Freely Given by God: Sermon and Slides
Our faith does not begin with our efforts, nor is it sustained by our strength, nor will it be completed by our merit. Everything we possess in Christ—every hope, every promise, every spiritual resource—has been freely given by God to each believer, and to the church as a whole. Our life in Christ is a life built entirely on grace.
1. Purposeful Tasks in the Building of His Temple
Scripture tells us that we are the “living stones” being built together into a spiritual house. God is not only saving us—He is assigning us a place in His grand design. Every believer is called into meaningful, purposeful service. Some tasks seem small, some large, but all of them are part of the construction of God’s living Temple: His church.
And these tasks are not burdens but gifts. They are privileges. God invites us into His work so that, through obedience, we may know Him more deeply, share His heart for the world, and see His power at work in and through us.
2. Purification From All That Is Unworthy and Unholy
This gift may not always feel gentle, but it is always good. God purifies His people because He loves them. As a refiner works with gold, so the Lord works with us—removing what corrupts, healing what is broken, cleansing what defiles.
He does not leave us as we are. His goal is not mere improvement, but holiness: Christ formed in us. This purification is a grace, because without it we could never dwell in His presence or reflect His character to the world. The One who calls us is the One who cleanses us.
3. Knowledge of the Name of Jesus Christ
What a gift it is simply to know Jesus—not merely to know about Him, but to have the truth of who He is revealed to our hearts.
In the name of Jesus, salvation is found. In the name of Jesus, sins are forgiven. In the name of Jesus, chains are broken. God has opened our eyes to see His Son, the Savior of the world, and has given us faith to trust Him. This revelation is not earned—it is given, freely and graciously, by the Father who delights to make His Son known. It is by this same name that all of Nature flourishes. Such is the greatness of the name by which we should be saved.
4. Protection From Evil by the Encompassing Angel of God
God does not call us into His service and then leave us exposed. He surrounds His people. His protection is both a shield and a presence.
Scripture tells us, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him.” This means that even in moments when we feel vulnerable, when darkness presses near, or when our strength fails—God has already stationed His protection around us. We are guarded not because we are strong, but because He is faithful.
5. Hope of Resurrection Through the Raising of Jesus
Our hope is not wishful thinking; it is anchored in a historical event. God raised Jesus from the dead. And in doing so, He gave every believer a living hope that death is not the end.
This hope steadies us in suffering, strengthens us in trials, and shapes the way we view everything in this life. The resurrection of Christ is God’s declaration that His promises stand firm, His power overcomes, and His love will carry us into eternity. We have been given this hope as a gift—one that no circumstance can take away.
6. The Holy Spirit Who Imparts Understanding and Spiritual Gifts
God gives us His Spirit—not as a symbol but as a living presence. The Holy Spirit teaches us, comforts us, convicts us, and guides us. He opens Scripture to us, sharpens our conscience, and shapes our character.
But the Spirit also equips us. He gives spiritual gifts so that the work of God may continue through us—teaching, serving, healing, encouraging, leading, praying—each gift given according to His wisdom, each one essential to the life of the church.
The Holy Spirit’s presence is God’s seal, His guarantee, and His empowering grace for everything He calls us to do.
Conclusion: All Is Gift
When we step back and look at these blessings together, we see a God who is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives:
- He gives us purpose.
- He cleanses us.
- He reveals the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to us.
- He protects us.
- He gives us hope.
- He fills us with His Spirit.
All freely. All generously. All lovingly.
May we be a people who receive these gifts with gratitude, walk in them with faith, and reflect them with joy to a world that desperately needs the God who gives so freely.
Slides
Slide 1 — Title Slide
Sermon Title: Freely Given by God
Subtitle: The Gifts God Gives to Every Believer
Content: (No bullet points needed)
Visual Suggestion:
A soft light shining through clouds, or an open Bible with gentle rays—symbolizing God’s generosity and revelation.
Section 1 — Introduction
Slide Title: God’s Gifts to His People
Slide Content:
- Everything we have in Christ comes by God’s grace
- These gifts shape our identity and purpose
- They are given to believers individually and collectively
Visual Suggestion:
A diverse group of believers worshiping, or silhouettes of people standing together—symbolizing the gathered church.
Section 2 — Purposeful Tasks in God’s Temple
Slide Title: Called to Build
Slide Content:
- We are “living stones” in God’s spiritual house
- Every believer is given meaningful tasks
- Our service participates in God’s grand design
Visual Suggestion:
A stone wall being built, or a blueprint overlay—evoking God’s construction of His living Temple.
Section 3 — Purification
Slide Title: Purified by God
Slide Content:
- God removes what is unworthy and unholy
- His refining work forms Christ within us
- Purification is a grace rooted in His love
Visual Suggestion:
Refining fire imagery, a potter shaping clay, or flowing water—representing cleansing and transformation.
Section 4 — Knowledge of the Name of Jesus Christ
Slide Title: The Gift of Knowing the Name of Jesus Christ
Slide Content:
- Salvation is found in the name of Jesus
- God reveals His Son to us
- We are invited into true relationship with Him
- The name of Jesus is powerful: Nature flourishes by it
Visual Suggestion:
An illuminated Bible page or a cross emerging from darkness—symbolizing revelation and the power of Jesus’ name.
Section 5 — Protection From Evil
Slide Title: Surrounded by God
Slide Content:
- The Angel of the Lord encamps around His people
- God’s presence is our protection
- We are guarded even in our weakness
Visual Suggestion:
A glowing shield, a circle of light around a person, or a subtle guardian figure—representing divine protection.
Section 6 — Hope of Resurrection
Slide Title: A Living Hope
Slide Content:
- God raised Jesus from the dead
- Our resurrection hope rests on His victory
- This hope strengthens us in all trials
Visual Suggestion:
A sunrise breaking over the horizon, an empty tomb, or a burst of light—classic symbols of resurrection.
Section 7 — The Holy Spirit
Slide Title: Empowered by the Spirit
Slide Content:
- The Spirit imparts understanding
- He distributes spiritual gifts for God’s work
- He empowers us to live and serve faithfully
Visual Suggestion:
A dove, descending light, or flame imagery—symbolizing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Section 8 — Conclusion
Slide Title: All Is Gift
Slide Content:
- God gives us purpose
- He cleanses us
- He reveals the name of Jesus Christ
- He protects us
- He gives us hope
- He fills us with His Spirit
Visual Suggestion:
A blended image featuring light, a cross, and community—representing the fullness of God’s freely given gifts.
