The Believer's Threefold Inheritance

04/11/2018 13:34

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Date: 2 November, 2018
Text: Isaiah 54:17
Title: The Believer's Threefold Inheritance
 
Introduction:
Did you see in the news that an Australian Squatter has been awarded a property by the court which he has used for that last 20 years.
 
Mr. Gertos was granted ownership under a law recognising squatters' rights.  The property had been in disrepair and he decided to take possession of it. Apparently he put 150,000 Australian dollars into the property and then let it out.
 
The house had belonged to Henry Thompson Downie - it was vacated before WWII due to an ant infestation. Next it was rented to a tenant until she died in 1998.
 
Descendants of the previous owner are arguing against the decision - obviously they are seeking to get their inheritance. IF THEY WOULD HAVE SOUGHT IT MUCH SOONER, THEY COULD HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION OF IT SOONER AND NOT LOST IT.
 
We are going to look at an inheritance this morning which we need to take possession of immediately (if we've not yet done so.) 
 
You may say, I know Pastor that we do have a coming inheritance. (Your are correct.)
 
1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
 
You may also know that we need to particpate in establising and increasing that Heavenly inheritance.
 
Mat 6:19  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
 
However - did you also know that we have already got an inheritance which we ought to appropriate to ourselves now?
And - I'm not even talking about the earnest of our eternal inheritance. The Holy Ghost. Whom we do possess right now!
Ephesians 1:13-14  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
app. Praise God - We have Him.  But, He is not the focus of my message this morning.
 
According to Isaiah 54:17 - The Believer has a threefold inheritance guaranteed Him by Jehovah.
"This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD"
exp. "is" means now - "servants of the LORD - Jehovah" means we are not taking this precious promise out of context. 
app. IF you are God's servant - than this inheritance is for you!
 
You need to possess by faith your threefold inheritance as a servant of Jehovah. Have you taken possession of your spiritual inheritance? Don't be like the decendants of Henry Downie who wasted years and lost their inheritance.
 
I. You have inherited victory.
exp. You may wonder why you need victory. You are saved. You are on your way to Heaven. Perhaps you picture Christianity like a sheepfold (sounds Biblical) with the Good Shepherd (very Biblical) but I remind us this morning of the thief and wolf.
Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
 ill. Jesus said to Peter - Luk 22:31  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
app. You need to realize that CHRISTIANITY IS A BATTLE AND THAT YOU NEED TO GET VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY.
A. You have an enemy.
 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;
ill. I grew up in a hunting culture which harvested God' creation as man has done for 1,000's of years. I hunted sometimes with a gun and sometimes with a compound bow. I enjoyed bow hunting and just getting out and shooting at the targets in my garden. I suppose like Robin Hood there is a special joy in shooting a bow and arrow. You can see the arrow in flight and watch it strike the target. My bow had a kisser button - peep sight and pins. The pins were adjustable for different distances. I would put the sights on my target and squeeze my gator clip releasing an arrow at the target hopefully right where the sight was aimed.
exp. I remind us today that Satan is not just shooting at us - He is shooting at you.
1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
 app. He is your adversary. You are naive to think that he isn't interested in destroying you. He's as interested in you as in any believer. The only ones he leaves alone are those already defeated.
B. Your enemy is armed.
 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;
Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
ill. Like the enemies of old that would seek to burn down the defenses of their enemies by shooting flaming arrows - Satan seeks to set our defences on fire.
1.) Satan has armed his weapons with unbelief.
exp. 
He attacks creation,
The curse - what kind of a God allows death, sin, sickness. (Woman's lib/socialism) 
inspiration, - Yea hath God said?
marriage and family, - God's law regarding marriage is no longer acceptable - old fashioned
Psa 11:3  If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
2.) He's armed his weapons with lust, pride and materialism.
1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
app. We are naive to think this morning that we can get through any day without being destroyed WITHOUT ACCESSING OUR INHERITANCE OF VICTORY.
C. Your enemy's weapon is made for you.
 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;
exp. The weapons he possesses are custom made.
ill. The military uses specialist equipment.
1.) Night vision Goggles 2.) Heat seeking missiles 3.) Armor piercing rounds.... etc.
exp. They engage the enemy precisely where the enemy is weak.
 note: We call the attack of Satan - temptation and it is very specific.
James 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
 app. You will so feel so tempted that your sinful heart would blame God for a desire which you can not control. It's custom made to hit you in your weakest point - but the problem stems from the sinful desire of our human heart.
D. Your enemy is gunning for you right now.
 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; 
exp. The weapon "is" formed against you. It is happening. And when it is happening we HAVE AN INHERITANCE OF VICTORY.
ill. Esther was put into the King's palace at the precise time she was needed to spare God's people.
Mordecai told her - " and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?:
 app. Are you in the heat of the battle - keep all confidence in God. Your inheritance is for such a time as this. He gives victory WHEN the weapon is active.
E. You are protected from ALL weapons.
 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;
exp. You may feel like it is too much or that it is going to win over you - BUT DO NOT DESPAIR - your inheritance is such that it can not suceed!
1 Corinthians 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
ill. Our hearts have sorrowed this past week with the Wesco family. Did God fail his servant as a very real weapon was fired upon him taking His life? Has the family suffered a fatal blow from the enemy?
Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
ill. Charles' wife said, "My husband is in Heaven receiving the Martyr's crown from the Lord."
Charles Dad and Mum gave an interview on the day with his mum saying, "My husband and I have already forgiven the killer and prayed for him."
exp. The enemy has some incredible weapons. We continue to pray for the Wesco family because the assault by Satan has been great. Our confidence is that God will give them the victory BECAUSE OUR INHERITANCE IS VICTORY!
 app. Have you taken by faith your inheritance of victory from Jehovah! THIS IS THE HERITAGE OF THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD!
 
