“Blame It On Jesus. #blessed”

We should live lives that praise Jesus because of all the blessings He’s given us.

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Chosen in Him

God chose his children before time began.

I know when I pull a ping pong ball out of this bucket and it has your number on it, it is the best part of your week. That doesn’t happen because of anything that you did. You can’t pick the right seat, you can’t earn it, you just find out that you’ve been chosen for this blessing.

There are so many differences between this and God’s plan for the salvation of his people, but on your end of it, this is similar. You didn’t earn it or deserve it, you were chosen for a reason outside of yourself…

vv3-6

God doesn’t do this randomly, but He doesn’t do it because of anything special He sees in us!

Romans 9:16 ESV

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

This is a complex truth. It can seem contradictory, or to say that we have no say in if we are saved or not. There is no contradiction in this with God. All who place their faith in Him choose to, those who don’t choose to.

Here’s why this is good news for you…

Let’s look at these blessings we receive.

Redemption in Him

We are saved by grace through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

vv7-10

Gospel presentation comes in here

Romans 10:13 ESV

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

When we are redeemed, we are also set up with a pretty sweet inheritance.

Inheritance in Him

We have an eternal inheritance waiting on us that we didn’t do anything for!

vv11-12

Romans 8:17 ESV

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

We inherit everlasting life with God on the new Earth.

We know that we have this inheritance because we have the Holy Spirit.

Sealed in Him

God sends the Holy Spirit into the heart of every believer. It’s the Spirit that holds us and assures us that we are his.

vv13-14

I bought a part for Kristen’s car and it was guaranteed…

God doesn’t just put a stamp on it, He doesn’t just tell us, He guarantees our standing with Him by giving us his Spirit. And holding on to you by that Spirit. So if you have put your faith in Him…