Category Archives: Gifts

Bible, Christ, Death, Eternal Life, Eternity, Gifts, Jesus, Scripture, Sin, Wages

WAGES VS GIFTS

ROMANS 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Here we are again with another one of my Every Man A Warrior memory verses. We teach this verse to men to train them to share the gospel. Google “The Bridge Illustration” and you will find numerous examples. We use this verse because it spells out the Gospel so simply for anyone at any age. I actually have an App on my phone called “ShareYourFaith” which uses the Bridge Illustration also. Check it out.

Paul brings us to the end of chapter 6 (of course, there were no chapters in his letters) with this familiar verse. I want us to look at the key words of this verse today – wages, sin, death, gift, eternal life, Christ Jesus. And the biggest word in the verse is right in the middle – but. That word changes everything. Everything said in the first half of the verse is trumped by what is said in the second. But…a little word with big implications.

APPLICATION

“…the wages of sin is death,… We earn death (our wages) because of our sin. Since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, man has been held liable for their sins. The punishment for Adam’s disobedience was death, first a physical death. Then, if that sin was not atoned for, a spiritual death. Since Adam mankind has suffered these deaths. There is no way of escaping this punishment in and of ourselves. We cannot earn back our physical or spiritual life.

BUT… God had a plan from the foundation of the world. He knew what would happen in the garden. If He had not known, He would not be much of a God. And even though He knew the choice Eve and then Adam would make, He did not intervene to stop them. They had to decide on their own to obey Him. If He forced their obedience, they would rebel against that. You see, Jesus was not God’s plan B. He was always the plan.

“…the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” As Paul Harvey used to say, “Now, the rest of the story.” God gives us a gift. It cost us nothing. It’s free. We just have to accept it. What is that gift? Eternal life with Jesus. Hold on, Carl. What’s the catch? No catch. You see, that’s what causes so many to stumble. They are looking for the hook in this gift. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you (John 3:16). If you haven’t accepted that gift yet, do it today. If you have, give Him praise for this inexhaustible gift that has brought billions of people into His kingdom. There is always room for one more.

This world doesn’t know how to accept free gifts. Thank You for giving so freely so I can live with You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Condemnation, Gifts, Justification, Justified, Salvation, Scripture

ONE TO MANY, MANY TO ONE

ROMANS 5:16

“The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one offense, resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the gracious gift arose from many offenses, resulting in justification.”

“All for one and one for all.” If you have ever been part of a sports team, you probably chanted that before a big game. The idea is that the strength of many is stronger than the strength of each individual by itself. They call it synergy. We get stronger the more we work together. I’ve seen that happen in sports and in work. Many equals more.

Well, put that all aside for a minute because today we have a verse that goes against that thought. At first glance this verse seems a little hard to understand, but after some deep dives it becomes clear. Paul is saying that the sin of one man (Adam) led to condemnation for all. On the other hand, the sins of the many led to the sacrifice of one God-Man (Jesus) which gave us justification. One to many and many to One.

APPLICATION

We are not God and never will be. Our future glorification will not make us God or even god-like. Don’t believe that hogwash. However, God does justify us and expects us to share that gift we have received with others. There are two different Greek words translated “gift” in today’s verse. The first one is dóréma and means a gift that is freely given. It’s only used here and in James 1:17 which says, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

The second Greek word for gift is charisma which is really a grace gift. It implies deliverance from danger or passion. It is used 17 times in the New Testament. So, you may be asking yourself why do we need two words for gift in the same verse. One source I looked at described it this way. “Charisma emphasizes the ‘graciousness’ or supernatural nature of the gift, while dorea highlights its ‘free’ and unmerited aspect from the giver.”

Christ’s gift of salvation and His gifts of grace are not meant to be repaid by us. We could never payback what He paid. We read in Deuteronomy 13:4, “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him and cling to Him.” That still applies today. That’s what the Lord expects in return. Can you do that today?

Father, thank You for sending the One (Jesus) to die for the many (including me). I accept His gift of grace and salvation. 
 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blood, Gifts, Promises, Salvation, Scripture

SAVED FROM WRATH

ROMANS 5:9

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Refrain:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

I bet you know that old hymn written back in 1878. That’s what Paul is saying to us today in verse 9 of Romans 5. It is only because of the blood shed by God’s Son, Jesus, that we have been justified and saved from His wrath. You see, our sins demanded death from us. We were doomed to an eternal sentence of the fires of hell. But…Christ came and died for us, satisfying the wrath of God towards our sins. Isn’t that the best news ever?