II. You have inherited vindication.
exp. When God's servant does what God commands often those who are not God's children seek to stand in judgment upon the man of God.
 ill. David's arrival at the Battlefield - His brother stood in judgment upon Him.
1Sa 17:28  And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
ill. Jesus as he waited for God's timing to go to Jerusalem.
John 7:3  His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4  For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5  For neither did his brethren believe in him.
 ill. Jesus on the cross.
Luk 23:39  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Mat 27:40  And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
A. Vindication for ungodly man's judgment.
 and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
exp. How often men's tongues wag against those who are godly.
ill. I recently quoted from an old book where the author says in effect, "Go to the dance and nobody says anything. God to church and the whole world is against you."
exp. Behind the words of men are the words of the devil. He'll say, it's not real. He'll question your motives, your position, etc......
 ill. Jesus
Mat 4:3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:6  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
app. Don't worry about what men say or think about your relationship with God! It will be vindicated!
B. Vindication from those who oppose you (as they oppose Christ.)
and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
exp. It hurts when it gets personal.
 ill. A friend of ours came under personal verbal attack this past week. Someone has accusations which they are willing to share with others but not with her. THAT IS HARD TO TAKE - AND THE ENEMY KNOWS IT.
ill. This is a very old tactic - Elijah faced it - and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
1 Kings18:17  And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
18  And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.
App. What is our confidence when under personal attack? It will all be revealed in God's timing. GOD HAS PROMISED I WILL BE VINDICATED!
C. Vindication from the proud man.
and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. 
ill. Moses had proud man rise up against him.
Numbers 12:1-2  And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.  And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.
 app. Perhaps in every case it would be true that those who rise up are those who are proud men. God will vindicate you against the proud.
D. Vindication for every word spoken against God's servants.
and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
exp. Don't despair thinking that men who have wronged a servant of God have gotten away with the same. 
ill. Jesus went clear to the cross because of the accusations of men - Heb 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
 app. Though many oppose God's servants, all will be dealt with in God's timing.
E. Vindication from our own lips when God sees fit to do so.
and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
exp. Condemn by your words, by your works, by your testimony.
1Pe 2:15  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
 ill. David was vindicated as soon as the giant fell.
Moses was vindicated as Miriam became a leper.
Elijah was vindicated as the fire fell from Heaven.
Jesus was vindicated by the empty tomb and will yet be vindicated by God.
 Rom 14:11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
app. THIS IS THE INHERITANCE OF THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD - it is hard when men oppose you - but don't despair - YOUR LIFE OR YOUR WORDS WILL CONDEMN THEM.
 
