Unwrapping Heaven's Gift

Scripture

Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

6I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:4-7

Prayer

Introduction

We all know that the Bible tells us that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:25.

However, as we approach the time of year when we think about giving and receiving, even the biggest Scrooge among us likes to receive a gift.

For many, including myself, one of the best parts of receiving a gift is the anticipation and the excitement that accompanies the unwrapping of that gift.

We are thinking, "I wonder what it is?"; "Is it what I want?"; "I hope I won't look disappointed if it isn't!”

Everyone in this room knows exactly what I am talking about!

Well, regardless of whether you get a new tie, a new set of bunny slippers, or that new car you have been dreaming of, nothing you will receive this Christmas will come close to measuring up to the gift God gave the world on that first Christmas.

Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

He said that the gift God gave the world was great beyond description!

What was the gift that God gave to the world 2,000 years ago?

It was His one and only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, John 3:16.

He gave His Son to this world so that sinners like you and me might be saved from our sins and from the wages of those sins, death in Hell forever, Romans 6:23.

In this passage, Paul writes about the great, unspeakable gift of God.

He helps us to understand Jesus, His mission and His ministry a little bit more clearly.

In effect, he helps us to unwrap Heaven's gift.

I would like for us to take some time today to look into this passage.

I want us to see what the Lord gave us when He gave us His Son.

I want us to be excited about His gift and I want us to fully appreciate who Jesus is and what He has done for you and me.

I want you to ponder for a few minutes on this thought: Unwrapping Heaven's Gift.

1. The Mission of Heaven’s Gift

A. The Origin of His Mission - His mission was conceived

in Heaven and carried out on this earth.

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus Christ did not have His

beginning in Bethlehem!

He was born there as an infant, but He has been around for all eternity.

In fact, He is the great "I AM"! He is the agent behind creation, Colossians 1:15-17.

His mission was planned before the world was created, Revelation 13:8; but it was carried out on this earth some 2,000 years ago, 1 Peter 1:18-21!

B. The Objective of His Mission - Verse 5 tells us that He came to "redeem them that were under the law". The word "redeem" means "to buy in the slave market through the payment of the redemption price. To buy for oneself and to forever remove from the sale."

Jesus Christ came to this world for one purpose: to die for the sins of humanity!

This was His clear statement and the sole passion of His life, Luke 19:10; John 18:37.

Even the prophet Isaiah saw that this would be the ministry of the Messiah, Isaiah 53:1-12.

(Note: He did not come to this world as a great teacher or leader of men.

He did not come as an example for us to follow.

He came "to give His life a ransom for many", Mark 10:45! Praise His Name!)

C. The Outcome of His Mission - If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior, then you might not know this but His ministry was a resounding success!

When He went to the cross for the lost, He paid a price that no one else could have ever paid.

He was able to declare from that cross: "It is finished!” John 19:30.

According to Hebrews, the work Jesus did on the cross was sufficient for all men for all time, Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10:10-14.

(Note: His sacrifice on the cross was and is sufficient to save you and keep you saved forever!

Have you experienced the power of His redemptive work in your own heart and life?)

2. The Ministry of Heaven’s Gift

A. It Was A Personal Ministry - Notice the use of the words "we, ye, our, your, thou" in verses 5-7.