Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Peter’s approach of Praise, amidst difficulty and suffering

a. It is markedly different from the world

b. It is also most positive and uplifting!

2. We have been given many compelling reasons to praise God

3. Yet another reason to praise God: we have been given an inheritance by God

A HISTORICAL COMPARISON

1. In the past, God gave a good and bountiful land to Israel   (Deuteronomy 4)

a. Because of His love for Israel

b. He brought them out of Egypt

c. Drove out nations greater and mightier than them

d. To give them the land as an inheritance

2. However, because of the unfaithfulness and disobedience of Israel   (Judges 2)

a. The anger of Lord was stirred against them

b. The land became overrun with enemies

THE SPIRITUAL INHERITANCE THAT GOD GIVES US TODAY

1. Not physical in nature

2. But something far better; it is spiritual and eternal

a. Incorruptible

b. Undefiled

c. It does not fade away

d. It is reserved in heaven for us

3. Glimpses to what this spiritual inheritance is

a. An eternal home in heaven   (John 14:1-4)

b. Eternal glory and life   (2 Corinthians 4, 5)

c. Special access to God   (Romans 5:2, Ephesians 2:18)

d. Citizenship in heaven   (Philippians 3:20)

e. God Himself is our inheritance   (Psalm 16:5)

OUR PRESENT ENCOURAGEMENT

We can be encouraged as we learn how God has given to us a spiritual inheritance:

1. God purposefully seeks to bless us

2. It is all within God’s careful planning and preparation

3. We are given an inheritance because we are children of God

a. We belong to God in a very special way

b. It is out of His love toward us, that God gives to us an inheritance

CONCLUSION

1. We can sometimes harbor discouraging thoughts

a. We do not have much in life

b. It seems that there is nothing to look forward to, especially as one grows older

2. But let us be reminded that we have a wonderful spiritual inheritance

a. We have been blessed tremendously

b. We have much to look forward to

3. Appropriate Responses

a. Praise

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”   1 Peter 1:3

b. We can also follow the example of how Psalmist David responded

“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.”   Psalm 16:6