23-1217a - Detailed Summary

The speaker introduces the lesson titled "Gifts from God" and thanks Kevin and Roger for the scripture readings.

The lesson focuses on considering the gifts from God, acknowledging that while not all can be listed, the discussion will center around these divine gifts.

The timing coincides with the season of expecting Christmas presents.

Discusses the celebration of Christmas as Jesus' birthday, noting that the Bible does not specify the exact date of Jesus' birth but confirms his birth from the Word of God.

Acknowledges the uncertainty around the exact date of Jesus' birth, suggesting that December 25th might be incorrect but questioning the issue with celebrating a chosen day.

Emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate gift from God, highlighting the significance of recognizing this gift beyond the physical act of gift-giving.

Talks about the wise men visiting Jesus, noting the traditional assumption of three wise men based on the three gifts mentioned (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), but clarifies the number is not specified in scripture.

Discusses the act of giving gifts, suggesting it’s not wrong to exchange gifts but encourages a mindset aligned with God’s giving nature.

Reminds the audience that God constantly gives gifts, like the breath of life, urging contemplation on these continuous blessings.

Introduces three categories of gifts: those to be used and enjoyed, temporary gifts, and spiritual gifts.

Shares a personal anecdote about a gift (a roaster pan) left unused, illustrating the idea of using gifts.

Cites Ecclesiastes 3:13 to support the idea that enjoying one’s labor is a gift from God.

Uses the example of farming to illustrate how growth and harvest are gifts from God, beyond human control.

Refers to Ecclesiastes 5:19 and Deuteronomy 8:18 to discuss wealth and the power to gain it as gifts from God, emphasizing the need to remember God in these blessings.

Reads from Matthew 6:25-34 in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus advises not to worry about material needs but to seek God’s kingdom first, promising that necessities will be provided.

Discusses temporary provisions like clothing and food, suggesting trust in God’s foresight and provision, and not to worry excessively about future needs.

Encourages persistence in asking, seeking, and knocking as per Matthew 7:7-11, explaining that even if answers are delayed, one should continue in faith.

Uses the analogy of earthly fathers giving good gifts to children to illustrate God’s benevolence.

Ends with a reference to Genesis 8:22, where God’s promise to Noah about seasonal cycles symbolizes His ongoing provision.

Continues with the promise from Genesis 8:22 about the assurance of seasons, indicating God’s ongoing provision of harvest, weather cycles, and daily rhythms.

Discusses the natural cycle of rain and seasons, acknowledging that sometimes there is rain, sometimes there isn’t, but God’s provision remains consistent.

References Acts 14:17, where Paul speaks of God’s witness through providing rain and fruitful seasons, which fill hearts with food and gladness.

Highlights the necessity of wisdom, with a reference to Proverbs 1:1-7, emphasizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom, contrasting with fools who despise wisdom.

Distinguishes between the wisdom of God and worldly wisdom, noting that worldly wisdom often denies God, rendering it ultimately void.

Quotes James 1:5 again, encouraging the seeking of divine wisdom directly from God.

States that if someone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously, and this wisdom is one of the gifts from God.

Offers an invitation to come to God, suggesting an immediate opportunity during the singing.

Announces a continuation of the discussion on "Gifts from God," focusing on spiritual gifts, later that evening.