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Caring for our inheritance

Reading part of the parable of the lost son.

Luke 15 vs. 11-12, 21-24, 28-31

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 

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Caring for our inheritance

Reading part of the parable of the lost son.

Luke 15 vs. 11-12, 21-24, 28-31

23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 

24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

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Luke 15 vs. 11-12, 21-24, 28-3128 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So

his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve

been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 

30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.

32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

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The inheritanceThe inheritance

Intro: We are rich. Disaster may strike but it does not change our position in Christ. We have an inheritance.

Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Note: Whether we are good sons or bad sons does not change our position in the family.

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1) Some characteristics of the inheritance

a) The way we received it

We received it through “adoption” into the family of God.

Ephesians 1:4-5   For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to

be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

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b) We did not “work” for our inheritance,

someone else did.

c) We may treat the inheritance wrongly like both sons did, but the Father loved both, and the feast took place!

2) What is our attitude as to how to use the inheritance?

a) Do we use the inheritance in accordance with the wishes of our benefactor?

Colossians 3:24 … since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

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b) Has he given us any instructions as to how to use our inheritance?

Yes…numerous!

Luke 12:32-3432 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor…. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:22…Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…!

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c) In case of misuse of the inheritance ,do we get the chance to make it right?

Answer: Yes! Yes! Yes!

We are on the path of trial and error,

and the Father is on the look-out for us!

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet… So they began to celebrate.

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3) What should we be careful of as we manage our inheritance?

a) Do not underestimate the many aspects that are part of managing the inheritance

Deuteronomy 24:12-1512  If the neighbor is poor, do not go to sleep with their

pledge in your possession.13 Return their cloak by sunset so that your neighbor may

sleep in it. Then they will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the LORD your God.

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b) Realize that managing the inheritance is a delegated responsibility that involves pain.

Romans 8:18 

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us

c) Ask for help when the burden gets too heavy.

Hebrews 4:1616 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.