Knowing Your Identity in Christ: I am Guaranteed an Inheritance (Ephesians 1:14)

How would your life change if you truly believed you had a guarantee from God?

On this episode of 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents, host Christen Clark dives into what it means to be “guaranteed an inheritance” as followers of Christ, exploring how the Holy Spirit empowers Christian parenting and shapes faith at home. Christen shares practical wisdom for raising Christian kids, deepening family time, and nurturing spiritual growth amidst the busyness of daily life, including how to talk with your children about God’s work in your heart.

• [00:02:04] The Holy Spirit as God’s deposit and the guarantee of our spiritual inheritance
• [00:04:46] Modeling faith and purpose for your kids

Resources:

• Instagram: @7minutedevotions, @christenclark
• Family Podcast: @collidekidspodcast

Transcript

Christen Clark [00:00:01]:

Hello and welcome back to 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents. I'm Christen Clark, I'm your host, and I am so glad that you're here. I started this podcast because I am also a busy parent, and I know what it's like to have so much on your plate that you don't feel like you're hitting all the marks. You're not getting all the things done, like your devotions or your time with God. So I don't want to replace that, but I just want to encourage that, and I want to encourage you to stay faithful, to listen to God's word. And so that's what we're going to do today, is just take some time to hear from God, to study his word together, and just be encouraged. Earlier this week, we talked about what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit, that when we place our faith in Christ, we are marked, secured, and claimed as God's own. Today, Paul is going to continue that thought.

Christen Clark [00:00:47]:

Not only are we sealed, we are guaranteed as an inheritance. Today's identity statement is this: I am guaranteed an inheritance. Have you ever noticed how much more confident you feel when something comes with a guarantee? Like when I buy a product or invest in a service, I love knowing there's a guarantee attached, especially on something like an appliance or an electronic, something that is worth a lot of money. If I'm going to buy the special vacuum specifically for pet hair— any pet owners out there, you understand what I'm talking about. It better do everything it says on the box, right? The guarantee gives me assurance. It means that my money isn't wasted. It means someone is standing behind that promise. Ephesians 1:14, it says, "The Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of his glory." That word guarantee carries the idea of earnest money.

Christen Clark [00:01:50]:

If you've ever purchased a house, you know how this works. You put down earnest money as a promise, that the full payment is coming. It proves the agreement is real. That's the picture Paul is painting. The Holy Spirit in us is God's deposit. It's his pledge, his promise that what he has started, he will finish. Our inheritance is the complete deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation acquired for us by Jesus Christ. One day, we will experience the fullness of redemption—no more sin, No more sorrow, no more pain, no more struggle.

Christen Clark [00:02:24]:

But we just don't wait for that day with wishful thinking. The Holy Spirit is already at work in us. The Holy Spirit renews us. He sanctifies us. He comforts us in trials. He sustains us in affliction. He points us back to Jesus and the Word of God. His presence in our lives is evidence that the promise is real.

Christen Clark [00:02:45]:

And sometimes that sounds really beautiful and churchy, but I think we often take for granted the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We are not powerful in and of ourselves, but God working in us and through us can do powerful things. Later in this series, we're going to talk more about spiritual gifts and how God uniquely equips each of us for good works. I'm especially excited about that because I'm so passionate about helping people understand they were designed and prepared for a purpose. But today, I just want us to recognize this: we must not neglect the Holy Spirit within us. We need to recognize him at work. And maybe you're wondering, How do I know? How do I know if I have the Holy Spirit? So here's a few indicators, some things to think about and prayerfully consider. Do I sense conviction when I sin? Do I feel prompted at times to step out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable? Is my heart being pointed back to Jesus? Is my mind being renewed over time? Do I experience God's comfort in difficulty? Those are not signs of your own strength.

Christen Clark [00:03:50]:

Those are signs that the Holy Spirit could be at work in your heart. And Scripture tells us that his active presence in our lives is the guarantee that we belong to Christ and have an eternal inheritance waiting for us. So if you've ever struggled with assurance of your salvation, wondering if it really worked, if you're really saved, this verse is meant to steady you. The Spirit's work in you is evidence that the promise is real. And this is so important for parents. As you teach your children the gospel, you invite them into your own journey with God. Help them to see that the Holy Spirit isn't just something out there. He lives within your kids too.

Christen Clark [00:04:28]:

They can learn to trust in the Holy Spirit, not just their own strength or their own understanding. I encourage you to talk to your kids about how God is working in your life, the way he's nudging you, the courage, the conviction, the joy. Let your children hear how you rely on him, how he guides you, and how he shapes your heart. Sharing these moments is discipleship because it models a living faith. When kids see the Holy Spirit moving in your life, they begin to recognize him in their own lives. They learn to trust and listen and to follow God in ways that they'll carry with them forever. Well, now we're going to practice our identity rhythm. So this is something we're doing in every episode this season.

Christen Clark [00:05:21]:

I'm going to read through these 3 short statements: who we are in Christ, why it's true, and how we live from it. So I'll say them once through, and then you can repeat the identity statement at the end with me so you can carry it with you this week. So today's identity statement is, I am guaranteed an inheritance. I am guaranteed an inheritance because God has given me the Holy Spirit as a seal and a deposit, assuring me that my salvation is secure and my full redemption is coming. Because I'm guaranteed an inheritance, I choose to live with confidence instead of fear, trust in the Spirit's work in my life, and parent from the security of knowing my future in Christ is certain. Now let's say this identity statement one more time. I am guaranteed an inheritance. Okay, before we pray, I have a challenge for you this week.

Christen Clark [00:06:11]:

I want you to read all of Ephesians chapter 1, and if you're comfortable underlining in your Bible or taking notes, I want you to highlight the identity statements that we've covered so far over these last episodes. You are chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed, rich in grace, part of God's plan, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and guaranteed an inheritance. And then finish up reading through the chapter, verses 15 through 23. This is Paul's prayer and blessing over the believers, and today it's my prayer of blessing over you, especially verse 18, which says, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people." Lord, thank you so much for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that we are not left wondering or hoping if your promises are true. Help us to recognize your Spirit within us and give us assurance when we have doubts, and remind us that you are with us always. In Jesus' name, amen. Well, thank you so much again for listening today.

Christen Clark [00:07:17]:

Check out our social media pages and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @7MinuteDevotions. And until next time, remember who you are and who you belong to.