APPLICATION

Because God paid such a high price for our salvation (the gift of His only Son), He values us. We are precious to Him. He cares for us. If I bought an expensive gun, do you think I would take care of it? You had better believe it. I would regularly clean and inspect it. I would be so careful when I used it to make sure I didn’t scratch or harm it. As much as I might do all those things for a gun, can you imagine how much God will take care of you who were paid for by the blood of His Son?

God’s wrath sounds horrible, doesn’t it? HELPS Word-studies gives us a good picture of this Greek word. “[‘Orgē comes from the verb oragō meaning, “to teem, to swell”; and thus implies that it is not a sudden outburst, but rather (referring to God’s) fixed, controlled, passionate feeling against sin – a settled indignation (so Hendriksen)’ (D. E. Hiebert, at 1 Thes 1:10).]” God cannot stomach sin. He will not tolerate it.

My wife and I like to watch a reality police show. It’s a live three hour show that follows several law enforcement departments during a three hour period of their night shift. I am amazed each time I see the officers letting people go after catching them with drugs. They are guilty, but they don’t charge them. Similarly, we are guilty. We have been caught red-handed in our sins, but because of Jesus’ blood, we have been declared justified (if we have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord). Can you give God praise today for that gift?

Father, I am not worthy of the forgiveness You show me, but I am thankful.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Disgraceful, Gifts, Grace, Justified, Scripture

THE GIFT OF JUSTIFICATION

ROMANS 3:24

“being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus,”

Who doesn’t like to receive gifts, right? I am at the age now that I had rather give them than receive them. I really don’t need anything. I appreciate any gift I receive, but I really just don’t need another thing in my closet or in my house. However, there is one gift I received in 1977 that has lasted me every day since then. I received that gift of justification mentioned in today’s verse. It has never gone out of style, got worn out or been outgrown.

Paul calls our justification “a gift by His grace.” That’s pretty awesome, don’t you think? The Greek literally says, “being justified freely by the grace of Him.” This justification is freely given without any expectation of payment, without a reason or obligation. (Topical Lexicon) Isn’t that the kind of gift you want? We have all probably received gifts that were given with ulterior motives. Payment was expected. A gift was expected. Loyalty was expected. That’s not the kind of gift we get from God.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 10:8, Jesus uses this word. It reads, “‘Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.’” Just as we have received this grace gift of justification freely, we should give out grace freely to others. Jesus was giving His disciples instructions here, but His words apply to us as well.

We are even told in Revelation that we will receive water from the spring of the water of life, and we are to drink freely (Revelation 21:6; 22:17). We are promised this by the great Promise Keeper. We will be able to drink freely and deeply. I can’t wait. How about you?

Give thanks to Him today for the free gift you have received through Him. God does not dangle this just out of your reach. He gives it to us freely and without a hidden agenda. Aren’t you glad He has done this? It makes no matter where you are. He loves you and wants to bless you with this gift. Will you accept it? Will you praise Him for it?

Father God, words cannot express my gratitude.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Gifts, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Spiritual

SHARE YOUR GIFT

ROMANS 1:11

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;”

Often when I travel overseas, I deliver gifts to my friends. On a trip last year to Africa, I was able to deliver monetary gifts to some friends in three different countries. What a blessing to see them receive this, knowing how much it blessed them. I am not sure who was blessed more – them, me or the ones who gave the money. Gifts have a way of continuing to bless others, don’t they?

This verse has been highly discussed by many scholars. Some think Paul was going to lay hands on them and bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit. Other scholars disagree with that, seeing that believers receive the Holy Spirit at salvation. They claim Paul meant to share of his spiritual gifts with them. The word “impart” can also be translated “share,” as it is Luke 3:11 and Ephesians 4:28.

APPLICATION

So, what do you have to “share” or “impart” to others? What spiritual gift do you feel is your primary gift? In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 we read what Paul wrote about the spiritual gifts. “7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

You see, our spiritual gifts are meant to help others in their walk with Christ. They are not to be hoarded and kept private. My particular gifts are teaching and administration. But I also have all the rest of the gifts present within me through the Holy Spirit. I have to work at exercising those gifts sometimes. Others come easily. But they are all present for others.

To whom can you share your gift with today? You may have the gift of encouragement. You are a “Barnabus,” who was called the Son of Encouragement. I was encouraged the other morning by a dear brother. I really needed to hear what he had to say. He had no idea when he texted me, but God knew and prompted his spirit to reach out. That’s how our gifts work. Let your gift work today.