III. You have inherited virtue.
and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
exp. I believe that this final inheritance has to do with both of the previous two. 
A. Your inheritance is victory - so you have virtue.
exp. You did not have victory over sin - until God gave you His virtue. (His righteousness.)
Romans 4:3  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
6  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7  Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
 app. And so this morning - if you want to enter into the believer's inheritance of victory over sin - YOU CAN NOT DO SO - without first receiving God's gift of righteousness by faith in Jesus.
Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
app. Have you received virtue from God - YOU GET THIS NOW - NOT IN HEAVEN.  Rom 3:22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:
B. Your inheritance is vindication - THEREFORE no matter what they say you have virtue.
exp. Satan and men will do this. 
You can't serve God. I know what you were before you started this church thing! 
Or, This isn't going to last! You are going to go back to your old ways!
 exp. If God hadn't done something wonderful - IN GIVING YOU HIS VIRTUE - they would be right. BUT PRAISE GOD THEY ARE WRONG.
Ill. Sheet from Heaven showed Peter with unclean animals which God instructed him to eat.
Act 10:15  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
 exp. When God cleans it - it is clean!
ill. Jesus washing the disciples feet - Peter says WASH ALL OF ME.
10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
 app. Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the lamb? YOU CAN BE MADE AN HEIR BY GOD! Your inheritance as God's servant is VIRTUE - perfect righteousness in Christ! 
 
conclusion:
Henry Downie's descendants should have persued their right to their inheritance sooner. Now instead of possessing the benefit of that property they are in a court battle which it appears they have lost.
 
You are losing out if you have not claimed your inheritance as a servant of Jehovah. (Satan is squatting on property that is rightfully yours.)
 
"This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,"
 
VICTORY - no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper
(Are you living in defeat or possessing your inheritance?)
 
VINDICATION - every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn
(Are you keeping your eyes on the Lord and letting Him give you this in His timing?)
 
VIRTUE - you have it - Satan doesn't want you to think you do. He wants you to defeated!

 

 

Date: 2 November, 2018

Text: Isaiah 54:17

Title: The Believer's Threefold Inheritance

 

Introduction:

Did you see in the news that an Australian Squatter has been awarded a property by the court which he has used for that last 20 years.

 

Mr. Gertos was granted ownership under a law recognising squatters' rights.  The property had been in disrepair and he decided to take possession of it. Apparently he put 150,000 Australian dollars into the property and then let it out.

 

The house had belonged to Henry Thompson Downie - it was vacated before WWII due to an ant infestation. Next it was rented to a tenant until she died in 1998.

 

Descendants of the previous owner are arguing against the decision - obviously they are seeking to get their inheritance. IF THEY WOULD HAVE SOUGHT IT MUCH SOONER, THEY COULD HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION OF IT SOONER AND NOT LOST IT.

 

We are going to look at an inheritance this morning which we need to take possession of immediately (if we've not yet done so.) 

 

You may say, I know Pastor that we do have a coming inheritance. (Your are correct.)

 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

 

You may also know that we need to particpate in establising and increasing that Heavenly inheritance.

 

Mat 6:19  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

 

However - did you also know that we have already got an inheritance which we ought to appropriate to ourselves now?

And - I'm not even talking about the earnest of our eternal inheritance. The Holy Ghost. Whom we do possess right now!

Ephesians 1:13-14  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

app. Praise God - We have Him.  But, He is not the focus of my message this morning.

 

According to Isaiah 54:17 - The Believer has a threefold inheritance guaranteed Him by Jehovah.

"This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD"

exp. "is" means now - "servants of the LORD - Jehovah" means we are not taking this precious promise out of context. 

app. IF you are God's servant - than this inheritance is for you!

 

You need to possess by faith your threefold inheritance as a servant of Jehovah. Have you taken possession of your spiritual inheritance? Don't be like the decendants of Henry Downie who wasted years and lost their inheritance.

 

I. You have inherited victory.

exp. You may wonder why you need victory. You are saved. You are on your way to Heaven. Perhaps you picture Christianity like a sheepfold (sounds Biblical) with the Good Shepherd (very Biblical) but I remind us this morning of the thief and wolf.

