Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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.
Romans 8:12-17
Joint heirs with Christ
W4CL – Heirs
“Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, ‘Abba, Father.’ Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Galations 4:1-7 (KJV)
There has been much talk in our nation, and around the world of the new “Royal baby” which was born a week or so ago. “Third heir to the throne” we have heard. What is he heir to? The ceremonial, traditional position of the king of England. A small, and somewhat influential country in the world; an honor for this baby, and the ones which preceded him.
It is Paul’s declaration that those who have been born of God are heirs with Christ Jesus. Now that is not a ceremonial, nor traditional thing; it is an eternal, very influential thing. According to Romans 8:17 those of us who have been born again through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, buried with Him in His baptism, and raised again to new life through His resurrection are “Joint heirs with Christ”. What does that mean?
It means that we will not be ruling a penniless, bankrupt nation (spiritually and economically); we will rule the earth with King Jesus on the throne. He is the one who “Owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). He also owns the stars in the deepest parts of space, and the earth is His footstool (Matthew 5:35).
If we are joint heirs with Christ, and we are; then, as heirs of Christ we should behave like heirs of Christ until He comes again.
In Christ you are heir to more than a fading kingdom; you are an heir to all that is God’s.
Words for Christian Living – Sufficiency
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (KJV)
Some will notice that I used a portion of this Scripture; verse 9; a few days ago. There is another word that is beneficial here for the Christian. The word “Sufficiency” one definition at dictionary.com is “adequate provision or supply, especially of wealth.”
Sufficiency in Christ is in matters of His supply, provision; and it is adequate. Grace is sufficient through Christ; and all that goes with it. According to Scripture; we are “Joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) so all that is His is ours as well, even the suffering with Him. We are also told by Scripture that “All things are under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25, 27; Ephesians 1:22; Hebrews 2:8). All that the Christian needs is supplied by the cross of Jesus Christ.
Christ Himself is our wealth; our Sufficiency.
The Fire and Hammer 