Benefits of Grace
The sermon emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the source of all benefits, and that even the unconverted receive benefits from God's fullness.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that grace is the foundation of a believer's identity as a 'sinner-saved by the grace of God.' He explains that all of humanity, regardless of their faith status, benefits from God's grace through Jesus Christ, who is the source of life and sustenance. Tozer highlights that even those who are unconverted receive blessings from God's fullness, such as life, intellect, and memory. He urges unbelievers to recognize and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who not only gives life but also cares for and sustains them. The message is a call to acknowledge the grace that permeates all aspects of existence.
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Only a believing Christian can testify, "I am a sinner-saved by the grace of God!" But that is not the whole story. All that we have is cut of His grace. Jesus Christ, the eternal Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, is the open channel through whom God moves to provide all the benefits He gives, both to saints and to sinners-yes, even to sinners! Even though you may still be unconverted and going your own way, you have received much out of the ocean of His fullness. You have received the pulsing life that beats in your bosom. You have received the brilliant mind and the brain without which you could not function.
You have received a memory that strings the events you cherish as a jeweler strings pearls into a necklace.
When we say to an unbelieving man, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ," we are actually saying to him: "Believe on the One who sustains you and upholds you and who has given you life. Believe in the One who pities you and spares you and keeps you. Believe on the One out of whom you came!"
Sermon Outline
- The Source of All Benefits
- The Extent of God's Grace
- The Call to Believe
- Believe in the One who sustains and upholds
- Believe in the One who pities and spares
- Believe in the One from whom you came
Key Quotes
“Only a believing Christian can testify, 'I am a sinner-saved by the grace of God!'” — A.W. Tozer
“Jesus Christ, the eternal Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, is the open channel through whom God moves to provide all the benefits He gives, both to saints and to sinners-yes, even to sinners!” — A.W. Tozer
“Believe on the One who sustains you and upholds you and who has given you life.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the benefits you have received from God's fullness, even if you are still unconverted.
- Believe in Jesus Christ as the source of all life, mind, and memory.
- Acknowledge your dependence on God and His mercy.