Let’s Speak About the Unspeakable Gift
Today’s Reading – Jude 1, Revelation 1 – 3
I have decided this morning to break from tradition by not writing a devotion on the day’s reading. Instead, I will be giving you the outline from this morning’s message that will be preached (the Lord willing) at Jersey Shore Baptist Church. I am doing this because of the snow storm that has already started, and is supposed to blanket our area with more than a foot of snow. We will still hold church services this morning for the hearty souls who will make it out; but for those of you who could not travel to the church in this weather, you can still participate in the service and message.
Text – 2 Corinthians 9; Text Verses – 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:7 & 8; 9:15
Today is the day after Christmas. This is the day when we often think about the presents we received yesterday. This is also the day that some of us will begin to write a note of thanks to those who gave us the gifts. In our text this morning, Paul is speaking to this Corinthian Church about giving, but he is careful to remind them that giving begins and ends with the “unspeakable” gift, which is the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Introduction – Review 2 Corinthians 9
God gave us His Son. He is the “unspeakable” gift mentioned in verse 15. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8 & 9)
I Reflect Upon the Gift
A His Person – this is Who He Is – His Attributes – omniscience, omnipotence, infinite love, etc.
As I said before, Christ is the gift, but with the gift comes many extras. Have you ever gotten any Christmas presents that came with extras? Did you ever open the extras first, perhaps by mistake? I remember one time I opened an 8-track tape of “The Platters”. It was a gift from my dad. (I often wondered if he got it for me or for himself.)However, I thought it was strange because I did not own an 8 track tape player. Guess what was the next gift I opened?
B His Propitiation – His Blood Atonement for our sins which provided both grace and mercy.
C His Presence – “[He] will never leave thee nor forsake thee…” (Hebrews 13:5); “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20); “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)
D His Presents – The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5); The Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12)
E His Provision – 2 Corinthians 9:8; Matthew 6:33
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalms 37:4)
F His Purpose – He has a plan for my life and yours too?
II Rehearse the Gift to God and to Others
Reflection begins with thinking and begets thanksgiving (Psalm 100). Tell others about the “unspeakable” gift. Speak about the indescribable gift.
A Thank God – Spend some time in prayer worshipping Him for who He is, and praising Him for what He has done.
B Thank the People that God has used. (Luke 6:38) – God uses people to be a blessing. Luke 6:38 says that men shall give into your bosom. God works in the hearts of people (even unsaved people) to be a blessing to you. Be sure, though, to tell them that you not only thank them, but that you thank God for them.
III Reciprocate the Gift
Give back to God and to others. Learn to be a giving person.
I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
A Give to God’s Purpose – The Great Commission through the local church
B Give to God’s People – Look for ways to give back to God by helping to meet the needs of His children. Remember, God loveth a cheerful giver!
Well, What did you get for Christmas yesterday? If you are saved, you got Jesus, and with Jesus you got it all.
Posted in Devotions, Thoughts from 2 Corinthians by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.