The Gift That Keeps On Giving – part 1
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Jas 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].
Jas 1:18 It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself–sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes].
We are living in a world that is increasingly self-centered, transactional, and short-tempered. People are more suspicious than ever, more isolated than ever, and more protective of “what’s theirs” than ever.
But the Kingdom of God calls us to a counterculture, Christ culture . A different rhythm. A different posture. A different spirit.
At the start of this season, God wants us to remember where generosity begins:
It starts with God. It flows from God. It is modeled by God. And it is sustained by God.
James opens the door by reminding the church:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17)
Before we talk about living generously… We must first talk about God’s giving.
- GOD IS THE SOURCE OF EVERY GOOD GIFT (James 1:17)
- Every good thing in your life originates in God, not circumstance, luck, or human effort.
GOOD: agathos — Beneficial, Life-giving, Morally excellent
A good gift is anything God gives that produces benefit, blessing, development, or strength in your life.
Good = useful, helpful, advantageous, consistent with God’s moral goodness, anything that moves your life forward toward His will
If it came from God, it is good in nature and good in outcome.
PERFECT –teleios — complete, mature, fully aligned with God’s purpose
Meaning:
A perfect gift isn’t just good — it’s
Perfectly timed, Perfectly shaped, and Perfectly suited for God’s plan for you.
Perfect = complete, lacking nothing, purposeful, not accidental, fitting the exact need or season you’re in, designed to mature you
Good means it blesses you.
Perfect means it completes you.
God gives both.
Good gifts bless you. Perfect gifts build you.
Good gifts are for your benefit. Perfect gifts are for your purpose.
Good gifts feel good to receive. Perfect gifts shape who you become.
Provision your calling your assignment
A new job, unexpected income, The purpose God shaped you for
Opportunities The right relationship
Doors opening, connections made, the right relationship will mature you
Strength or Wisdom for a Moment trials that produce maturity
Clarity in a meeting, peace in a stressful Not pleasant, but it develops endurance
People God Sends Temporarily spiritual gifts
A mentor, helper, or encourager for a season. They don’t just help you they align you
Protection wisdom
James writes to believers facing trials, instability, economic pressure, and spiritual confusion — not unlike our world today. He reminds them:
- God gives consistently
“…coming down…” — the Greek implies continuous, ongoing action.
God doesn’t bless once. God keeps pouring. God keeps supplying. God keeps sustaining.
Scriptures:
- Lamentations 3:22–23 — “Morning by morning new mercies…”
- Psalm 68:19 — “He daily loads us with benefits.”
- Matthew 7:11 — “How much more will your Father give good gifts…”
- God gives unchangingly
“…with whom is no variableness or shadow of turning.” In a world where people switch up, systems shift, and seasons change,
God’s generosity is
Not moody or unpredictable.
He is steady. He is faithful. He is consistent.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.
- His character does not change. Mal.3:6
He’s the Lord thy God that changes not
- His word does not change. Is.40:8
- His promises do not change. 2.Cor1:20
- His purpose does not change. Is.46:9-10
- His love does not change. Jer.31:3
- His faithfulness does not change. Lam3:22-23
- GOD’S GREATEST GIFT IS HIMSELF (James 1:18)
James says God “chose to give us birth through the word of truth.”
The first and greatest gift we ever receive isn’t a blessing in our hand — It’s the new birth He gives our soul.
- The gift of salvation
- John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that He gave…”
- 7:14- Matt 1:22- Immanuel God with us….
- Ephesians 2:8 — “It is the gift of God…”
- The gift of faith
- 12:3. –
- The gift of grace
- Titus 2:11 — “The grace of God has appeared…”
- The gift of the Holy Spirit
- Acts 2:38
- John 14:16–17
- The gift of purpose
James says we are “a kind of firstfruits.” Meaning: God didn’t just save you — He claimed you, purposed you, and set you apart to demonstrate His character in the world.
- The gift of forgiveness
Jas 1:18 It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself–sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes].
God chose to save us.
He brought us to new life through His Word.
He made us the first of a new kind of people—His own set-apart children.