Why Did God Choose You? | Paul Washer Sermon Jam

Summary

In this powerful sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformative power of understanding God's love. He discusses the concept of future grace, drawing from 1 Corinthians 2:9, and assures believers that God's love is not dependent on their actions but is a divine decision. The preacher passionately encourages Christians to grasp the depth of God's love, which is the foundation of their salvation and the purpose behind their existence. He shares a personal story from his missionary work in Peru, illustrating the moment he realized the sufficiency of God's love without the need for self-imposed conditions. The sermon concludes with a call to believers to rest in God's love and for non-believers to find solace in Christ.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The essence of Christian faith is not only about understanding who God is and what He has done, but also about trusting in God's future plans and grace for believers.
• 🔮 The future holds unimaginable blessings for those who love God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:9, which speaks of things 'eye has not seen, ear has not heard, and have not entered the heart of man'.
• 💔 It's a misconception to believe that this life is all there is; the future grace and glory await those who believe.
• 🙏 God's love is not dependent on human perfection or worthiness; it is an unconditional and sovereign choice as explained in Deuteronomy 7.
• 🚫 The speaker discourages the idea of self-improvement or earning God's love, emphasizing that God's love is not based on human performance.
• 🌍 Ephesians 2:6-7 is highlighted to illustrate that God's grace raises and seats believers in heavenly places, not for personal retreat, but to display His grace.
• 🎁 Salvation is not just for personal benefit but serves a cosmic purpose, demonstrating God's goodness to all creation, including spiritual powers.
• 👑 God chose the weak and base not because they are inherently better, but to showcase His greatness and grace when He transforms them.
• 🌈 The future in heaven is described as a continuous revelation of God's increasing grace and glory, where each day brings deeper worship and understanding of God's nature.
• 📚 The speaker shares a personal story of striving and burnout, leading to a profound realization of God's unconditional love and the release from the need to perform or earn salvation.
• 💌 The ultimate takeaway is the immutability of God's love, which is the foundation for a believer's identity and the driving force behind their walk with God.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's message?

The main theme of the speaker's message is the assurance of God's love and grace, emphasizing that God's love for believers is not based on their actions or worthiness, but solely on His own character and decisions.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'this is not as good as it gets'?

The speaker implies that while life on earth is significant, the eternal life and the blessings in store for believers in the afterlife are far greater and more glorious.

What is the significance of 'future grace' mentioned in the script?

The 'future grace' refers to the blessings and grace that God has prepared for those who love Him, which surpasses human understanding and is revealed in the afterlife.

How does the speaker interpret Deuteronomy chapter seven in relation to God's love?

The speaker interprets Deuteronomy chapter seven to mean that God's love for Israel, and by extension for believers, is unconditional and based solely on His decision, not on any merit or action of the recipients.

What does the speaker mean by 'stop it' in the context of the counseling story?

In the counseling story, 'stop it' is a humorous way for the counselor to tell the person to stop focusing on their problems and instead recognize the love and grace of God that is sufficient for their needs.

What is the purpose of God saving believers according to Ephesians 2:6-7 as mentioned by the speaker?

According to the speaker, the purpose of God saving believers is to demonstrate His surpassing grace and kindness to all creation, including principalities and powers, by choosing to bestow His blessings even on the least deserving.

Why did the speaker feel the need to work excessively hard in his early Christian life?

The speaker felt the need to work hard to ensure he was in the 'inner circle' of God's love, driven by a misunderstanding that he needed to earn God's favor through his actions.

What was the turning point for the speaker in his understanding of God's love?

The turning point was when the speaker collapsed and realized that he did not need to earn God's love or do anything to be worthy of it, as God's love is based on His own character and decisions.

What does the speaker suggest as a remedy for believers who are struggling with doubt or feelings of unworthiness?

The speaker suggests that believers should focus on God's love and grace, understanding that it is immovable and perfect, and not based on their own actions or worthiness.

What is the speaker's final plea to the audience?

The speaker's final plea is for the audience to comprehend the depth of God's love for them, to walk in that love, and to let it transform their lives and perspectives.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 The Unfathomable Love and Future Grace of God

The speaker emphasizes the Christian belief in God's love and the promise of future grace. They reflect on the assurance that this life is not all there is and that there is a greater future awaiting believers. The speaker discusses the concept of 'future grace' as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:9, where God has prepared things for those who love Him that are beyond human comprehension. The speaker also addresses the idea of God's unconditional love, drawing from Deuteronomy 7, where God's love for Israel is described as not based on their worthiness but on His own decision. The message concludes with an encouragement to believers to understand the depth of God's love and to let go of the need to earn it, as it is a gift from God.