O Lord, the gifts You have given me are such a blessing. Help me to share them with others today.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Aroma, Bible, Gifts, Offering, Pleasing, Scripture, Sin

THAT SMELLS GOOD

PHILIPPIANS 4:18

“But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”

My wife cooked up a couple of batches of brownies last week to take to a family gathering. Don’t you just love the smell of fresh baked brownies? It took all I could do not to dig into those as I cut them and placed them in the containers to take on the trip. Scooping up those warm brownies was tempting. I could just envision a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of one of those. Ahhh, the smells and the tastes!

Paul isn’t writing about baked goods, but he is using that imagery to describe how he received the gift from the Philippians. Not only was it given to him, but it was also “an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Their gift wasn’t just given to Paul. It was given to God. And Paul said it smelled good to Him. It was “a fragrant aroma.” The Greek actually reads “an odor of a sweet smell.” That’s pretty descriptive, isn’t it?

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 2:15, Paul uses the same word to describe how we smell to God. “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:” We are not just a smell. We are sweet smell. God likes how we smell. The smell of sin has been washed away by the blood of Christ.

This Greek word eudoia is used one more time in the New Testament in Ephesians 5:2. Let’s back up to verse 1 to see the full context. “1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Here that word is describing Christ. Do we smell like Christ to God? Do our gifts to God smell like Christ? Hmmm!

This time of year, when I come in from mowing our lawn, my smell is not a sweet fragrance to my wife. On the contrary, she quickly points to the shower and holds her nose. Now, I don’t smell myself because the odor has gradually grown on me while I’ve been out working. But she can sure smell me. Don’t let the smell of sin creep up on you. Stay washed in the Word and in His Spirit. Be a sweet fragrance to your God.

O Lord, I want to always be a sweet odor in Your nostrils with no smell of sin on me.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Gifts, Giving, Scripture

BLESSED BY BLESSING

PHILIPPIANS 4:17

“Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the profit which increases to your account.”

Every time I give to someone or to some ministry, I am blessed beyond measure. I only wish I could give more. I have a couple of dear brothers in Africa right now who need resources to build new church buildings. I am not talking about extravagant halls complete with coffee bars and flashing lights. All they desire is four walls and a roof. I would love to write them a check to just go buy the property and build those buildings. How fun would that be and how blessed would I be! (if you would like to give to that, let me know)

Paul uses some words in today’s verse that bring out this message of being blessed by blessing. The word translated “profit” is actually the Greek word for fruit. We know that fruit is always for others and not ourselves. And the word “increases” is a word that means more than enough or surpasses. I want to show you the other occurrences of this word in the New Testament so you can get a fuller idea of it.

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon explains it this way. “Scripture employs it to describe both the multiplication of sin and, more triumphantly, the super-abounding of grace, faith, love, thanksgiving, fruit, and virtue. In every instance the word underscores God’s intention that what begins in His people should not remain static but should grow past ordinary limits.”

In the New Testament, we see it used (This is also from the Topical Lexicon):

• Romans 5:20; 6:1 – sin increases, yet grace surpasses it
• 2 Corinthians 4:15 – grace spreads so that thanksgiving overflows
• 2 Corinthians 8:15 – no one has excess or lack when God distributes provision
• 1 Thessalonians 3:12 – love is to “increase and overflow” among believers
• 2 Thessalonians 1:3 – faith “grows more and more,” love “is increasing”
• Philippians 4:17 – Paul seeks fruit that “may be credited” (growing interest) to the church’s account
• 2 Peter 1:8 – possessing and “increasing” in virtue keeps believers from unfruitfulness

Rest assured the Lord knows your heart as you give. He will bless you, not according to the measure of your gift, but rather according to the heart of your gift. Go ahead, see what He will do. Be blessed by being a blessing. Let the Lord give you the joy of giving joy to others.

Lord, show me today to whom I should I give. I know that You will bless my pure and undefiled motives in my giving.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Bible, Gifts, Ministry, Offering, Repetition, Scripture, Tithe

REPEAT GIVERS

PHILIPPIANS 4:16

“for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.”

The life blood of a missionary’s support are those individuals who commit to give on a regular basis, whether that be monthly, quarterly or annually. Being able to depend on that regular gift allows the missionary to concentrate on the work of the ministry and not constantly raising support. Don’t get me wrong, every gift is appreciated. I have several supporters who have blessed us with major gifts who are not monthly or annual givers. Every gift is needed and used for His glory.

These Philippian believers obviously believed in what Paul was doing and wanted to help support his work. In Acts 18:1-5 we read that at one point in his ministry Paul was helping with his own support by making tents. But when Silas and Timothy arrived in Corinth from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself full-time to the ministry. Did Silas and Timothy bring a gift from the Philippians when they came? We don’t know exactly when Paul received their gifts (there were more than one), nor do we know the amount or exactly what the gift was. The point was they were regular supporters of his ministry.