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 ill. Jesus said to Peter - Luk 22:31  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

app. You need to realize that CHRISTIANITY IS A BATTLE AND THAT YOU NEED TO GET VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY.

A. You have an enemy.

 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;

ill. I grew up in a hunting culture which harvested God' creation as man has done for 1,000's of years. I hunted sometimes with a gun and sometimes with a compound bow. I enjoyed bow hunting and just getting out and shooting at the targets in my garden. I suppose like Robin Hood there is a special joy in shooting a bow and arrow. You can see the arrow in flight and watch it strike the target. My bow had a kisser button - peep sight and pins. The pins were adjustable for different distances. I would put the sights on my target and squeeze my gator clip releasing an arrow at the target hopefully right where the sight was aimed.

exp. I remind us today that Satan is not just shooting at us - He is shooting at you.

1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

 app. He is your adversary. You are naive to think that he isn't interested in destroying you. He's as interested in you as in any believer. The only ones he leaves alone are those already defeated.

B. Your enemy is armed.

 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;

Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

ill. Like the enemies of old that would seek to burn down the defenses of their enemies by shooting flaming arrows - Satan seeks to set our defences on fire.

1.) Satan has armed his weapons with unbelief.

exp. 

He attacks creation,

The curse - what kind of a God allows death, sin, sickness. (Woman's lib/socialism) 

inspiration, - Yea hath God said?

marriage and family, - God's law regarding marriage is no longer acceptable - old fashioned

Psa 11:3  If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

2.) He's armed his weapons with lust, pride and materialism.

1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

app. We are naive to think this morning that we can get through any day without being destroyed WITHOUT ACCESSING OUR INHERITANCE OF VICTORY.

C. Your enemy's weapon is made for you.

 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;

exp. The weapons he possesses are custom made.

ill. The military uses specialist equipment.

1.) Night vision Goggles 2.) Heat seeking missiles 3.) Armor piercing rounds.... etc.

exp. They engage the enemy precisely where the enemy is weak.

 note: We call the attack of Satan - temptation and it is very specific.

James 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

13  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

 app. You will so feel so tempted that your sinful heart would blame God for a desire which you can not control. It's custom made to hit you in your weakest point - but the problem stems from the sinful desire of our human heart.

D. Your enemy is gunning for you right now.

 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; 

exp. The weapon "is" formed against you. It is happening. And when it is happening we HAVE AN INHERITANCE OF VICTORY.

ill. Esther was put into the King's palace at the precise time she was needed to spare God's people.

Mordecai told her - " and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?:

 app. Are you in the heat of the battle - keep all confidence in God. Your inheritance is for such a time as this. He gives victory WHEN the weapon is active.

E. You are protected from ALL weapons.

 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;

exp. You may feel like it is too much or that it is going to win over you - BUT DO NOT DESPAIR - your inheritance is such that it can not suceed!

1 Corinthians 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

ill. Our hearts have sorrowed this past week with the Wesco family. Did God fail his servant as a very real weapon was fired upon him taking His life? Has the family suffered a fatal blow from the enemy?

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

ill. Charles' wife said, "My husband is in Heaven receiving the Martyr's crown from the Lord."

Charles Dad and Mum gave an interview on the day with his mum saying, "My husband and I have already forgiven the killer and prayed for him."

exp. The enemy has some incredible weapons. We continue to pray for the Wesco family because the assault by Satan has been great. Our confidence is that God will give them the victory BECAUSE OUR INHERITANCE IS VICTORY!

 app. Have you taken by faith your inheritance of victory from Jehovah! THIS IS THE HERITAGE OF THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD!

 

II. You have inherited vindication.

exp. When God's servant does what God commands often those who are not God's children seek to stand in judgment upon the man of God.

 ill. David's arrival at the Battlefield - His brother stood in judgment upon Him.

1Sa 17:28  And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

ill. Jesus as he waited for God's timing to go to Jerusalem.

John 7:3  His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

4  For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

5  For neither did his brethren believe in him.

 ill. Jesus on the cross.

