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Maintaining a Clear Perspective - Evangelical Caucus/Devotional
Gracetoyou.org ^ | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

Posted on 01/25/2026 10:23:38 PM PST by metmom

"I pray that . . . you may know . . . what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (Eph. 1:18).

How you perceive your spiritual resources dictates how you live.

Throughout Ephesians 1 Paul is clearly struck with the magnificence of our inheritance in Christ. Here he prays that we will know the riches of its glory.

Some commentators see "His inheritance" as a reference to believers, who are God's inheritance or special possession (v. 14). That view stresses the value God places on us as believers, as demonstrated in Christ's death, the forgiveness of our sins, and the abundant grace that He lavishes on us (vv. 7-8).

Others see it as referring to the believer's inheritance, which Paul calls "His inheritance" because God is its source. Just as "His calling" (v. 18) issued from Him and was received by believers, so His inheritance issues from Him.

Both views are theologically sound but the second seems more consistent with Paul's emphasis in verses 11 and 14. In either case Paul's point is clear: redemption and its accompanying blessings are so profound that we must have supernatural help to understand them. That's why he prayed for our enlightenment (v. 18).

Such enlightenment is crucial because how you perceive your spiritual resources dictates how you live. If, for example, you realize you have every resource for godly living (Eph. 1:3), you are less likely to succumb to temptation. Knowing God has given you His very best in Christ (Rom. 8:31) assures you that He won't withhold lesser things, so you'll not tend to worry about earthly needs. Understanding that you have already received "grace upon grace" (John 1:16), abundant life (John 10:10), and "everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3) gives you confidence that God's future grace and resources will be more than sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).

Let that motivate you to praise your rich and glorious God for His rich and glorious inheritance!

Suggestions for Prayer

-Thank God for the privilege of being His child.

-Memorize Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 and recite them often as anthems of praise for the Lord's abundant grace.

For Further Study

-Read 2 Corinthians 11-12.

-What kinds of trials did Paul face?

-How did God respond to Paul's prayer to remove his "thorn in the flesh"?

-How might Paul's response influence you when you face difficulties?


TOPICS: Evangelical Christian; Theology; Worship
KEYWORDS: gty

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1 posted on 01/25/2026 10:23:38 PM PST by metmom
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To: Alex Murphy; boatbums; CynicalBear; daniel1212; ealgeone; Elsie; Gamecock; HossB86; Iscool; ...

Studying God’s Word ping


2 posted on 01/25/2026 10:24:00 PM PST by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus….)
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To: metmom

Not positive, but I think this talks about HIS inheritance in us. He bought us at great price and rejoices that we are His.


3 posted on 01/26/2026 3:34:17 AM PST by freepertoo
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To: metmom

If a foreigner’s theft of a hotel sign results in ultimate death then I wonder what this guy has in fate.???
This Country should try toughening up on consequences,
Demcrats and their ilksters are slipping by without least their own j6 retribute.


4 posted on 01/26/2026 4:01:30 AM PST by Recompennation ( Deeeeeeeeezout)
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To: Recompennation

Wrong thread? Please excuse me


5 posted on 01/26/2026 4:04:57 AM PST by Recompennation ( Deeeeeeeeezout)
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To: metmom; All

Probably stuff we sold THEM already... US Liberals are just dumb enough to buy it back!


6 posted on 01/26/2026 4:35:14 AM PST by SMARTY (In politics, stupidity is not a handicap. Napoleon Bonaparte I)
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