Jun. 01, 2025

Pastor Dave's sermon begins at 28:28 min into the video. The music "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)", "Living Hope" , "There Is Power In The Blood (Power In The Blood)", "Holy Forever",  "Behold Our God", and "I Exalt Thee" are licensed under CCLI Copyright #2723035 and Streaming Media #22024223 licenses.

From Earthly Wishes to Living Hope: Your Spiritual Inheritance Awaits

What if you discovered you had an inheritance waiting for you that could never be stolen, never fade away, and never disappoint you? Pastor Dave invites us on a transformative journey through 1 Peter 1:3-9, where we discover that being born again means receiving something far greater than any earthly inheritance—a living hope that changes everything about how we face each day.   His core message is “You have been given more than you know.” This isn't about wishful thinking or crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. The living hope you receive when you're born into God's family is completely different from the world's version of hope. As Pastor Dave explains, "This living hope that we're reading about in this passage that comes to us at our spiritual birth is not like the world's hope. It's not dependent upon human beings' ability to perform that. It's not based on luck or good fortune."

Your transformation begins when you realize that your hope isn't built on your performance, someone else's promises, or lucky breaks. It's anchored in God's character and His proven faithfulness. When Jesus literally died and literally rose from the dead, God demonstrated that He can accomplish the impossible—and that changes everything about how you can live today.

Pastor Dave’s Key Teachings: 

1. Your hope is rooted in reality, not wishes. The difference between earthly hope and living hope is like wishing for sunshine versus having a weather guarantee from someone who controls the sky. Pastor Dave reminds us: "Our hope is built upon God's performance of doing that which he said he would do." When anxiety hits or circumstances feel overwhelming, remember that your security doesn't depend on outcomes you can't control. It rests on God's proven track record of faithfulness.
2. You've inherited an identity that changes everything. Being born into God's family means you now carry His name and belong to His household. Pastor Dave shares how he could instantly recognize someone's family identity just by their appearance, then challenges us: "That's the attitude we should have as a child of God, that if somebody says, 'Well, you're a Christian.' We say, 'Why?' 'Yes, I am.'" Start each day remembering whose child you are. When people ask about your faith, respond with the confidence that comes from knowing your true identity—not because you're perfect, but because your Father is perfect.
3. Your spiritual inheritance includes everything you need. As part of God's family, you have access to the family resources. This isn't about material wealth, but something infinitely more valuable. Pastor Dave explains that your inheritance includes identity (you belong to the King), resources (every spiritual blessing you need), security (you're kept safe by God's power), and position (seated in heavenly places). Before facing challenging situations, remember what you already possess. You're not going into battle empty-handed—you carry the resources of heaven's royal family.
4. Your inheritance is absolutely secure. Unlike earthly inheritances that can be lost, stolen, or depleted, your spiritual inheritance is "incorruptible, undefiled, and does not fade away." Pastor Dave paints a powerful picture: "Think in a vault. Think about in a vault something that's very valuable, that's reserved in a vault in a secure building that's being guarded." But it gets even better—you're not just waiting for this inheritance; you're being personally escorted to receive it: "Picture you in an armored car, and you're going to get safely to where you're supposed to be." When life feels uncertain or dangerous, remember that you're surrounded by divine protection. You're not navigating this journey alone or unguarded.

Scriptural Foundation: 

1 Peter 1:3-9 - The core passage revealing our living hope through Christ's resurrection and our secure inheritance in heaven.

Romans 5:5 - "Hope does not disappoint"—showing that biblical hope is guaranteed to fulfill our expectations.

Ephesians 1 - Details the spiritual blessings available to every believer as part of their inheritance.

2 Peter 1 - Confirms we have "all we need for life and godliness" as part of our spiritual resources.

Ephesians 2 - Establishes our position as those "seated in heavenly places" in Christ Jesus.

These scriptures work together to show that your new life in Christ isn't just about forgiveness—it's about receiving a complete transformation of your identity, resources, and eternal security.

The Call:

• Daily Inheritance Reminders - Start each morning by declaring your true identity: "I am a child of the King, with access to all His resources for whatever this day brings."
• Hope Check-Ins - When facing disappointments or setbacks, ask yourself: "Am I putting my hope in something temporary and uncertain, or in God's proven faithfulness?"
• Legacy Living - Pastor Dave challenges us to consider what we're passing on to others. Make intentional choices to leave a spiritual inheritance for those coming behind you—show them that faith in Christ is the most valuable thing you can share.
• Eternal Perspective Practice - Remember Pastor Dave's wisdom: "If you're concerned about something that doesn't matter in eternity, then don't get too focused on it in this life." Regularly evaluate your worries through the lens of eternity.
• Family Identity Embrace - Live with the confidence that comes from knowing whose family you belong to. Let others see the security and hope that comes from being God's child.

Closing Prayer and Reflection:

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Take a moment to let this truth settle in your heart: You are not an orphan hoping for adoption—you've already been brought into the family. You're not a beggar hoping for scraps—you're an heir with full access to the Father's resources. You're not wandering aimlessly—you're being safely escorted to your eternal home by divine guards. Your living hope isn't just about heaven someday; it's about how you live today. When you truly understand what you've inherited through Christ's resurrection, it changes how you face Monday mornings, difficult conversations, unexpected challenges, and even life's greatest disappointments. You are kept by the power of God. Your inheritance is secure. Your hope will never disappoint you. This is your new reality—now go live like you believe it.