Labour For Eternal Inheritance - Pastor Joseph Sobanke

A PAPER PRESENTED BY PASTOR J.S.A, SOBANKE, SURULERE AREA SUPERINTENDENT DURING THE 48TH ANNUAL LAWNA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION’S ADULT PEOPLE’S TEACHING SERVICE ON THURSDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 2024 AT THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH NIGERIA, LAWNA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION GROUNDS, OLORUNDA KETU, LAGOS

THEME: LABOUR FOR ETERNAL INHERITANCE

TEXT HEDREWS 9:18

And for this cause, He is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are allowed might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

To an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in the heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:3-4

Introduction:

True born-again Christians, the redeemed of the Lord, that is, the children of God, who are also called the righteous, the believers, brethren, holy brethren, saints. Saints of the Most High, the elects partaker of the heavenly calling have been promised eternal inheritance. But to access this heavenly inheritance they must Labour for it.

1.0. Meaning of Labour.

1.1 Labour (Noun). Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines it as work, especially hard work Collins Dictionary describes it as productive work, especially physical work done for wages

2.0 Labour (Verb)

2.1 To work hard, make great effort

2.2 To toil, work extremely hard or incessantly

2.3 To strive, as towards a goal

2.4 It is to perform one’s respective duties conscientiously and efficiently

2.5 Labour (Greek-Spoudazo) means to be diligent, seriously earnest

3.0 Biblical Meaning of Labour

The word both (Noun and verb) denotes hard work or “toil”
Example: “I know thy works and thy Labour, and thy patience…” Revelation 2:2

3.2 Toil-Simon told Jesus Christ, “Master, we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5.

3.3 Diligent – Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule but the slothful shall be under tribute.”

3.4 Diligenee-2 Peter 1: Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things, you shall never fall.”

3.5 Strive (To strive) – Luke 13:24. Jesus Christ charged us to “Strive to enter in at the straight gate for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able.”

3.6 Struggle – Matthew 11:12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”

3.7 Labour- To perlom pastoral or Christian duties

1 Corinthians 15:10. Paul declared… “I Laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not 1. but the grace of God which was with me.”

4.0. Biblical Concept of Labour in Redemption

4.1. Christ Laboured (worked hard) to accomplish man’s salvation

i. John 4:34, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work

ii. John 5:17. In His defense, Jesus told the Jews. “My Father is always at His work, to this day. and I too am working” (N.IV.).

4.2. Jesus prayed hard at Gethsemane to the point that “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

Note: He laboured to accomplish our salvation in Gethsemane. Luke 22:39-44.

5.0. Believers Exhorted to Labour to enter into Salvation – Rest

Believers have been exhorted to labour to enter into salvation-rest provided for them by Christ

5.1 John6:27. Jesus warms us. “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”
5.2 Hebrews 4:11 “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest. Lest any man fall into the same example of unbelief.

6.0 Redemptive Labours of Believers will be rewarded by God

6.1 Revelation 22:12 “And behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every according as his work shall be.

NOTE: It is this reward of ETERNAL INHERITANCE we are here to discuss today.

7.0 Eternal

7.1 Eternal means, lasing or existing forever, or without beginning or end.

7.2 Inheritance -The receipt of property as a gift or by legal right usually upon the death of one’s father in other words, inheritance is the legal transmission of property after death.

8.0 Understanding the Concept of Inheritance in the Bible

Inheritance is a concept deeply rooted in Christian theology, as it pertains to the promises and blessings passed down from God to His people.

8.1. Biblical Inheritance Defined

Inheritance in the Bible refers to the blessings and promises that God has prepared for His children. It is not limited to materiel possessions but includes spiritual blessings and eternal life Ephesians 1: 11

8.2 According to Baker, in the theological sense, to inherit means to, “receive an irrevocable gift with an emphasis on the special relationship between the benefactor and the recipients. Unlike legal or earthly inheritance, the benefactor, our God does not die, yet He provides material and spiritual blessings for His people.

Paul said “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen.” I Timothy 1:17.

8.3 The Old Testament Perspective of Inheritance

In the Old Testament, inheritance was often associated with the land of Canaan, which God promised to give to the descendants of Abraham. This was a physical inheritance. Read Genesis 12:7: 15:18.

8.4 The New Testament Perspective of Inheritance

In the New Testament, inheritance refers to the eternal life and spiritual blessings that are available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. This inheritance is not earned but is a gift from God Romans 8:17-18

8.5. Eternal Inheritance Defined
it is a spiritual blessing reserved for us in heaven. The eternal inheritance includes all that the believer will enjoy in heaven for eternity and all that will be his through Christ.

This inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled and unfaded. Our inheritance in heaven will last forever.

9.0. The Nature of Our Inheritance Characteristics of Our Inheritance

Apostle Peter gives a detailed description of the Christian’s inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-4:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten as again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

To an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” KJV

To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you– ESV

And we have a priceless inheritance and inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay-NLT.

9.1 Our inheritance is Incorruptible

Unlike earthly possessions that can decay or be stolen, our eternal inheritance is incorruptible It is imperishable, it has no expiry date It does not age, deteriorate, or die, it does not have the seed of corruption within it. It is death-proof.

9.2 Undefiled.

Our inheritance is undefiled. It means that our inheritance is unstained or unpolluted. It is in perfect condition. No tarnish or stain can dim its purity. It is flawless and perfect. It is sin-proof.

9.3 Unfading.

Our inheritance is unfading. It will never fade away. It will last forever. Our inheritance shall never fade or diminish in value, glory, or beauty. It is time-proof.

9.4 Secured in Heaven

It is reserved for you in Heaven. Our inheritance is not of this world but reserved in heaven for us. This assures us that our inheritance is secured and cannot be taken away-1 Peter 1:4.
Your inheritance is in heaven, it is reserved for you. It is actually being held there by God for you. God is simply waiting for you to finish your task here on earth and to come to Him. thee He will give you your inheritance, How prepared are you to receive Itis eternal inheritance.

10.0 The Basis of Our Inheritance

10.1 We are the children of God.

Romans 8:16-“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”

10.2 We have been adopted into God’s family.

1 John 3:1-“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God.”

10.3 We are heirs of God, and joint-heir with Christ.

Romans 8.16-17-“And if children, then heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Hun, that we may be glorified together.”

Comment:

As joint heir with Christ, you will share in the inheritance of Christ

10.4 Ephesians 1:11 says: “In Him (Christ) we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined (chosen and appointed beforehand), according to His purpose and His will”

10.5 Above all the Father has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom of light. Colossians 1:12

11.0 Eternal Inheritance – The Rewards of the Righteous.

11.1 Heavenly Kingdom. You will inherit the heavenly kingdom.

I . In the judgement of the sheep and the goats, that is, the wicked and the righteous, Christ said “Then shall the king say to them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” – Matthew 25:34 (25:31- 46).

ii. 2 Timothy 4:18 Paul says. “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His Heavenly Kingdom: to whom glory for ever and ever.”

iii. Note: It is a heavenly city that God has prepared for His faithful servants.

iv. Hebrews 11:16 describes it as “a better country,” the “heavenly Jerusalem.” (Hebrews 12/12). and the “city…to come” (Hebrews 13:14),

11.2 Heavenly Citizenship. You will become a citizen of heaven.

i. Ephesians 2:19 “Now therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”
Philippians 3:20-21 says, “For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body…N.K.J.V

Comment: unlike some countries of the world, where you need Green cards to become a citizen, you don’t need any earthly green card to become a citizen of Heaven. The only requirements is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour and labour for the eternal inheritance.

11.3 Heavenly Home. You will have a home in Heaven, John 14:1-5.

John 14.2-3. Jesus said. “In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you… That where I am, there you may be also.”

Comments: There are homes or houses in Heaven. Many are mansions, magnificent building; some don’t even have doors or windows. Others are hamlets and huts. Your godly labour on earth will determine the type of house you will inherit in heaven.

11.4 Eternal/Everlasting life. You will receive eternal life.

“I give them eternal life (that is. His sheep, His children) and they will not perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:28
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should no perish, but have everlasting life.

Comments: God’s life is eternal life. It has no beginning or end, A life that overflows with joy, love, peace, power, purpose, and meaning. That is the type of life we are going to inherit Are you ready to labour for it?

11.5 Incorruptible body You will receive a new body, a glorious body.

i. Genesis 3:19. God said to Adam, “For dust though art and unto dust shall thou return.”

ii. 1 Corinthians 15:53. “For this corruptible must put on an incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. Read 1 Corinthians 15:41-44.53-57.

Comments: At the resurrection of the saints, you will receive an incorruptible body a no body, a transformed body, a glorious body that never decays.

11.6 You will receive crown of righteousness, 2 Timothy 4:8. A crown of righteousness that makes you perfect before God-righteous and perfect so that you can live before God forever and ever.

11.7 Crown of life. You will receive the crown of life. James 1:12

What is the crown of life? You shall be crown with life itself, eternal life that will go on and never ending.

