Ephesians 1:10b–12 (NASB 95)
10b In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
Examine / Explain
Obtained an inheritance – assigned a portion, received a share
Predestined – marked out beforehand
His will – desire
Hope – trust
Praise – accurate acknowledgment
Glory – God’s infinite, intrinsic worth (substance, essence)
In Jesus, we were marked out beforehand to receive a share of God’s desire. In Him, all things work together so that accurate acknowledgment of who God is would be accomplished by those who place their trust in Him. In that acknowledgment, God’s infinite, intrinsic worth is worshipped.
How do I apply this to my life?
Do I remember that I received a portion of the inheritance set for Jesus as a believer? Submitting my life to Jesus’s Lordship allows me an eternal life with Him, as opposed to an eternal death. I am acknowledging God’s glory by placing my life, faith, and hope in the Savior. But how am I living that out? Am I still living an old life or a new life in Christ? Do the desires of my heart align with the desires of God’s will? How often does my pride and attempt to be the ruler of my life supersede God’s best for me? How is my self-sufficiency overthrowing a heavenly kingdom in my heart? Do I still believe I am the only one who can care for my needs? I can pull up my bootstraps and white knuckle life until I have enough money, sex, and things to find I can finally rest. Lies! I must stop trying to live up to a pressure-induced performance “Christian” life. My inheritance includes freedom! As a believer, I have been marked before time existed to have freedom in Christ through the truth of who He is and who God is. I have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to live a life that is spirit-led and not bouncing around randomly trying to find the next pleasure. What must I do to live that life pointing to the Glory of God? I must change my mind. I must surrender and pick my cross in every area of my life. He does not want part of me. He wants all of me. That battle starts and finishes in the mind.
What is my response?
Father, change my mind. Change my perspective on everything! I must see everything, every detail, the big picture, and the world through the lens of Christ. I must kill my pride and live in the Kingdom of God every day. My address can’t change just because of how I feel that day. No more attempts to overthrow Your kingdom. I have to sit in it. I must thrive in it as a victor! My inheritance includes victory in the name of Jesus! My inheritance consists of the ability to listen to the portion of a Holy God living inside me, giving me nudges and correction. How can I fail when measured with the correct measuring stick? I am not looking for easy. I must look for ways to honor and accurately acknowledge my LORD and Savior and point to the Glory of God.
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