Notes of Faith April 9, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Romans 8
May 5, 2002
“HEIRS OF GOD”
Romans 8:17
And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
In this wonderful verse we have the truth of our identity with Jesus Christ. Paul builds from verse 16:
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
He assures us that if we are children, we are heirs also. An heir is one who inherits within the family structure. As heirs of God, we inherit the riches of our Father.
One can inherit in two ways – we can be born into a wealthy family or we can marry into a wealthy family! In the case of a believer, both are true. We are born again into God’s family and we are married into the family through our bridegroom, Jesus Christ (Romans 7:1-4). Thus we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.
To what extent, then, are believers heirs of God? We are joint heirs, have the same inheritance with, Jesus Christ! This is absolutely mind-boggling! Whatever Jesus Christ, the heir of God, is and has – God’s redeemed (you and me as believers), also have. We need a complete sermon to expound on this incredible truth.
Because we identify with who Christ is, we inherit His sufferings also.
. . . if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
If we inherit His sufferings, we also inherit His glory, for which we are still waiting. To summarize – since we are children of God, we inherit Christ’s blessings, His suffering, and His glory!
So the next time we suffer for His sake, please, let’s don’t grumble but just know that this suffering is part of our inheritance as children of God and ultimately leads to sharing in His glory.
What a verse to meditate on throughout the day, or when we have trouble sleeping. “If children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may be glorified with Him.” Remember – the last part of this verse is true because of the truth of the first part. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
Many, if not most Christians do not suffer socially because there is no apparent identity with Jesus! If we do not reflect His character and glory there is no way for the people of the world to see Jesus in and through us. When the unbelieving world sees a true believer and follower of Jesus is when mocking, persecution, and suffering happens.
Let’s be willing to suffer as Jesus did, remembering that God promises His glory placed upon us for doing His will and following in the footsteps of Jesus!
Pastor Dale