Self-Made or God-Made
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.
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.
Text
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."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Contrast between self-made and God-made - Examples of Lot and the lily - Implications of avarice versus divine grace
- II points: - The nature of self-will - The beauty of divine handiwork - The role of God's grace in our lives
- III points: - The potential for spiritual growth - Drawing from the wealth of the Eternal - Clothing ourselves in the graces of the Spirit
- IV points: - The importance of abiding in Christ - Bearing fruit through divine connection - Becoming kindred flowers in God's garden
Key Quotes
“The one is self-made, guided by vicious impulses; the other is the handiwork of God.” — John Henry Jowett
“We may draw into our souls the wealth of the Eternal, even the unsearchable riches of Christ.” — John Henry Jowett
“He that abideth in Me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Reflect on the areas of your life where you may be self-made and seek God's grace to transform them.
- Commit to abiding in Christ daily to experience spiritual growth and bear fruit.
- Embrace the beauty of holiness by allowing God's grace to shape your character and actions.