11.8 Incorruptible Crown -Crown of Incorruption. You will receive an incorruptible crown. 1 Corinthians 9:25: 1 Peter 1:3-4.

As Christians, you are running a Christion race to obtain an incorruptible crown.

11.9 Crown of Glory. You will receive crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:4 “And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive crown of glory that faded not away.”
11.10 You will inherit eternal glory. All the sufferings of his present time- sickness, pain, disappointments, persecutions among others cannot be compared to the eternal glory we are going to enjoy in Christ in Heaven.

“For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 Romans 8:18

11.11 Eternal Rest and peace. You will enter into eternal rest and peace Hebrews 4:1; 9:11 i. “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:11.
ii. Revelation 14:13 says: “And I heard a voice from heaven saving unto me, write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works de follow them.

Comments:

God has promised us eternal rest in heaven. Entering this final rest means ceasing from the labours, sufferings and persecutions common to our lives on this earth. No more protest against hardship and bad governance.

11.12 You will sit on the thrones and reign with Christ in Heaven.
Revelation 20:4. And I saw thrones and they sat upon them… and they lived and reigned with Christ…
Revelation 22:5 b…. and they shall reign for ever and ever.

11.13 You will have right to the tree of life. You will eat of the tree of life.

“Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14

“… To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7

11.14 You will drink water of life freely. No more thirst or dehydration

“And He said unto me, It is done I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, I will give unto him that athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Revelation 21:6; 22:1″

11.15 You will partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.

“… Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said unto me, “These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:9.

11.16 You will inherit all things that Christ has prepared for the overcomers.

He that overcometh shall inherit all things -all the spiritual blessings; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:7.

12.0 How to Labour for Eternal Inheritance

12.1 The rich young noter asked Jesus Christ, “Good Master, what good thing shall 1 do that 1 may have eternal life? Mathew 19.16

Christ answered him:

I. If you will enter into life, keep the Commandments.

II. Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal do not give false testimony. honour your father and mother, and love your neighbour as yourself.

The rich young ruler answered Christ

“All these 1 have kept, what do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you will be perfect go and sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven…”

The Bible says, “he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:16-22

12.2 Engage in Heavenly Investments.

I. Christ advises us. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth rust doth corrupt. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven….”

11. Be a tither. Don’t default in the payments of tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8-12

iii. Be liberal in giving to God’s work.

“The liberal soul shall be made fat and he that waters shall be watered also Proverbs 11.24- 26; 2Corinthions 9:6

12.3 “Seek first the Kingdom of God. and His righteousness. Put God first in all your endeavours and He will meet all your needs.” Matthew 6:33.

12.4 Carry out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Go and preach the word” Matthew 28:18-20

Preach the Word: be instant in season, out of season… 2 Timothy 4:2-5.

Remember, Paul said, “Woe is me If I preach not the gospel. “1 Corinthians 9:16.

12.5 Win souls for Christ. Proverbs 11:30 says, “He that wins souls is wise. Go and populate the Kingdom of God and depopulate the Kingdom of darkness.

12.6 Have a living a living faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Peter said, “We are kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” -1 Peter 1:5

ii. Hebrews 11: 6 says. “But without faith it is impossible to please God.”

12.7 Abide in the true Vine. Christ is the true Vine; we are the branches When remain in Christ we have life and are fruitful- we bear enduring fruits. John15:1-6 3.

12.8 Run the Christian race with diligence (exercise, self-control and endurance). Be temperate in all things. Let there he spiritual discipline. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 9.24-27.

12.9 Remain focus spiritually.

Paul said. “But one thing I do… I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of Ced in Christ Jesus-Philippians 3:13-14

12.10 Fight the good fight of faith. Agonize, engage in intense struggle. Fight to win the prize – the eternal Inheritance. 1Timothy 6:12

12.11 Illustration: A Wasted Inheritance

Proverbs 13:22 Says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his Children’s children.”

But this earthly inheritance is fraught with a lot of dangers. It could be a wasted inheritance. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 tells us how the prodigal son wasted his own inheritance-he Squandered ever thing.

He became homeless, hopeless, helpless, without friends or acquaintances

Earthly inheritance could also lead to litigation (court cases) cheating, outright seizure by the powerful family and non- family members and even killing of one another.

Eternal Inheritance can never suffer such fate. It is already reserved for you in heaven, jealously guarded by God

Conclusion

The Bible says:

“Eye has not seen, nor car heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9.

God has prepared eternal inheritance for you, that is, spiritual blessings that are incorruptible, undefiled and faded not. Therefore, labour assiduously to be among the righteous who will inherit this eternal inheritance when you appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