In his profound teaching titled “Redefining Inheritance” from 2022, Apostle Joshua Selman took his audience on a deep dive into the biblical understanding of inheritance, challenging conventional notions and revealing the spiritual depth of what it means to receive an inheritance from God. Through this message, Apostle Selman sought to shift the minds of believers from mere material possessions to a more profound understanding of what constitutes a true inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
What Is Inheritance?
Apostle Selman began by defining inheritance from both a biblical and practical perspective. Typically, inheritance is understood as the transfer of physical wealth, properties, or resources from one generation to another. While this is an essential aspect, he made it clear that true inheritance in the Kingdom goes beyond physical possessions. Inheritance, he explained, is the passing down of spiritual, intellectual, and material blessings that align with God’s will and purposes.
Using scripture as a foundation, particularly Proverbs 13:22—”A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children”—Apostle Selman emphasized that leaving a godly inheritance is not merely about wealth but about transferring values, wisdom, and spiritual fortitude. In God’s economy, inheritance includes spiritual heritage, wisdom, covenant relationships, and divine favor.
Types of Inheritance
Apostle Selman outlined different types of inheritance that believers should understand and pursue:
- Spiritual Inheritance: This is the most critical form of inheritance. It includes the understanding of God’s covenants, spiritual authority, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and an impartation of divine wisdom. Apostle Selman reminded believers that spiritual inheritance is not to be taken lightly, as it connects generations to the purposes of God. He cited examples from scripture, such as the blessings passed from Abraham to Isaac and Jacob, emphasizing that their true inheritance was not just material but the covenant God made with Abraham that promised divine protection, guidance, and provision.
- Intellectual Inheritance: Beyond spiritual assets, Apostle Selman spoke on the importance of intellectual inheritance, which involves passing down knowledge, wisdom, and principles that can lead to success and influence. He encouraged families, leaders, and mentors to impart wisdom and godly principles to the next generation. This could include education, financial literacy, or understanding of life principles that align with scripture. According to Selman, intellectual inheritance helps the next generation avoid the mistakes of their predecessors and position them to fulfill God’s purposes in their time.
- Material Inheritance: While material inheritance (land, money, and physical assets) is important, Apostle Selman warned against making it the sole focus. He cautioned that physical wealth without the accompanying spiritual and intellectual foundations could lead to the destruction of future generations. Wealth passed down to unprepared hands, without wisdom or divine principles, could be squandered or become a source of conflict.
Redefining Inheritance in the Kingdom
Apostle Selman called for believers to redefine inheritance from a Kingdom perspective. The most valuable inheritance one can receive or pass down is the knowledge of God and the riches of His grace. He referenced Ephesians 1:18, where Paul prays that believers would understand the “riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.” This inheritance is tied to the divine life that flows from God, encompassing eternal life, access to divine wisdom, spiritual authority, and the fullness of God’s promises.
Apostle Selman emphasized that God’s intention for inheritance is not just generational wealth but generational impact. Parents and leaders must be intentional about discipling their children in the ways of the Lord, imparting spiritual truths, and creating a godly foundation for them to thrive spiritually and physically.
Practical Application
In the closing sections of his message, Apostle Selman provided practical insights on how to secure and pass on a godly inheritance. He stressed the need for mentorship, discipleship, and active investment in the spiritual lives of others. He urged believers to:
- Develop a strong relationship with God, ensuring that their lives are rooted in Christ.
- Impart godly wisdom and knowledge to their children and those they mentor.
- Be diligent in financial stewardship, ensuring that wealth is built on godly principles and is passed down responsibly.
- Cultivate spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fasting to build a solid foundation for future generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Redefining Inheritance” was a call to believers to shift their focus from merely seeking material blessings to understanding the greater value of spiritual and intellectual legacies. Apostle Joshua Selman challenged his audience to be intentional about the type of inheritance they are receiving and leaving behind, emphasizing that true Kingdom inheritance is one that will not just impact individuals but also shape generations for the glory of God.