Text: Romans 6:23 – "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Adjoining Texts:
Ephesians 2:8–9
John 3:16
Romans 5:8
Titus 3:4–7
James 1:17
Introduction
In life, every gift has three important parts:
1. The giver – the one who gives.
2. The gift – what is given.
3. The giving – the way the gift is received.
Spiritually, salvation follows the same pattern. Many people want God's gift but ignore God's way of giving it. Others attempt to earn what can only be received by grace. The Bible teaches that God is the Giver, salvation is the Gift, and faith in Jesus Christ is the way God has chosen for the Giving.
1. The Giver – God Alone
James 1:17 – "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..."
God is the source of every good and perfect gift. Salvation did not originate from human wisdom, religion, or good works. It came from the loving heart of God.
God proved His love by sending His only Son.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..."
Before we sought Him, He sought us.
Lesson:
The value of a gift depends on the greatness of the giver. Since God is the Giver, salvation is priceless.
2. The Gift – Salvation Through Christ
Romans 6:23
The gift is not money, success, or earthly blessings. The greatest gift is:
•Forgiveness of sins.
•Justification before God.
•Eternal life.
•Adoption into God's family.
•Citizenship in God's Kingdom.
Titus 3:5–7: We are saved not because of righteous deeds, but because of God's mercy.
Jesus paid the full price on the cross. Nothing remains for us to pay.
3. The Giving – God's Appointed Way
Ephesians 2:8–9
God has the right to determine how His gift is received.
He says:
•Come by faith.
•Repent of sin.
°Believe in Jesus Christ.
°Receive His grace.
Many people want salvation without surrender, blessings without obedience, and heaven without Christ.
Faith is simply trusting God's way instead of our own.
Illustration.
Imagine a wealthy king preparing a banquet for hungry people.
He pays all the expenses, prepares the food, and sends invitations.
Some people refuse because they dislike the invitation card.
Others try to pay for the meal.
Another group insists on entering through another gate.
Only those who accept the invitation and enter through the king's appointed entrance enjoy the feast.
Likewise, God has prepared salvation, paid its full cost through Christ, and invites everyone to receive it by faith.
4. Why We Cannot Earn the Gift.
•A salary is earned.
•A gift is received.
If salvation could be earned, Christ would not have needed to die.
Romans 5:8
God demonstrated His love while we were still sinners.
The cross declares that salvation is entirely God's work.
5. Our Proper Response
Since God is the Giver:
•Receive His gift with humility.
•Trust Christ completely.
•Live thankfully.
•Share the same gift with others.
Those who receive God's gift should become channels through which others hear the gospel.
Practical Applications
Never boast in your own righteousness.
Treasure your salvation more than earthly possessions.
Respect God's way instead of creating your own.
Share the gift of salvation with family, friends, and neighbours.
Live daily in gratitude for God's amazing grace.
Conclusion.
Salvation is not about what we do for God, but what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.
•The Giver is God.
•The Gift is salvation and eternal life.
•The Giving is according to God's plan—through grace, received by faith in Jesus Christ.
When we accept God's way, we honor the Giver and receive the greatest gift ever offered.
Altar Call
Have you been trying to earn God's acceptance through good works, religion, or personal effort? Today, God freely offers you the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Turn from your sins, place your faith in Christ alone, and receive the gift that He has already purchased with His blood.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Thank You for giving Your Son, Jesus Christ, so that we might receive forgiveness and eternal life. Help us to stop trusting in our own efforts and to receive Your gift by faith alone. Teach us to live with grateful hearts and to share this wonderful gift with others. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
-Kunle Solomon.
Minister.
SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t
Or call +2347051874707
Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com
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