THE HOLY SPIRIT and SONSHIP Devotion 25 of 30 WHAT IS AN "HEIR"? An "heir" is someone who will share in the possessions of another. Such did not earn what they will receive, nor did they create it or purchase it. The heir receives something wrought out, earned, or procured by another. A FORWARD POSTURE Wherever a forward posture is not found, defeat is ever present! When professed believers do not think of their inheritance, they will find it easier to think of life in this world, temporal things, and areas where the fires of temptation burn. They will overestimate earthly treasures and advantages. They will experience more disappointment, and will more readily fall into doubt! But when they consider the fact that they are "heirs," the horizon of the future will grow brighter. The promises will become more precious, and the coming of the Lord will be longed for with great anticipation and eagerness. – Tomorrow:
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17, NKJV)
'and if children, then heirs"
Everything hinges on whether or not we are "the children of God." Nothing else matters if this is not true! It is therefore imperative that all believers be confirmed in the persuasion they are the children of God. If, in fact, we are "children," what a glorious circumstance belongs to us! If we are not, nothing good belongs to us.
HEIRS
The flesh reasons that "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." Thus it would rather have possessions NOW than wait patiently for something greater. This is the root of all covetousness, which is not willing to wait. It is why Aachan determined to gain instantaneous wealth when Israel entered into Jericho. He saw a Babylonish garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold, and took them to himself, even though God said not to touch such things. He was actually one of the heirs of the promised land, but was not willing to wait. Thus he forfeited the whole of his inheritance in the land (Josh 7:21-26). That is the manner of the flesh, or natural part of us.
But this is not the spirit of the Kingdom! If we are children we are "HEIRS," and that has to do with the future. Our text does not say "If children, then wealthy," or, "If children, then healthy," or "If children then luxury and ease and no trouble." For the people of God, all of that will eventually be true, but for now, while we suffer and are subject to trouble, we are "HEIRS."
The "heir" receives something that has been determined and apportioned by someone else. The provider is a benefactor who has been constrained by an affection for the appointed "heir." In our text, that affection is owing to filial relationship – "children."
Isaac was the immediate "heir" of Abraham's possessions, as well as the promises given to him. Of him God said, "but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine HEIR" (Gen 15:4). Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar the Egyptian was "NOT heir" with his son Isaac. He was not a "child" in the sense of Isaac – i.e., Abraham did not have him through Sarah. Thus it is written, "for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman" (Gen 21:10; Gal 4:22-31).
An inheritance is reserved for the "heirs," and "heirs" are appointed to obtain that inheritance. Those with little or no interest in rewards or an inheritance must remember there is no point to being God's children if there is no inheritance. From heaven's view, those who have no eternal birthright are living for nothing.
Notice the reasoning of our text. It is most powerful. He does not say, "And if children, then comfortable." Or, "And if children, then happy." Or, "and if children, then prosperous." The Word lifts our eyes and points us toward the future – to the coming of the Lord. That is when we will receive our real possessions!
It is no wonder the children of God are called "heirs according to the promise" (Gal 3:29). By God's grace they have been "made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" Tit 3:7), and are the "heirs of salvation" (Heb 1:14). God views them as "the heirs of promise" (Heb 6:19). James refers to the children of God as "heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him" (James 2:5). Peter refers to "heirs together of the grace of life" (1 Pet 3:7). What a blessed status is this – and it belongs to all who are "children of God."
PRAYER POINT: Father, I have learned by experience that this world is associated with trouble and sorrow, sin and temporality. How blessed it is to be an heir of good things to come. I thank You in Jesus name for the revealed status of "an heir."