05:00

🌈 The Transformative Power of Knowing God's Love

In this paragraph, the speaker shares a personal testimony about his early missionary days and the realization of God's unconditional love. Initially, he strove to prove his worth to God through hard work and martyrdom, but eventually, he understood that God's love is not earned but given freely. The speaker describes a moment of collapse and despair, followed by a profound realization of God's love and grace. He encourages listeners to grasp the immutability of God's love and to live in that understanding, which brings a sense of release and joy. The narrative serves as a reminder that God's love is the foundation of the Christian faith and the source of true rest and contentment.

10:03

🙏 The Imperative to Reflect on God's Love

The speaker concludes with a call to action for believers to constantly reflect on God's love. He suggests a practice of looking at oneself less and contemplating God's love more frequently. The speaker expresses a desire for listeners to have a firm grasp of God's 'settled, royal, covenantal love' and to live in the awareness of this love. He acknowledges the struggle believers face in maintaining this belief and encourages them to fight for it if necessary. The speaker also extends an invitation to non-believers to come to Christ to experience the joy and peace that comes from understanding God's love. The paragraph ends with a prayer for God to break through any barriers that prevent people from recognizing His love.

Keywords

💡God's Decree

God's Decree refers to the divine will or plan established by God. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as something that the speaker, a Christian, reminds himself of, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's plan for humanity. The speaker uses this concept to highlight that God's actions and decisions are beyond human comprehension but are central to the Christian faith.

💡Gospel

The Gospel is the good news of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the salvation offered through faith in him. The video script mentions the Gospel as a historical event where God's actions were manifested, and it serves as the foundation for the Christian belief in salvation and eternal life.

💡Future Grace

Future Grace is a theological concept that speaks to the blessings and mercies that God will bestow upon believers in the future, beyond what is experienced in the present life. The script references 'First Corinthians 2:9', indicating that there are things God has prepared for those who love Him that surpass human understanding, which are part of this future grace.

💡Love of God

The Love of God is a central theme in Christian theology, representing the unconditional and everlasting love that God has for His creation. In the video, the speaker emphasizes that God's love is not dependent on human perfection or merit but is a gift from God Himself. This love is described as the motivation behind God's actions towards humanity.

💡Tauntology

Tauntology, as used in the script, is a term that seems to be derived from 'tautology' but in a theological context, it refers to the self-referential nature of God's love as explained in 'Deuteronomy chapter seven'. The speaker uses this term to illustrate that God's love for Israel was not because of Israel's worthiness but was a decision made by God Himself.

💡Election

Election in Christian theology refers to the idea that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation. The video script touches on this concept, suggesting that God's love and salvation are not earned but are the result of His sovereign choice, as illustrated by the speaker's reference to Deuteronomy.

💡Heavenly Places

Heavenly Places, as mentioned in 'Ephesians 2:6 and 7', is a biblical concept that speaks to the spiritual realm where believers are seated with Christ. The speaker uses this term to describe the exalted position believers have in Christ, which is a place of grace and favor with God, beyond the physical world.

💡Surpassing Riches of Grace

The Surpassing Riches of Grace is a phrase that encapsulates the idea that God's grace is beyond measure and exceeds human understanding. The speaker uses this phrase to convey the magnitude of God's grace, which is so great that it will be displayed for all creation to see, especially in the lives of believers.

💡Creation

Creation in the video refers to all that God has made, including the physical universe and all living beings. The speaker discusses how God's grace and love will be revealed to all creation, not just to humans, and how believers will serve as a testament to God's character, leading to worship and adoration of God by all creation.

💡Comprehend

To Comprehend, in the context of the video, means to grasp or understand fully. The speaker implores believers to comprehend the depth of God's love for them, suggesting that a full understanding of this love can bring about a transformative change in a believer's life and perspective.

💡Immutable Love

Immutable Love refers to a love that does not change, is constant, and unending. The speaker emphasizes that God's love for believers is immutable, meaning it is not subject to change based on human actions or circumstances. This concept is used to reassure believers of the steadfastness and reliability of God's love.

