A recent study describes what is called the “Great Wealth Transfer.” Over the next few decades, the baby boomer generation is expected to transfer $68 trillion in financial assets to the next generation. The heirs of these asset holders are set to receive a large inheritance!

Our text today informs us that we are heirs of God. How is this possible? Through the grace of God the Father, the sacrifice of Jesus the Son, and our adoption brought about by the Holy Spirit, we are members of God’s family! As a result, we are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”

And what exactly belongs to God? Psalm 24:1 tells us: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Jesus, as the one and only Son of God, is the rightful heir and is set to inherit all that belongs to his Father. And, amazingly, because we’re adopted as children of God, we are co-heirs with Christ! This has been God’s plan all along. He knew in advance that we would “be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that [Jesus] might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29).

And, like Jesus, we will also inherit suffering. But our suffering is not a requirement for the inheritance; instead, suffering is an inevitable result of identifying with Jesus. As Hebrews 12:3 reminds us, “Consider [Jesus] who endured such opposition . . . so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Focusing on Jesus helps us to persevere.