The Christian’s Inheritance, Parts 1&2 - Mike Mathis

September 6, 2026, Sermon Outline PDF - Mike’s PDF

Outline - Introduction

This lesson comes from one of the emails I received that said, "The New Testament should be read as a will." For that is what a testament is- a will. According to Webster’s Third New International Unabridged Dictionary a testament is a covenant, Scripture, Last will. I have often heard it stated that "the last will and testament" would be read at a certain time. If one of the definitions to testament is "last will", it is unnecessary to say, "last will and testament" for the last will is a testament. And a testament is a last will. Within a will is a list of heirs who are to receive an inheritance. In Romans 8:16-17 is, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children then heirs --heirs of God and joint-heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together." Children are most likely to receive what ever the father or nearest kin desires to will them. Let us look at some Scriptures with the word "inheritance".

  1. Earthly inheritance (Matt. 21:33-44; Mark 12:1-11 )

    1. Seize inheritance (Matt. 21:38)

    2. "The inheritance will be ours." (Mark 12:7)

      1. Seizing the the vineyard-criminal act

      2. Father would take vengeance on them

        1. Jesus asks what will the father of the son do?

        2. The people reply in Matt. 21:41

        3. Jesus tells what the father will do in Mark 12:9

    3. Divide the inheritance with me. (Luke 12:13-15)

  2. Paul speaks to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:28-32)

    1. Warns of apostasy after his departure (vs. 29)

    2. Reminds them of warning for three years (vs. 31)

    3. Commends them to God

      1. To the word of His grace

      2. Able to build you up

      3. Give you an inheritance among sanctified

  3. Obtained an inheritance (Eph. 1:11-18)

    1. In Him (Christ)

    2. To the purpose of Him

      1. Who works all things

      2. According to the counsel of His will

    3. The Holy Spirit

      1. Sealed with

      2. Guarantee of our inheritance

    4. Know what is the hope of His calling

      1. The riches of the glory

      2. Of His inheritance in the saints

Conclusion: Eph. 5:3-5- Obstacles to the inheritance

Invitation 1st Peter 1:3-4 — Inheritance incorruptible…​ does not fade away