Today we continue our series entitled, “God Loves You”, under the overall theme for the year of, “Supernatural Manifestation.” We have been looking at John 3:16 for over a week now. Let’s go back to it this morning.
The Apostle John said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). We have discussed the entire verse thus far. I trust you can see the sacrifice God made for you. Eternal life is a free gift offered to you through Christ Jesus, but it comes at a high cost. Today I will discuss the High Cost of this Free Gift!
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. The free gift of eternal life cost God dearly.
a) It cost the Father, because He had to send His only begotten Son to die.
b) It cost the Son, because He had to endure an excruciatingly painful road to the cross and then death on it.
c) It costs the Holy Spirit daily, because He lives in every Born-Again believer, even when we do things that discredit and disrespect His presence.
d) God has sacrificed a great deal to offer us eternal life. He continues to sacrifice as He attempts to disciple us and deploy us into this world.
2. The free gift of eternal life is supposed to cost us everything.
a) God has never required any less than ALL of you.
b) If you are not giving God first place, then He is out of place in your life.
c) God gave you His life and He wants yours (all of it) in return.
d) Either Jesus is Lord OF ALL or He is not Lord AT ALL!
e) Losing yourself in Jesus means you get to find your true self in Him and it is the best decision you can ever make!
3. God’s call on your life is a free gift that comes with a high cost.
a) In Luke 9 Jesus encountered three men. The first said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus knew the man had no idea what he was signing up for. Jesus said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Jesus was on a traveling mission and it meant that He and His team would spend weeks on the road, away from their families, all because of the call of God. The man counted the cost and turned back.
b) In second man in Luke 9 Jesus was approached by Jesus. Jesus said, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” This seemed like a reasonable request. Most would think that Jesus would say, “Oh, I’m sorry. I did not know your father just died. Sure, go bury your father and then come back to join my team.” But no, that’s not what Jesus said. Jesus was so serious about the divine call that He said, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Are you that serious? Is God’s call on your life that important to you? It should be.
c) The third man in Luke 9 another said to Jesus, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Either you are committed or you are not. Either you are in or you are out. Jesus was serious then and He is still serous now.
d) God’s call is FREE, but it comes with a high cost and that cost is YOU!
e) The call is absolutely FREE, but truly accepting the call will cost you EVERYTHING!
Closing Confession: Father, this is a year of Great Victory for me. My victory will not come because of my trying. My victory will come because of my dying. I die to self. I live for You. I give You everything I have. All that I am, and all that I am not, is all Yours Father. You gave me Your best. Now I give You my all! Use me Father, for Your glory! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
