1. In this verse James revealed the source of "every good gift and every perfect gift" -- God. 2. To illustrate how God is the source of all good and perfect gifts,: a. He gave "His only begotten Son" (John 3:16) b. He gives "eternal life" through His Son (Romans 6:23) c. He gives "salvation" by His grace (Ephesians 2:8). 3. The apostle John explained why God is so giving when he said, "God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16). a. There is a close connection between "giving" and "loving." b. It has been said, "You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving." 4. In our lesson we are pointing out "5 special gifts from God" that are revealed in Romans 8:18-39.
Discussion:
I. GIFT #1: "HOPE" (Romans 8:18-25)
A. The word "hope" is used 6 times in these verses. 1. As we examine these statements carefully we see that the "hope" under consideration is "eternal life." a. Vs.18 mentions "the glory which shall be revealed in us." b. Vs.23 mentions "the redemption of our body." 2. This gift has been in God's mind for a long time (Titus 1:2). B. Let us consider some information given in Romans 8 concerning "hope." 1. (vs.24a) "We are saved by hope." a. We have identified the "hope" under consideration -- "eternal life." b. Do we have it now? 1) No, if we had it now, we would not have to wait for it. 2) "Hope" is based on the future -- it relates to things we cannot actually see at the present time. 3) God has promised eternal life, but He will not give it until the judgment. 4) We have to be patient while we wait for our hope to become a reality. 2. As we wait for our hope to become a reality, we will be tested. a. There are some unpleasant things in this life that we must endure. 1) (vs.22) The whole creation groans and travails in pain. 2) (vs.23) Christians groan within themselves. b. We must not allow these things to overcome us. c. They may make us "groan," but we must not allow them to defeat us. 3. If we maintain our hope, we will be able to face unpleasant experiences with "patience." C. "Hope" helps us to remain faithful to the Lord so we can receive the reward He has promised (Revelation 2:10).
II. GIFT #2: HELP FROM 2 GREAT SOURCES
A. The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of God's people (Romans 8:26-27). B. Christ also intercedes on behalf of God's people (Romans 8:34).
III. GIFT #3: PROVIDENTIAL CARE (Romans 8:28-30)
A. Please note that this gift is only available to certain ones. B. Many Bible characters illustrate this Bible principle (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Noami and Ruth, Esther, etc). C. These men and women trusted God to take care of them (Hebrews 11:13-16).
IV. GIFT #4: PROTECTION (Romans 8:31-33)
A. (vs.31) "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (see Hebrews 13:5b-6) B. (vs.32) Since God gave His Son to die for us, will He not provide the things we need? C. (vs.33) Since God has justified us, who can possibly charge us with anything?
V. GIFT #5: INSEPARABLE LOVE (Romans 8:35-39)
A. Can anyone or anything separate us from the love of Christ? B. Can anyone or anything separate us from the love of God?
Conclusion:
1. We understand from James 1:17 that God is the source of every good and perfect gift. 2. These verses in Romans 8 reveal 5 of God's special gifts, including: a. the hope of eternal life b. help [intercession] from the Holy Spirit and Christ c. God's providential care d. protection e. inseparable love from Christ and His Father. 3. Earlier (Romans 6:3-4), Paul explained how we get into Christ so we can gain access to these gifts.
