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.
Romans 8:17
As children of God, we are co-heirs with Christ. We have received His Holy Spirit and we must be willing to be led by the Spirit. In doing so, we put the misdeeds of the flesh to death. We have a responsibility, according to Paul, to live by the Spirit. This is a sobering thought! We must co-labor with the Holy Spirit at work in us to be transformed more into the likeness of Christ. The more willing we are to be Spirit-led, the greater our transformation and the freer we become. The kingdom of God is righteousness, joy, and peace, and when Jesus came to earth, He announced His kingdom was near.
(Matthew 4:17) His kingdom is one of righteousness that produces the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, goodness, and self-control. (Galatians 5)
As co-heirs with Christ, we have this fruit as our inheritance. Think about all the misery in the world: frustration, anger, hurt, pain… Christ never promised our lives would be easy. In fact He said, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) Jesus did promise in His Word that although we would have trials, He would be with us in the midst of the trials and would help us to overcome our trials. He also taught that the benefits of His kingdom would be righteousness, joy, and peace. Another benefit of being a “kingdom people” is the truth that receiving His spirit does not make us slaves to fear; we receive the Spirit of Sonship. As co-heirs with Christ, have you received these benefits – the fruit of righteousness, joy, and peace and the assurance that fear has no place in the life of a believer? If trials have overtaken you and fear has a hold on you, remind yourself that as a child of the King, your inheritance is His peace, joy, and righteousness. If you have agreed with the enemy that you are not entitled to these things, break your agreement and come into agreement with God’s Word. Your inheritance is waiting.
Heavenly Father,
I have lived as a pauper – not willing to believe or receive my inheritance as a child of the King. I come into agreement with Your Word that I am a co-heir with Christ, sharing not only in His sufferings, but sharing in His glorious inheritance of peace, joy, and righteousness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
