What Gift?

V22 n43

For God so loved the world, that He gave. Yet, the truth be known, how many truly understand, let alone value, the gift that He gave? Many confess Jesus Christ as Lord and savior of their life, however, their conversation, their manner of living, does not correspond with and to this message. Their lifestyle or manner of living, does not give credence to, nor substantiation of a new life in Christ. Why do they call Him Lord, Lord, and yet do not the things that He says?

Romans 6: 23 For the wages paid by Sin are death; but God's free gift is the Life of the Ages bestowed upon us in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Weymouth)

The wages or payment for sin, is death! The curses come upon the people, because they have not listened to, let alone put into practice (life’s applications of the Word), that which they have heard the voice of God declare. (For His word has gone to all of the world. His salvation has appeared to all men.) Many will hear His Word, they will acknowledge that which it says and asks of them; however, they will not incorporate it (His Word) into their life. They do not allow the Word to become an actual way of life to them and for them. Most are as Paul describes, ever learning, and yet never able to arrive at the truth. They have a form of godliness, but deny His very power.

The word opsoonia (NT:3800), which we here render "wages", signified the daily pay of a Roman soldier. So, every sinner has a daily pay, and this pay is death; he has misery because he sins. Sin constitutes hell; the sinner has a hell in his own bosom; all is confusion and disorder where God does not reign: every indulgence of sinful passion increases the disorder, and consequently the misery of a sinner. If people were as much in earnest to get their souls saved as they are to prepare them for perdition, heaven would be highly populated, and devils would be their own companions. Will not the living lay this to heart? ( Adam Clarke's Commentary)

The gift of God, (for God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son) is eternal life to as many believe in Him, and upon His name, Jesus Christ. Many will say that they have accepted this gift; yet, how many have truly done anything with this gift?

Many start their walk with the Lord with much joy, enthusiasm and emotions, for they have sensed that new life in Christ within themselves. They have sensed a change in their inner man or being. But, what do they do with this gift once they receive it? Do they bury it in their backyard? Do they place it on a shelf or mantle as a new won trophy; to be bragged about for a short time, and soon to be forgotten or neglected, and only to collect dust? Of what real value, is this gift to you?

Once one receives this gift, and takes possession of this gift, now what do they do with this gift? For most things (gifts) that one receives, it comes with an instruction or operations manual, which shows or explains to a person on what is the best way to use it, get the most out of the gift, as well as how to maintain this gift. However, few ever read or study the instruction manual, and then are quick to complain about how useless or faulty the gift is. They will even ask other people how they think the gift should be used, or the results they think that they should be obtaining from it; but will not read the instruction manual for themselves, that the gift may be of ant actual benefit to them.

Faith is by hearing, listening to and then obeying the message delivered by the Word of God, Christ. (John 6:63, Eccl 7:12). We have been given the gift of Christ (Eph 4:7); for the salvation of God, has appeared to all men. Now, one has to develop that measure of faith that has been made available to them, so that they can learn how to properly use this gift that has been set before them, and then allow it to bring it to a practical application in their own life. This can be accomplished by allowing Father to reveal to them, those things which have been hidden since the foundation of the world, which are now able to be made plain, that is revealed by and through His Spirit.

Many people will say that there are many ways to interpret the scriptures, that is the Word of God. Yes, there are two ways for the scriptures to be interpreted, man’s way, and God’s way. (John 14:6, Isa 35:8-10, Mt 11:27, John 10:9, Rom 5:2, Heb 10:19-22). God gives us specific instructions on how and when we should hear His voice and then listen to His Word. One needs to learn to allow His Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth. Yet, how often does one turn to their fellow man, rather then turning to God?

2Tim 3: 16 Every Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for convincing, for correction of error, and for instruction in right doing;17 so that the man of God may himself be complete and may be perfectly equipped for every good work. (Weymouth)

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (insert your name here) believes in Him should not perish. But, what is it that you believe? Believe: 4102 pistis- a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah (Christ), through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God. (Thayer’s). Yes, many say that they believe in Jesus Christ, however, what exactly is it that they believe? Do they really trust Him? Are they doers of the Word; or hearers only, and thus deceiving themselves? Look at Matthew 7:21-23, does it sound like these people will make it into God’s kingdom? Or, how about in Matthew 25, where it talks about the foolish virgins, were they allowed in?

John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. KJV

At this time of the year, when most everyone is thinking about self, have you stopped to really consider the ultimate gift that has been given? When anticipation runs so high for all the gifts that appease and entertain the flesh, have you acknowledged, received, and then put into operation in your life, the gift that God has given?

That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka