Topical Bible: The Gifts of God: Illustrated

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The concept of the "Gifts of God" is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating the manifold ways in which God bestows His grace, provision, and spiritual blessings upon humanity. These gifts are not merely material or temporal but encompass spiritual and eternal dimensions, reflecting God's character and His desire for a relationship with His creation.

1. The Gift of Creation

The very act of creation is depicted as a gift from God. In Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," we see the initiation of life and the universe as a divine gift. The beauty and order of creation are further celebrated in Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This gift of creation is a testament to God's power and generosity, providing humanity with a world to inhabit and steward.

2. The Gift of Life

Life itself is a precious gift from God. In Genesis 2:7, "Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." This act of breathing life into humanity signifies the intimate and personal nature of God's gift, setting humans apart as bearers of His image.

3. The Gift of Salvation

Central to the Christian faith is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This gift is the ultimate expression of God's love and mercy, offering redemption and eternal life to all who believe.

4. The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is given to believers as a guide, comforter, and source of power. Acts 2:38 records Peter's words, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This gift empowers believers to live according to God's will and to bear spiritual fruit.

5. The Gifts of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit also bestows various spiritual gifts upon believers for the edification of the church. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 explains, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and more, each serving a unique purpose in the body of Christ.

6. The Gift of Peace

Jesus offers His followers the gift of peace, distinct from the world's peace. In John 14:27, He assures, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." This peace is a deep, abiding sense of well-being and assurance rooted in God's presence and promises.

7. The Gift of Eternal Life

The promise of eternal life is a gift that transcends earthly existence. Romans 6:23 declares, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This gift assures believers of a future with God, free from sin and death, in His eternal kingdom.

8. The Gift of Wisdom

James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, stating, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This gift enables believers to navigate life's complexities with discernment and understanding.

9. The Gift of Grace

God's grace is a recurring theme in Scripture, described as a gift that sustains and empowers believers. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recounts God's assurance, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This grace is an ongoing source of strength and encouragement in the Christian life.

10. The Gift of Love

The love of God, poured into the hearts of believers, is a transformative gift. Romans 5:5 states, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." This love compels believers to love others and to live in harmony with God's will.

These gifts of God, illustrated throughout Scripture, reveal His abundant generosity and His desire for a deep, personal relationship with humanity. They are not earned but freely given, inviting all to partake in the richness of God's grace and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 25:15-30
And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

First Sunday after Epiphany
... This principle cannot be better illustrated than by the ... all the orders become
unprofitable in God's sight. ... Paul teaches that, however varied the gifts and the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday after epiphany.htm

The Great Duty of Charity Recommended
... to be used for the glory of God, and the good of immortal souls. After he had
particularly illustrated this, he comes to show, that all gifts, however great ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of charity.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... This illustrated by analogy from the members of the human body. ... Again, we are enjoined,
whenever we behold the gifts of God in others, so to reverence and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

Finding God
... a great fact when we say, 'Thy gifts, alas! ... central thought of Jeremiah's text is
beautifully illustrated in the ... a clean heart and the blessing of God like that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/howard/standards of life and service/iv finding god.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... Upon the principle there illustrated, the Christian should act, conducting himself
in a ... Unity of mind in relation to the various gifts of God cannot exist ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

What God Will do for Us
... to our relation to Him, still the gifts that are ... So when God holds us to His grindstone,
it is to ... The idea contained in this promise may be illustrated by the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/what god will do for.htm

Continual Union in Spirit with God the End of Man's Creation...
... weakened and disordered in all their natural gifts. ... which their understandings had
been illustrated, and that ... affections adhered continually to God, they were ...
/.../chapter i continual union in.htm

The Holy Spirit and Prayer
... Holy Spirit just as we seek after God, just as ... always for more and more of His gifts,
and power ... conditioned on prayer, and He Himself illustrated this universal ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xiii the holy spirit and.htm

A Liberal Church
... The principle illustrated in the lives of worldlings is to get, get. ... A continual
imparting of God's gifts wherever the cause of God or the needs of humanity ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Elijah Standing Before the Lord
... How nobly the steadfastness and superiority to all temptations which such a vision
gives, are illustrated by the ... Not Naaman's gifts but God's approval is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/elijah standing before the lord.htm