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Live the life of an Heir

Words of Faith Final

Live the life of an Heir

Words of Faith 3-26-2021

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

www.faithfellowshipweb.com

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Ephesians 5

[5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

 

     We could hear this verse as a negative one, but the setting is really quite positive.  As the foundation of family, we are called to live a life that imitates the character qualities of God.  Of this, we can be sure!  We live a life of purity and gratitude in which our language, conversation, and humor all reflect the love of Christ.  We also are to live as those who have an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

      You may not have noticed lately, but you are part of the Royal family. Your words should reflect that fact.  We are called to live and act like we are children of the King... because we are!  What are royal people supposed to act like?

       You may recall the comedy called "The Princess Diaries."  The movie starred Anne Hathaway as a hip American teenager who was discovered to be a European princess and heir to the throne of a small country.  Of course, she didn't quite fit that role.  Julie Andrews played the grandmother charged with helping the princess learn the ways of "royalty."  There were many adjustments to be made.  It is a fun movie that points out the fact that being an heir comes with responsibility.  Being "royalty" calls for manners and decorum that reflect tradition and family.

       Our story is different, but the concept is similar.  Scripture declares that we are heirs to the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Our manner is not to be immoral because this does not reflect the King.  Our thoughts are not to be impure since this is not part of His Kingdom. We certainly are not to be greedy, since we are heirs to a Kingdom beyond anything we could ever try to possess.  Such behaviors reflect an idolater, not an heir.

       We sometimes say to a person "Act your age."  Paul gives a piece of different advice-- "Act your inheritance."  We need to walk in the manner and way of co-inheritors with Christ in the Kingdom of God.  We are to act in a manner that reflects our family name, the Name of Christ.  Paul will be our guide, but the Holy Spirit is the true coach.  He will bring about the transformation.

 

      Holy Spirit, mold me and shape me.  My way is not naturally that of an heir.  Show me and teach me the ways of Your Kingdom.  Teach me the manners that are royal before You.  Teach me the diplomacy of the Spirit and the character of Your heart.  In Jesus' Name.