferings and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In heaven, nothing can defile because nothing that defiles can enter there.
All will be perfect in a perfect environment.
As to its beauty, it is an unfading inheritance.
One builds a beautiful new home but it is not long till aging causes some of its beauty to fade.
The most beautiful of people see their beauty fade as age takes over and the vanity of many have kept the best of plastic surgeons in business and rich.
There is no fading to our inheritance; it will pristine beauty has not diminished and shall never diminish in the ages to come.
As to its possession, that is secure for it is reserved in heaven for us.
There is a place in heaven for me that none of you can fill and there is a place in heaven for you than none of us can fill.
It is reserved for us and no court can take it away.
Jesus Christ is the testator and its integrity can not be questioned.
No one can question our right to it for it was bought and paid for with the precious blood of our sinless Saviour.
When reserves something there are not enough hounds in hell to tear it away from the one for whom it is reserved.
THE CERTAINTY OF ALL PILGRIMS RECEIVING THEIR INHERITANCE
The inheritance is kept for us and we are kept for it. 1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
It is kept for us by the power of God and there is no power greater than his power.
His power is such that no man can prevail against him. 1 Samuel 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
Not one of his saints can ever be cast down so as to be lost for the Lord is upholding us in his mighty hand. Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
This keeping is a continuous keeping.
It is unto salvation that is ready to be revealed at the last time. 1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
What he has begun he continues and will continue to perform until it will not need to be performed any more. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
This keeping is so complete that he will be able to present us before his glory with exceeding joy. Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
This keeping is certain because no one has the ability to pluck even one of his sheep from his hand. John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
This keeping is certain because he is able to do even more than we ask. Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Paul had complete confidence that God would keep him for his inheritance. 2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
This keeping is certain because it is through faith in the power and keeping ability of God. 1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 2 Timothy 1:12 I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
CONC: How truly blessed we are. Though pilgrims in a foreign world, we have been blessed in being predestinated to an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved for us and we are preserved for it. It is reserved and protected by the power of God. It is reserved and preserved for us and we for it also by the power of God.
rwcamp@gpp-5grace.comGo to HomePage of Central Baptist Church
Return to Index of Sermons on First Peter
Click here to see a complete listing of all messages on this site
This page last updated Friday, March 04, 2011