This sermon focuses on the essence of spiritual inheritance and eternal blessings, urging a reevaluation of how the term "blessing" is often misused in relation to material gains. Many in society and Christian circles equate being blessed with receiving material possessions or comforts, yet this perspective can obscure the deeper, spiritual significance of blessings as presented in Scripture. True spiritual blessings are not tied to worldly prosperity but to a covenant relationship with God, emphasizing a spiritual state over physical wealth. In the Old Testament, blessings are often connected to the covenant with God, involving promises, conditional obedience, rewards for faithfulness, grace, and the consequence of curses for disobedience. These blessings sometimes included material prosperity for the nation of Israel, but the focus for individuals, even among the faithful like Abraham and David, shifts toward spiritual rewards. The New Testament further reorients blessings toward spiritual inheritance, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ, as seen in the Beatitudes of Matthew 5 and Luke 6, where blessings are pronounced on those who endure deprivation in this life for a heavenly reward. Spiritual blessings are meant for service to others, not for selfish gain. When God endows us with blessings, it is for us to benefit others, reflecting a purpose beyond personal enrichment. The Greek terms for "blessed," such as "eulogeo" meaning "well spoken of" and "makarios" indicating a state of being indwelt by God through Jesus Christ, underscore the inherent worthiness of God and the transformative satisfaction found in Christ, far surpassing any material gain. In the book of Revelation, seven blessings are directed toward the saints, each using "makarios" to signify being indwelt by God and fully satisfied through Jesus Christ. These blessings commend purity, perseverance, and obedience, promising spiritual rewards such as eternal life, participation in the first resurrection, and reigning with Christ. They emphasize spiritual vigilance, fellowship with Christ, and the ultimate joy of the eternal state over temporary material comforts. Thus, to be blessed is to seek God's will for our eternal good, to be transformed by His presence, and to share in the spiritual inheritance reserved in heaven. We are called to focus on these eternal blessings, using any abundance to serve others, and to live in anticipation of the profound spiritual rewards promised to the faithful.

We see the importance of continuous work for our Father and our Family as we realize that we are part of His most important Family and will share in their inheritance and all the benefits that come with it. Comparing the two families, the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, both started with similar fortunes, but the direction of the two founders and their immediate family led to two different outcomes. The Vanderbilts spent all their money and time on frivolous pursuits while Rockefeller encouraged the family members to adopt values that maintained and sometimes grew their fortune. We see a parallel with the two sons in Luke 15 with the faithful and prodigal son. We often feel like both of the sons in our lives. God places great importance in repentance and turning to Him, but we often feel discouraged with the struggle of doing the work of God while experiencing a lot of suffering. While we are not saved by works, it is very important to God, as shown in I Peter 3, and those who fight to do His will can be expected to get all that belongs to a member of the God Family.