The Generous Gift of God

Notes: The Generous Gift of God
November 27, 2016
Pastor Chet Lowe
John 4

John 4:7-15 NKJV
[7] A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." [8] For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. [9] Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. [10] Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." [11] The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? [12] Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?" [13] Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, [14] but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." [15] The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."

1. The Generous Gift of God.

Those that believe in Christ, Christmas is a time to remember the generous gift of God.

John 3:16 NKJV
[16] For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

James 1:17 NKJV
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

God gave us the perfect gift of Jesus.

Romans 1:18 ESV
[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

How will people know about Jesus unless we tell them.

When Moses took the children out of Israel to the Red Sea, they were stuck. They look at the pillar of fire and cry that they might die there. Moses says to stand firm.

We should explain the gift of God to those around us. There could be a longing for those around to know God and need you to share.

We have Jesus to turn to.

Sinful Man:
Death
Ephesians 2:1 ESV
[1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
Romans 6:23 ESV
[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Separation:
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 3:23 ESV
[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Jesus Christ:
Crosses the separation 

Eternal Life:
John 17:3 ESV
[3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

2. The Generous Gift of God Brings Joy

Philippians 4:10-15 ESV
[10] I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. [11] Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [12] I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me. [14] Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. [15] And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.

The church of Philippi gave Paul joy, sharing in the joy of God.

2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV
[9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Gods grace is the Generous Gift that gives us joy.

Jesus knows exactly hat we need. He has brought us joy.

Humans say we have five needs, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs,

As time passes, our human needs seem to change. We can seem to add to our needs as society changes.

What a the truth to what we need.

Matthew 6:33 NKJV
[33] But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

We need Jesus and He gives himself to us.

Every gift from the Father of Life is perfect.

God is most glorified when we are most satisfied with Jesus.

No amount of good works will get you to Heaven.

Matthew 19:20-22 NKJV
[20] The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" [21] Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Romans 2:4 NKJV
[4] Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Ephesians 1:7 NKJV
[7] In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Jesus will never run out of grace for you.

Ephesians 3:16 NKJV
[16] that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

It is now our opportunity to continue to receive the gifts from God and to share it with others.