“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12

Some believers think their joint inheritance through faith in Jesus gives them a certain “right” to things. One day someone told me they believe we should demand our inheritance from God or “claim” things we need or want.

I replied that I myself will never demand anything from God. Are you kidding? I love my heavenly Father and am not afraid of Him, but I also reverently fear Him. Did that make sense? Well, yes!

My earthly father taught me to fear chastisement, (punishment for wrong deeds); and actually, the Lord God has shown me some of that, too!

God has also shown me how much He loves me, and so did my earthly dad. I’ve had to learn, though, to go to the Lord and ask.

Jesus said ask and you will receive, but “claim”? Well, that word sent me searching. Here’s what I found.

Definition of claim: to claim, demand. Well, I guess I won’t be claiming, since I don’t think I should demand.

James said in James 4:2 “ 2You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask.” [I John 3:15.]

Paul said “1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:1-3

If you continue reading Romans chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8, it explains that we are God’s children and joint heirs with Christ Jesus, as it is written in Romans 8:1-4 “1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.”

Romans 5:21 “21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (I want to plant this one in my heart, for sure!)

Romans 8:12-17 “12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

So, with those scriptures in mind, should we demand, claim or ask? God promised blessings for obedience. They are written in Deuteronomy chapter 28 beginning at verse 1.

When a Pharisee asked Jesus in Matthew 22:36 “36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

“37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39.

By obeying both of Jesus’ commands, we receive all the promises from God, because Jesus said “40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:40 NLT

So, by obeying those two commands; God has promised to provide all our needs (read Deut. 28); AND, Jesus said “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” Matthew 6:33 AMP

So, for obedience God promised “6 Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.” Deuteronomy 28:6

And, if we’re seeking God’s kingdom more than any kingdom here on earth, Jesus said He will give us everything we need and then some! Is that not a double promise?

So then, if we’re doing what the Lord God said, there really shouldn’t be any reason for us to be “demanding” or “claiming” anything! Huh! (I’m still ‘gonna ask!)