Valuing Our Place of Honor PT2: T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR B IRTHRIGHT P RIVILEGES Ephesians 1:1-14 Gal 4:22-5:1

Heb 12:23- We are called the… “Church of the firstborn who names are written in heaven.” T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

The major thing you inherit as the Firstborn Child is: A Birthright T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

The Birthright The “Birthright” was the credential required in order to claim your rights and privileges as a Firstborn child. These credentials were not tangible ….but spiritual and could only be acquired through the laying on of hands by your father. In short, a birthright is the “spiritual blessing” imparted to the firstborn so that he could succeed in the mandate that was placed upon him T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

Rights and Privileges of the “Birthright” You received a double portion of the paternal inheritance You became the spiritual leader to your family You received paternal authority You acquired spiritual favor & honor Also, you receive the blessings of Abraham – power for an abundant life. – power for an effective life. – power for success. – power for prosperity. – power for fruitfulness. – power for longevity. T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

Our Birthright Inheritance We have inherited “all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies”. Eph 1:3-14 We have inherited the same privileges and power as Jesus. Rom. 8:12 We’ve inherited the blessings of Abraham. Rom 4:13-16 We’ve inherited spiritual gifts from the Godhead. – Operational Gifts (The Father) - Rom 12:6-8 – Administrative Gifts (The Son) - Eph 4:11 – Manifestation Gifts (The Holy Spirit) -I Cor 12:1-14 T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

The Essentials of our Spiritual Blessings! Blessings from the Father (1:1–6) A. He has chosen us (vv. 3–4). B. He has adopted us (v. 5). C. He has accepted us (v. 6).

T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS The Essentials of our Spiritual Blessings! Blessings from the Son (1:7–12) A. He has redeemed us (v. 7a). B. He has forgiven us (v. 7b). C. He has revealed God’s will to us (vv. 8–10).

T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS The Essentials of our Spiritual Blessings! Blessings from the Spirit (1:13–14) A. He has sealed us (v. 13). B. He has given us a guarantee ( an earnest) (v. 14).

3 ways to forfeit the rights and privilege of a “Birthright”: The Will of God Misconduct Sell or Transfer T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

Isaac- Spiritual Son Ishmael – Carnal Son Chosen Heir Forfeited Heir Walked as an HeirTaunted the Heir Peaceful Attitude Hostile Attitude Gen 21:8-21/Gal 4:22-5:1 T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

The Spiritual Heirs Conduct One who is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit He has the mind of Christ Capable of Spiritually appraising all things Empowered by the Holy Spirit. Introduces others to Christ Has an effective prayer life Seeks to Understands God’s word Trusts God Obeys God Exhibits the “Fruit of the Spirit” Mainly, A life is Christ-centered

The Carnal Man (or carnal Christian)—one who has received Christ, but: Lives in defeat Tries to live Christian life on own terms Ignorant of Spiritual Heritage Poor prayer life, No desire to study God’s Word Legalistic attitude A critical spirit Impure thoughts A Life marred by jealousy guilt worry discouragement frustration aimlessness unbelief disobedience Mainly, A life that is Self-Centered T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

CARNAL — sensual, worldly, nonspiritual; relating to or given to the crude desires and appetites of the F LESH or body. The apostle Paul contrasts “spiritual people”— that is, those who are under the control of the Holy Spirit—with those who are “carnal”—those under the control of the flesh. The word “carnal” is usually reserved in the New Testament to describe worldly Christians. Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson. T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

Samson’s Birth was ordained of God And the Angel of the L ORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Indeed now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. (Jdg 13:3) …the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” (Jdg 13:5) T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

Given Requirements of a Nazirite 1. Abstain from anything that comes from the grapevine (Num. 6:3–4). 2. Abstain from cutting their hair (Num. 6:5). 3. Completely avoid going near a dead body (Num. 6:6–7). T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

The Blessings that Samson received Samson had everything needed to succeed in the mandate that was placed upon him Predestined to be a Judge.. The L ORD blessed him. The Spirit of the L ORD began to move upon him God blessed him with extraordinary physical strength T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS

Solution to Carnal Realm Ephesians 4:23 …. be renewed (renovated/transformed) in the spirit of your mind, ANA – again – as before NEOS- young; recent; having happened or appeared not long ago (renovate is a derivative) Thayers: Spiritually transform T HE E SSENTIALS OF O UR S PIRITUAL B LESSINGS