John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.
His secondary PURPOSE is to give believers ASSURANCE of their salvation, with the RESULT that they will continue to live by faith.

 “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)

This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.

Gene Cunningham - March 1, 2010

Heirs of the Kingdom #3

There's a base inheritance, but also the possibility of being joint heir with Christ (1Pe 1:3-5). Christ is the Heir of all things and He chooses to share it with us (Col 1:15-16, Heb 1:2). Each was given according to his own ability. Parable of the servants and talents which applies to us in Church Age (Mat 25:14-30). In context, Jesus speaks the parable of the talents during the Jewish Age to Jews. Paul lists the privileges of the Jews (Rom 9:4-5). Jesus is the man going into a far country, and the one who returns. "What did you do with what I gave you?" Will we have confidence or shame at His coming (1Jo 2:28)?



Ruling from Jesus perspective is service — the greatest gift you can give a servant is more service. What can we do as a servant? Here's what roles we've been given: (1) Priest — we all need to pray (1Pe 2:5-9); (2) Ambassador — we can all give the Gospel to others (2Co 5:14-21); (3) Minister — we all have a gift in which to minister (1Co 12:4-7). We have to make good decisions to gain reward (Mat 10:39, Phi 3:7-14).



Works of the Holy Spirit at salvation:





  1. Baptism (1Co 12:13);


  2. Regeneration (Tit 3:5);


  3. Indwelling (Rom 8:9-11);


  4. Gifting (1Co 12:4-7);


  5. Sealing (Eph 1:13-14, Eph 4:30).




Plan of God is for our best (Psa 37:4). To find our lives we must lose them (Mat 10:39). We are Sons because of what we believe, but disciples because of how we behave. Not all believers become disciples. Discipleship is a matter of learning, growth, and discipline. We have an inheritance, but also a commission. It matters how we live and what we do. 



Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE] 

Scripture References: Matthew 25:14-30, Romans 8:9-11, Hebrews 1:2, Titus 3:5, Colossians 1:15-16, Philippians 3:7-14, Matthew 10:39, Matthew 10:39, Psalms 37:4, John 2:28, Ephesians 4:30, Romans 9:4-5, Ephesians 1:13-14

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From Series: "Heirs of the Kingdom - Northern VA 2010"

Heirs of the Kingdom' have privilege responsibility and accountability (Mar 13:33?37). 'Heirs' is a term that deals with discipleship not justification or salvation. As we shall see every child of God is an heir. The questions before us are: How much will I inherit and will it really matter that much? Every member of the Royal Family has a share in the Royal Inheritance. Again the question of our study is ?how much?? Peter stresses in three words that our inheritance cannot?in any way?be defiled or diminished by our failure or conduct in this life. Paul speaks as sons ?being led? by the Spirit as ?adult sons? (huioi) and shows a distinction between heirs and ?joint heirs with Christ.? One is unconditional based on sonship; the other is conditional based on conduct.

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