========================================================================
  SELF-MADE OR GOD-MADE
  by John Henry Jowett
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon contrasts self-made individuals driven by selfish
impulses with God-made individuals rooted in divine grace, emphasizing
the beauty and growth that comes from a relationship with Christ.

Topics: "Divine Grace", "Spiritual Growth"
Scripture References: John 15:5, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 3:16, Colossians 3:12

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Henry Jowett emphasizes the contrast between the self-made, selfish
ways of individuals like Shylock and the graceful beauty of the lilies
of the field, highlighting how one is rooted in self-will while the
other is rooted in the power of Divine grace. He points out that just as
the lilies draw grace from God, we too can be rooted in His power and
clothe ourselves in the beauty of holiness, becoming like kindred
flowers in God's garden. By abiding in Christ and allowing Him to dwell
in us, we can bear much fruit and grow in all aspects towards Him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

MATTHEW vi. 26-33.

Think of Lot and then think of a lily of the field! Think of the

feverishness of the one and of the serenity of the other, or think of
the

ugly selfishness of the one, and of the graceful beauty of the other!
Look

upon avarice at its worst, upon a Shylock, and then gaze upon a lily of

the field! How alarming is the contrast! The one is self-made, guided by

vicious impulses; the other is the handiwork of God. The one is rooted
in

self-will; the other is rooted in the power of the Divine grace. God has

nothing to do with the one; He has everything to do with the other. So
one

becomes "big" and ugly; the other grows in strength and beauty.

Now the wonder is this, that we, too, may be rooted in the power from

which the lily draws its grace. We may draw into our souls the wealth of

the Eternal, even the unsearchable riches of Christ. We may put on "the

beauty of holiness." We may become clothed in the graces of the Spirit.

When we are in the field of the lilies we may appear unto the Lord as

kindred flowers of His own garden.

"He that abideth in Me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit."

"Rooted in Him," we shall "grow up in all things unto Him."

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-henry-jowett/self-made-or-god-made/
========================================================================