Got What? Series

2 Cor. 1:21-22

INTRO: With Thanksgiving closing in on us this is the second of the series of messages to prepare our hearts to be thankful. Often we get so involved in everyday life that we take for granted the things the Lord has given us and all that we have in Him. Pause with me today and consider just how blessed you are. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior you are indeed blessed beyond measure. If you have not, then may we help entice you by sharing what blessings we have in Christ.

I. Established With …………….. v. 21

One definition of the word “Established” is “continuation or permanence.” According to the Word of God we have been established, with permanence, to one another in a continual relationship.

Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. If I may slip a word in here that tells in terms we understand in today’s society…We are part of the FAMILY of God. We are a permanent part. We may not always honor the position but we’re still family, continually. Nothing makes you feel more accepted than knowing you are part of the group. This group is not just a club or fellowship but FAMILY. Being part of the family entitles us to several things…

Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ

We are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,

I Cor. 4:10 ye are wise… strong… and honorable…. in Christ

We have hope in Christ.

We have rejoicing in Christ.

We’re a new creature in Christ.

We have liberty in Christ.

Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus

We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

We have peace in Christ.

This is only a partial list of the wonderful things we have “In Christ.” The list actually goes on and on of the provision that has been made for us as Family members of God’s Family. Stop for a moment and consider what you Got………

ILLUS: Moses was asked of God once…. You ….GOT WHAT..? He answered the Lord, “Just a stick” That little insignificant stick became his companion for the next 40 years and God worked miracle after miracle through it. After some deliberation I’m sure Moses would say…. It is far more than “just a stick.”

What we have in Christ has tremendously blessed us and will continue to bless us throughout eternity. When you think of the togetherness we have as brothers and sisters in the same family, the combined strength, encouragement, wisdom, comfort, confidence, fellowship, and compassion that we share…. Nothing can compare with it. A little thought and evaluation of our possession causes it to take on new value.

The proof of our position is seen in the phrase.. “hath anointed us.” The phrase indicates “to install somebody officially or ceremonially in a position or office” God has established us with one another in an official position for eternity. We are HIS…

II. Sealed Us…………. V. 22

To seal is to preserve and to keep value within. Our text says God is the one who sealed us. 1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Our remaining in the family and on our way to heaven does not depend upon our ability to “Hold on” because we are kept by His power.

ILLUS: Ever have fruit or vegetables that you’ve kept in Mason Jars for a period of time for a future date? You open that jar and the contents is as fresh as the day you put it in. A fresh, crisp pickle or sweet blueberries in the middle of the winder, when it can’t be grown for the cold, is a wonderful treat. Our sealing carries the same idea of preservation.

The proof of our sealing is seen in this verse as well… given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. God doesn’t leave it to wonder for us, here in this life. We can, with confidence, declare our position in Christ. John said, “1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

ILLUS: When you place a bid on a property, in order for them to know you mean business and are surely interested in purchasing …. They require Earnest money. It is money placed down to state your intention is genuine. It is money that you lose if you back out of the deal. It is not something you take a chance with, you’re serious when you place down Earnest money.