The Gifts of God

Scriptural Text:

The Grace of God

When the learned, and wealthy John Selden was dying he said to Archbishop Usher, “I have surveyed most of the learning that is among the sons of men, and my study is filled with books and manuscripts (he had 8000 volumes in his library) on various subjects. But at present I cannot recollect any passage out of all my books and papers whereon I can rest my soul, save this from the sacred Scriptures:

“’The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works’ ” ().

The Futile Search for True Happiness: Man’s Struggle for Meaning, Purpose, and Fulfillment in Life, ()

“The Great Disappointment of Life: Nothing on Earth Lasts, Endures, or Fully Satisfies the Human Heart, (1:1–2:26)

In verse 9, he repeated the opening question of 1:3, “Is all this labor really worth it?”

People are subject to addictions because they are searching for something to bring meaning, fulfillment, and lasting satisfaction to their hearts.

Our media has enable us to grasp the worldwide of evil, which has made the modern scene look so dark:

It is partly the escalating economic problem (population growth, the spoliation of natural resources, inflation, unemployment, hunger).

Partly the spread of social conflict (racism, tribalism, the class struggle, disintegrating family life)

Partly the absence of accepted moral guidelines (leading to violence, dishonesty and sexual promiscuity). Man seems incapable of managing his own affairs or of creating a just, free, humane and tranquil society. Because we are out of line with God.

In light of the desperate condition of fallen mankind we see the gracious initiative and sovereign action of God in verse 4:      

(ESV) 4even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love.

4even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

We were objects of God's wrath, but God, out of the great love with which he loved us had mercy upon us. We were dead, and dead men do not rise, but God, made us alive with Christ.      We were slaves, in a situation of dishonor and powerlessness, but God, has raised us with Christ and set us at his own right hand, in a position of honor and power.

therefore,

Note: The believer experiences two creations, both a natural birth and a spiritual birth.

therefore,

Verse 8-10 remind believers that they need to accept what God has provided them in Christ Jesus.

You are saved (v.8-9). You are God's workmanship (v.10).

Grace is the "cause" for the total plan of God. "It is the gift of God" refers to the whole process of salvation, not just to the granting of faith to believe.

For by grace you have been saved through faith

God will show his grace towards us because he has saved us by his grace

For by grace you have been saved through faith

Salvation - it is more than forgiveness. It is deliverance from the death, slavery and wrath (v.1-3)

A new life in Christ, together we are made alive

exalted and seated in the heavenly realm

"Grace" is God's free and undeserved mercy towards us

"Faith" is the humble trust with which we receive it for ourselves

If we believingly accept life as a gift, and thank God for it, we will have a better attitude toward the burdens that come our way. If we grudgingly accept life as a burden, then we will miss the gifts that come our way. Outlook helps to determine outcome.

Grace is the "cause" for the total plan of God. "It is the gift of God" refers to the whole process of salvation, not just to the granting of faith to believe.

You are saved by God’s grace (v.8-9). Salvation is a free gift [, )

(NKJV) 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(NKJV) 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us (, , )

Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us (, ,

(NKJV) 16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us (, , :31Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us (, ,

16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

(NKJV) 24“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

24“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

(NKJV) 31but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

31but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

You are God's workmanship (v.10). God creates the believer in Christ (spiritual birth)

man’s life is a gift from God (v. 10)

man’s life is a gift from God (v. 10)

We are God's workmanship. And only being created in Christ we can do good works. How does God do it?

The work of the Holy Spirit - The Scriptures By the preaching of the Word of God

The Father plans salvation; He sends the Son to work it out; and the Holy Spirit is send to apply it.

The Father plans salvation; He sends the Son to work it out; and the Holy Spirit is send to apply it.

the Lord's prayer was, "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth'; How are we born again? James said, we are 'begotten by the word of truth (1:18).  God uses the Word in order to give us life.

the Lord's prayer was, "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth'; How are we born again? James said, we are 'begotten by the word of truth (1:18).  God uses the Word in order to give us life.

the Lord's prayer was, "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth'; How are we born again? James said, we are 'begotten by the word of truth (1:18).  God uses the Word in order to give us life.

In the 12th chapter of Hebrew, circumstances and chastening. "Whom the Lord liveth he chasteneth!"

These are the means, but the actual work itself he does to us is to disturb and convict us. He gets your attention. You can run but can't get away.

Remember: Outlook helps to determine outcome. Your attitude towards the gift of God determines your spiritual altitude.