(1 Timothy 1:2)….Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord
When I think of this time of year I am reminded of the hustle and bustle of the commercial world, where people are running frantically into debt while trying to please people with gifts they will never use. No, don’t get me wrong, I love the whole Christmas traditions like anyone else. I just think we forget that the gift of Jesus Christ from the Father (Isaiah 9:6) is the best gift any person could ever receive and possess. Let me give you four reasons why Jesus is the greatest gift to receive, and if you don’t have Him, I would search to and fro until you did if I was you. Yeah, He is that great!
- First – there is life in Christ Jesus – (1:1)
This promise of life and hope in Christ was needed to stir up Timothy to stand and fulfill his calling with boldness. Let us be reminded to stay at the task because He has given us life (2 Timothy 1:10). Many scriptures refer to eternal life as a future blessing (Mark 10:28-30) (Titus 1:2) (Titus 3:7) (Romans 6:22), with a perfect environment that is free from death, sorrow, and pain. All this is true! But eternal life in Christ Jesus is more than just a hope regarding a future blessing, it is a present possession for the one abiding in Christ (1 John 5:11-13).
- Second – Grace comes from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord
So what is grace? Many people have different ways of defining such a word. It is the Greek word “Charis,” which presents the idea of kindness which is bestowed on one that he has not deserved it. Much like unmerited favor towards someone (Romans 5:1-2). In the Scriptures, God’s grace is described as….all-abundant (Romans 5:19-20), and glorious (Ephesians 1:6). Just think about God’s grace for a moment, and you will realize that God does not owe us anything, what we deserve is eternal damnation (destruction) (Romans 3:23) (Romans 6:23). We must remember that only by God’s grace is salvation possible (Ephesians 2:8-9) (Hebrews 4:16)
3. Third – Mercy comes from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord
What is the mercy of God? It is His infinite, inexhaustible power to be compassionate, the result, and the effect of His goodness. The Lord is good: (1 Chronicles 16:34)…..Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. His mercy towards us is….
- Great – (Psalm 103:1-18)
- Abundant – (1 Peter 1:3)
- Renewed every morning – (Lamentations 3:22-23)
- His work (Romans 9:14-18) – this is a baffling thing
How has God shown you and me mercy? Many people live their lives with little regard to the mercy God has given them (Ephesians 2:4-10) (Titus 3:1-7). May we be different.
4. Third – Peace comes from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord
It is defined as, a state of harmony, tranquility, the absence of hostility, and the absence of mental stress or anxiety. Because God is the source of true peace (Romans 15:13) Jesus Christ has made peace with God through Justification (Romans 5:1) (Romans 3:24)To be enjoyed by those whose minds are stayed on Him – (Isaiah 26:3)
Wow! When you are opening presents with others this Christmas, remember that the greatest gift is from the Father in Heaven which is salvation with Christ and that His gift comes wrapped in life/hope, grace, Mercy, and peace. I hope that you are each enjoying life with Christ, in this Christmas season. However, if you are not Christ’s, then run to Him to receive hope, grace, mercy, and peace as soon as you can.