Intro: Jesus told this woman, that if she had only known "the gift of God" and who it was that she was talking with, she would have asked of Him to give her to drink. This world seems to be in the same condition as was this woman. Satan blinds people as to the true identity of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are multitudes of views, opinions, beliefs, traditions; and cults abound so much so that the average person finds it quite difficult identifying the true Jesus, the Jesus of the Bible. In the verse we have read, Jesus told the Samaritan woman, "If thou knewest the gift of God…" Yes, millions of people are ignorant of the gift God wants to give them. That’s what I want to share with you for a little while today:
1. TO THE WEARY – GOD’S GIFT IS REST
Matt. 11-28-29 – "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest….. for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls.”
If this world knew today how the Lord could give rest for weary souls, then there would be more men coming to Jesus.
2. TO THE UNGODLY – GOD’S GIFT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS
Rom. 4:5-6 – “5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works."
The Bible describes the ungodly as a people guilty of every sort of sin against God. Yet, God in His love and mercy offers to them His perfect righteousness through Jesus not religion.
Saul of Tarsus – guilty of sinful crimes against God and his people - yet He was given righteousness (Phil. 3:9). Rahab of Jericho, a harlot; yet to her and her family, God gave righteousness. There was Zacchaeus the taxman, the woman taken in adultery, etc. – all forgiven and made righteous by Jesus before God! Even you and I come under this kind, but thank God, He had given us righteousness by faith in Jesus.
3. TO THE UNWISE – GOD’S GIFT IS WISDOM
Jas. 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Everyone knows that we need guidance and wisdom in this world. Ninety-nine percent of our failures and frustrations in life can be traced to our being wise in ourselves rather than depending upon God for direction. Dear friend, whether you are a student, a professional, an employee, a businessman, newly-wed, a brand new parent, or a senior citizen, etc…God wants to help you and offers you His far superior wisdom.
4. TO THE TROUBLED – GOD’S GIFT IS PEACE
John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Look at the man of God – Job. Gone were his property, loved ones and his health; even his best friends opposed and accused him; it seemed that the whole world has forsaken him, yet he could say: Job 1:21 – “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 13:15 – "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him…" When you are down and your heart is troubled; and the world seems against you, God offers you His gift of peace!
5. TO THE LOST – GOD’S GIFT IS SALVATION
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.” Luke 19:10 – "For the Son of Man is come to seek and save that which was lost."
All the way from glory, came the loving Jesus, and hung upon a cruel cross that he might give you dear lost soul the gift of salvation and eternal life (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9).
Conclusion: Friend, you might not receive the best gifts from men in your lifetime but if you are saved and know it, you are truly blessed and happy! Unsaved friend, God offers you His Son Jesus, His best gift to you today. Will you accept Him?
