Understanding Our Spiritual Heritage

Heritage encompasses the rich legacy of faith, values, and blessings passed down through generations of believers. It represents the spiritual inheritance we receive in Christ and are called to share with others.

Understanding Heritage

Heritage refers to anything inherited from previous generations, including customs and traditions. A major Old Testament focus was the birthright, relating to differing financial disbursement and privileges based on birth order.

Jesus gave His all that we might be blessed. By faith, we ask and receive (Mt 21:22). The Holy Spirit has been given to us as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor 1:22). We will not only have a home in heaven but blessings on earth too, including the resources to live victoriously (Ps 16:6; Jn 14:2-3; 2 Cor 10:4; 2 Pet 1:3-4).

Timothy had a Godly grandmother and mother who shared their faith with him from a young age (2 Tim 1:5, 3:14-15). Our heritage in Christ is not passed on via family genealogy through inheritance as a matter of course – it must be entered into personally.

If you have received a Godly heritage, honour it by passing it on to the next generation

The great news is Jesus died for all, and anyone who wants to can enter into the blessings of Christ. The open, inclusive invitation is, "Whoever will, let him come" (Act 10:43; Rev 22:17). Every blessing in Christ is rightfully ours because we have entered into a covenant relationship and been adopted as sons (Jn 1:12; Eph 1:3-14, 2:7, 3:16-19; Col 1:27). Satan tries to prevent us entering into our rightful place in Christ – we are to resist him, and choose life (Deut 30:15; Jn 10:10; Jas 4:7-8).

Entering Our Inheritance

Every blessing in Christ is rightfully ours because we have entered into a covenant relationship and been adopted as sons (Jn 1:12; Eph 1:3-14, 2:7, 3:16-19; Col 1:27). This inheritance includes spiritual blessings and the resources to live victoriously.

Satan tries to prevent us entering into our rightful place in Christ – we are to resist him, and choose life (Deut 30:15; Jn 10:10; Jas 4:7-8). The Holy Spirit has been given to us as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor 1:22).

Resist the enemy and choose life in Christ

We will not only have a home in heaven but blessings on earth too, including the resources to live victoriously (Ps 16:6; Jn 14:2-3; 2 Cor 10:4; 2 Pet 1:3-4). Do we share with others the blessings of our relationship with God and the riches of salvation He wants to give to those who come to Him?

Passing On Godly Heritage

It is normal for parents to pass on to their children earthly things of material worth. How much more desirable to instruct children by imparting Godly values into their impressionable lives, besides telling about His faithfulness (Prov 22:6; Isa 38:19).

Make your teaching personal by sharing God's dealings with you (Deut 4:9-10; Ps 78:3-4; Joel 1:3). His words are to have a prominent place in our lives so they govern our lifestyle (Deut 6:6-9).

Make your teaching personal by sharing God's dealings with you

Parents are called to impart Godly values into their children's lives and tell of His faithfulness. This spiritual heritage far exceeds any material inheritance we might leave behind.

Reflection and Application:

Reflect on the spiritual heritage you have received.
Consider how you are entering into your inheritance in Christ.
Identify ways to pass on Godly values to the next generation.
Share your personal experiences of God's faithfulness with others.