CLAIMING YOUR INHERITANCE

Tags: pvl

(Joshua 13:1 -19:51)
A Message by Rev. Dr. Vincent Leoh on 27th August 2000

The Israelites have conquered Canaan (1-12). Now they settle into the land (13-24).

I. THIS LAND IS GOD’S LAND

1. Inheriting the Land.
2. Partitioning the Land.
3. Using the Land: Life in a New Society.

II. THIS IS LAND IS OUR LAND!

1. THE 2 1/2 TRIBES EAST OF THE JORDAN: COMPROMISE (13:7-14:5)

• Compromised on God’s gift.
• Compromised on God’s law.

So many live with God’s second best.

Don’t become a “borderline compromising believer”. Enter into the inheritance God appoints for you and rejoice in it. “He will choose our inheritance for us…” (Ps.47:4). The will of God is the expression of the love of God and is always the best for us.

2. THE 1 1/2 TRIBES WEST OF JORDAN:
EPHRAIM AND MANNASEH: COMPLAINING (16:1 – 17:18)

It’s worth nothing that the people of Ephraim and Manasseh seemed to be given to criticism and pride. They not only created problems for Joshua but also for Gideon (Jud.8:1-3), Jephthah (12:1-7), and even David (2 Sam.20:1-5). “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (James 3:16).

The Alternative to Complaining About One’s Lot in Life (17:14-18)

• It’s not your boasting but your believing that gives you the victory and gains your new territory. Sometimes those who talk the most accomplish the least.
• Do not complain about our lot or unfair treatment in life but to miximize it. Faithfully use the resources He has given you and to quit complaining about your lot in life.

3. THE NOT-SO MAGNIFICENT SEVEN TRIBES:
COMPLACENT (18:1-19:51; see 18:2)

Seven tribes still had to have their inheritance marked out for them, and apparently they were slow to respond to the challenge. These tribes didn’t have faith and spiritual zeal. These tribes had helped fight battles and defeat the enemy, but now they hesitated to claim their inheritance and enjoy the land God had given them.

Christ calls us to be overcomers. He challenges us to great conquests both in the church as a whole as well as in our private lives. His will is that we should always be victors. Above and beyond all the battles and struggles it is His ultimate purpose that we be those who not only take territory but occupy it to find fruitful lives rich in the abundance of His provision.

4. LEVITES: COMMITTED (13:14,33; 14:3-4; 18:7; see C.21- Levitical Cities)

Four times in these chapters we are reminded that the Levites were given no inheritance in the land (13:14,33; 14:3-4; 18:7) because the Lord was their inheritance. The priests received certain portions from the sacrifices as their due, and both the priests and the Levites shared in the special tithes and offerings that the people were commanded to bring. As God had stated, He Himself was to be the Levi’s inheritance and provider.

5. CALEB (OF JUDAH): CONFIDENT (OF GOD & HIS PROMISE) (14:6-15; 15:13-19)

The secret of Caleb’s life is found in a phrase that’s repeated six times in Scripture: “He wholly followed the Lord God of Israel” (14:14; Num.14:24; 32:12; Dt. 1:36; Josh.14:8-9). Caleb was an overcomer because he had faith in the Lord (1 John 5:4). Caleb was 40 years old when God made His promise. Over half a lifetime later, at age 85, Caleb receive tangibly that which he had trusted God for all those years.

6. JOSHUA: CONSISTENT (19:49-50; 13:1-6)

Consistency among the people of God right through history lies in the fact that they are dealing with the same God on the same terms.

• No Pride: Being the leader that he was, Joshua waited until the very last to claim his own inheritance; and the Lord gave him the city of Timnath-Serah (meaning “my abundant portion”).
• No Corruption: Another amazing aspect of Joshua’s character and conduct was that he never once showed any inclination to seize power for his own selfish purposes. Power did not corrupt him.
• No Overstepping: Nor did he overstep the spiritual authority of Eleazer the high priest. Not once did he attempt to usurp the prior place of Israel’s spiritual leadership.
• No Hesitation: Whatever clear instruction came to him from God, he promptly proceeded to carry them out with implicit obedience.

III. THE CHRISTIAN INHERITANCE

In the New Covenant there is a better inheritance for all true believers, including Gentiles (Heb.3:6). The inheritance is the kingdom of God with all its blessings (Matt.25:34; 1 Cor 6:9; Gal 5:21), both present and eschatological (Rom 8:17-23; 1 Cor 15:50; Heb.11:13; 1 Peter 1:3-4). It is wholly the gift of God’s sovereign grace. The believers are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:16-17; Gal 4:7; Eph 1:11-14; Heb 1:14)

Scriptures on Believer’s Inheritance

Mt 25:34 -Then the King will say…”Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

Ac 20:32 – So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Ac 26:18 – …that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith.

Eph 1:13-14 – …you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance…

Eph 1:18 – that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.

Col. 1:12 – giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Col 3:24 – knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Heb 9:15 – those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

1 Pet 1:3-4 – …who has begotten us…to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.

Be encouraged in your pilgrim journey! You have already received your inheritance in Christ and can claim “every spiritual blessing” (Eph 1:3). Since you have a glorious inheritance before you (1 Pet 1:3-6), keep looking up! The best is yet to come!

CONCLUSION

Claim Your Inheritance by Cultivating the Right Attitudes!

DON’T

• Compromise (2 1/2 tribes)
• Complain (1 1/2 tribes)
• Be Complacent (7 tribes)

BE

• Committed (Levi)
• Confident (Caleb-Judah)
• Consistent (Joshua)