APPLICATION

Before you shut down and stop reading this blog, this is not a blog about tithing. It is, however, a blog about supporting God’s work. That might be in your local church where you give you regular tithe and offering. That might be by supporting a missionary you know who serves domestically or internationally. It might be a special project in your community. However the Lord leads you, do it.

In 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, Paul gives us some instructions regarding this giving. “10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”

And I really like what Paul said in the same letter in the previous chapter (2 Corinthians 8:7). “But just as you excel in everything, in faith, speaking, knowledge, and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” Have you ever thought about your giving being a work of grace? Me either, but there it is. As you pray about to whom and how you give, make it a regular practice, be graceful about it.

Thank You, Lord, for the privilege to give to others. Bless my gift today and make it fruitful.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Bible, Gifts, Jesus, Law, Righteousness, Scripture

GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

PHILIPPIANS 3:9

“and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,”

Sorry to have to tell you this, but you are not righteous – on your own. Neither am I, not even close. My late brother-in-law who was a pastor used to tell his congregation, “If I knew you like God knows you, I wouldn’t bother to come preach to you. And if you knew me like God knows me, you wouldn’t bother to come hear me.” In other words, our flesh is wicked. If we only knew each other’s hearts, we would be horrified.

But praise be to God, He has made a way for us to become righteous. See, Paul knew the futility of the flesh. He even says in Romans 3:10, “as it is written: ‘There is no righteous person, not even on;’” This is a thought shared in the Psalms in two places, 14:1-3 and 53:1-3. They both say there is no one who does good. Paul points us to the only, truly righteous person who ever walked this earth, Jesus Christ. He is the reason God can declare us as righteous.

APPLICATION

Righteousness is a term we see all throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew words tsedeq and tsedaqah are used to describe the moral and ethical standards expected by God. Topical Lexicon says, “These Hebrew terms provide the Old Testament background for the New Testament understanding of dikaiosyne, highlighting the continuity of God’s righteous standards and His provision for humanity’s right standing with Him through faith.”

Dikaiosyne which is the Greek word for “righteousness” is used almost 100 times in the New Testament. This is an important word for us to understand when it comes to our relationship with God. Take a look at Romans where Paul uses this word over 30 times. Righteousness does not come through keeping some set of rules or laws. It only comes from God as His gift to us having received His Son as our Savior and Lord.

Romans 5:17 calls righteousness a gift. I love that. A gift is something I do not obtain on my own merits. It is given freely by the gift giver. In this case, Jesus gave us the gift of salvation, thus ascribing to us His righteousness. He took on Himself the sins of the world in order for us to have the privilege of receiving this precious gift. We have to accept it. He won’t force it on us. Have you received this gift of righteousness through His Son?

Father, I know I am seen as righteous in Your eyes only because of what Your Son has done for me.

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Bible, Gifts, Scripture, Struggles, Suffering, Trust

THE GIFT OF SUFFERING

PHILIPPIANS 1:29

“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf,”

Have you ever gotten a gift that you really didn’t ask for or want? You know, that pair of socks from your grandma for Christmas, for example. My wife always wanted to make sure our two kids got equal amounts of gifts at Christmas. One year she was one short for my son, so she picked up a flannel shirt for him. Now, my son wouldn’t have been caught dead wearing flannel back then, lol. You could just see it when he opened the gift. He was gracious, but…

Well, today Paul mentions a gift that no one asks for and really do not want – the gift of suffering. He says it pretty clearly, “it has been granted.” We know Paul knew a little bit about suffering. Yet he still calls it a gift. Why? Because he knew the result of suffering was a deeper dependence on Almighty God. Suffering was part of his initial calling as we see in Acts 9:15-16. The Lord was giving instructions to Ananias to tell Paul. “15 But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer in behalf of My name.’”

APPLICATION

In Luke 7:21, the same Greek word for “granted” which we see in today’s verse is translated as “gave” when Luke describes Jesus’ actions to the blind. “At that very time He cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; and He gave sight to many who were blind.’ 

Over in 1 Corinthians 2:12 we see the word translated as “freely given.” “Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God.” 

Granted, gave, and freely given all point to one thing – a gift given graciously by Jesus. Will you accept this gift of suffering for Christ’s sake? Embrace it. His suffering is always perfect. It is never too much. It will bring us closer to Him. Do you believe that? He will love you through it all.

Lord, I do not want suffering, but if You allow it I know it is for my good. I will receive it.

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