From Nothing Owed To Everything Given Series

From Nothing Owed to Everything Given

Introduction

Today, we will explore a profound truth: God owes us nothing, but He gave us everything. This is a truth that can transform our hearts and renew our understanding of God’s immeasurable love and grace. Let’s journey together through Scripture, uncovering the depths of this reality. Our key passage is Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (NLT)

This morning, we’ll consider three key points:

Our Position Without God: We are utterly undeserving.

God’s Gift to Us: Jesus Christ and His sacrificial love.

Our Response to God’s Generosity: Living lives of gratitude and surrender.

1. Our Position Without God: We Are Utterly Undeserving

Let’s begin with Ephesians 2:1-3: “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.” (NLT)

Paul’s words here are sobering. The Greek word for "dead" (?e????, nekros) signifies spiritual death—complete separation from God. This isn’t a passive state but an active rebellion against a holy God. We were deserving of God’s wrath because of our sin.

Imagine standing before a judge, guilty of countless crimes, with no excuse or defence. That was our position before God.

Understanding our spiritual bankruptcy humbles us. It reminds us that we cannot earn God’s favour. This truth should lead us to a deep appreciation of God’s mercy. As Charles Spurgeon said, “We have no more claim on God’s mercy than murderers have on clemency from the judge.”

2. God’s Gift to Us: Jesus Christ and His Sacrificial Love

Romans 5:8 declares: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (NLT)

The Greek word for "love" here (a??p?, agape) refers to God’s unconditional, self-sacrificing love. Jesus didn’t wait for us to become worthy; He stepped into our brokenness and offered Himself on the cross. This act of grace is the ultimate expression of God’s generosity.

John 3:16: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (NLT)

The word “gave” highlights the voluntary nature of God’s gift—a gift undeserved yet freely given.

A wealthy man once adopted a child who had nothing and gave him everything. The boy’s life was transformed, not because of his own merit, but because of the man’s generosity. Similarly, God adopted us into His family through Christ’s sacrifice.

This truth should fill us with awe. As Tim Keller wrote, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

3. Our Response to God’s Generosity: Living Lives of Gratitude and Surrender

Romans 12:1 urges us: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” (NLT)

The phrase "living sacrifice" combines the ideas of life and total surrender. The Greek word for "sacrifice" (??s?a, thusia) connects to the Old Testament concept of offerings, but here it represents our daily, wholehearted devotion to God.

2 Corinthians 9:15: “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” (NLT)

Paul reminds us that gratitude is the appropriate response to God’s indescribable gift of salvation.

Consider a soldier who saves a comrade’s life in battle. The rescued soldier often dedicates their life to honouring their saviour. Likewise, we are called to live in gratitude and surrender to God.

Our gratitude should manifest in our actions—serving others, sharing the gospel, and living lives of holiness. As A.W. Tozer said, “A thankful heart cannot be cynical.” Let our lives reflect our thankfulness.

Conclusion: Call to Action

Brothers and sisters, God owes us nothing, yet He gave us everything in Jesus Christ. Let this truth transform your life. Live in humility, gratitude, and surrender to the One who loves you beyond measure.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, today is the day. Romans 10:9 says: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (NLT)

Come to Him just as you are, and experience the fullness of His grace. Let us pray together and commit our lives anew to the One who gave us everything.