Luk 23:39  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

Mat 27:40  And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

A. Vindication for ungodly man's judgment.

 and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

exp. How often men's tongues wag against those who are godly.

ill. I recently quoted from an old book where the author says in effect, "Go to the dance and nobody says anything. God to church and the whole world is against you."

exp. Behind the words of men are the words of the devil. He'll say, it's not real. He'll question your motives, your position, etc......

 ill. Jesus

Mat 4:3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Mat 4:6  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

app. Don't worry about what men say or think about your relationship with God! It will be vindicated!

B. Vindication from those who oppose you (as they oppose Christ.)

and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

exp. It hurts when it gets personal.

 ill. A friend of ours came under personal verbal attack this past week. Someone has accusations which they are willing to share with others but not with her. THAT IS HARD TO TAKE - AND THE ENEMY KNOWS IT.

ill. This is a very old tactic - Elijah faced it - and Ahab went to meet Elijah.

1 Kings18:17  And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?

18  And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

App. What is our confidence when under personal attack? It will all be revealed in God's timing. GOD HAS PROMISED I WILL BE VINDICATED!

C. Vindication from the proud man.

and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. 

ill. Moses had proud man rise up against him.

Numbers 12:1-2  And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.  And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.

 app. Perhaps in every case it would be true that those who rise up are those who are proud men. God will vindicate you against the proud.

D. Vindication for every word spoken against God's servants.

and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

exp. Don't despair thinking that men who have wronged a servant of God have gotten away with the same. 

ill. Jesus went clear to the cross because of the accusations of men - Heb 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

 app. Though many oppose God's servants, all will be dealt with in God's timing.

E. Vindication from our own lips when God sees fit to do so.

and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

exp. Condemn by your words, by your works, by your testimony.

1Pe 2:15  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

 ill. David was vindicated as soon as the giant fell.

Moses was vindicated as Miriam became a leper.

Elijah was vindicated as the fire fell from Heaven.

Jesus was vindicated by the empty tomb and will yet be vindicated by God.

 Rom 14:11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

app. THIS IS THE INHERITANCE OF THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD - it is hard when men oppose you - but don't despair - YOUR LIFE OR YOUR WORDS WILL CONDEMN THEM.

 

III. You have inherited virtue.

and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

exp. I believe that this final inheritance has to do with both of the previous two. 

A. Your inheritance is victory - so you have virtue.

exp. You did not have victory over sin - until God gave you His virtue. (His righteousness.)

Romans 4:3  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

6  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

7  Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

8  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

 app. And so this morning - if you want to enter into the believer's inheritance of victory over sin - YOU CAN NOT DO SO - without first receiving God's gift of righteousness by faith in Jesus.

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

app. Have you received virtue from God - YOU GET THIS NOW - NOT IN HEAVEN.  Rom 3:22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:

B. Your inheritance is vindication - THEREFORE no matter what they say you have virtue.

exp. Satan and men will do this. 

You can't serve God. I know what you were before you started this church thing! 

Or, This isn't going to last! You are going to go back to your old ways!

 exp. If God hadn't done something wonderful - IN GIVING YOU HIS VIRTUE - they would be right. BUT PRAISE GOD THEY ARE WRONG.

Ill. Sheet from Heaven showed Peter with unclean animals which God instructed him to eat.

Act 10:15  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

 exp. When God cleans it - it is clean!

ill. Jesus washing the disciples feet - Peter says WASH ALL OF ME.

10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

 app. Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the lamb? YOU CAN BE MADE AN HEIR BY GOD! Your inheritance as God's servant is VIRTUE - perfect righteousness in Christ! 

 

conclusion:

Henry Downie's descendants should have persued their right to their inheritance sooner. Now instead of possessing the benefit of that property they are in a court battle which it appears they have lost.

 

You are losing out if you have not claimed your inheritance as a servant of Jehovah. (Satan is squatting on property that is rightfully yours.)

 

"This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,"

 

VICTORY - no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper

(Are you living in defeat or possessing your inheritance?)

 

VINDICATION - every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn

(Are you keeping your eyes on the Lord and letting Him give you this in His timing?)

 

VIRTUE - you have it - Satan doesn't want you to think you do. He wants you to defeated!

 

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