Highlights

The importance of remembering God's future grace and plans for believers.

The contrast between the limitations of this life and the eternal life awaiting Christians.

The assurance of future blessings for those who love God, as described in 1 Corinthians 2:9.

The reminder that God's love is not dependent on human perfection.

The theological concept of God's love being unconditional and sovereign, as explained in Deuteronomy 7.

The encouragement to stop striving for acceptance and to rest in God's love.

The spiritual significance of being seated with Christ in heavenly places, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:6-7.

The purpose of God's grace in salvation to demonstrate His goodness to all creation.

The paradox of God choosing the weak to magnify His strength and grace.

The idea that believers will serve as a testament to God's grace in eternity.

The ongoing increase of God's grace in the afterlife, leading to greater worship and understanding of God.

The call for Christians to comprehend the depth of God's love for them.

The personal testimony of the speaker's struggle with self-worth and the realization of God's unconditional love.

The transformative power of understanding that God's love is not based on human performance.

The advice to reflect on God's love more than on personal achievements or shortcomings.

The invitation for non-believers to experience the love of God through Christ.

The prayer for a deeper understanding and experience of God's covenantal love.

Transcripts

now let's go on not only

who god is what god has decreed

what god has done in history in the

gospel

and in you but god will what god will do

this is something that i as a christian

of many many years

over 30 years if there's any truth that

i have to remind myself

of it's this one more than any other

truth

you know people will say you know this

is the only life you get you can't hit

replay you can't hit replay this is the

only life you get

that's true but this is not as good as

it gets

what is waiting for us future

grace first corinthians 2 9 things which

i

has not seen and ear has not heard

and which have not entered into the

heart of man all that god has prepared

for those who love him

and don't you don't you dare

because i will come down there and i

will whip you

don't you say ah there's the key for

those who love him

and i don't love him perfectly will you

just stop it

stop it stop doing that

he doesn't love you because your love's

perfect

the tauntology that we have in

deuteronomy chapter seven where

basically it's set before israel

israel why do i love you okay i'll give

you the answer

israel i love you because i love you

and what he's saying it came from me it

was my decision

i elected it i decided it i set my love

on you there it is

my love did not begin with you it

doesn't stand with you

it won't end with you it began with me

stands with me ends with me i love you

but i don't deserve it would you shut up

see jamie you don't have to be cultured

or intelligent to preach here

i'm evidence

quit it

there's a counseling well it's a it's a

funny thing on on

youtube my wife showed me the other day

and she loves it because the person

comes

into this counselor and they tell all

the problems and the counselor says well

i can answer this in two words

stop it stop it

ephesians 2 6 and 7 and raised us

up with him and seated us with him in

heavenly places in christ jesus

so that in the ages to come what

so that in the ages to come

you can have a little cabin on a

hillside somewhere

no so that on the ages to come

he might show the surpassing riches of

his grace

and kindness towards us in christ jesus

god has saved you in order to

demonstrate to all

creation including principalities powers

mites and dominions

how good he is that's why he saved you

and that's why he chose you not many

noble

not many wise not the big ones not the

smart ones

why did paul say why did he choose the

base ones the weak ones

the ones that are not why

so that he could show how good he is

lavishing the greatest blessings turning

over the inheritance of his own son

to the worst humanity has to offer

imagine if someone was getting bad press

a billionaire was getting bad press

that he wasn't charitable and so he just

picks you and says i'm going to be

i'm going to use you for a special

purpose

i'm going to lavish all my wealth upon

you

so that every time someone looks at you

they understand how charitable

how good how loving and kind i am

how many of you would sign up for that

that's what god has done

let me put it this way

that when you walk in to glory

it will be an object lesson for all

creation

[Music]

even creation that we don't even know or

understand

and they will look at what you were

what you are what god has done

the grace he has poured out on you and

they will worship god in a way they

could have

never worshipped him before if he had

not done this good thing for you

but then it doesn't stop there if we

could say that there is

chronology or day after day in heaven if

we could say such a thing so that our

mind could comprehend it

every day god would increase the grace

lavish more and more upon you each day

so that each day

all of creation will look at you and

have a greater vision of how god is

and worship him to a greater degree

[Music]

folks that's a great future

this is absolutely wonderful

it's wonderful sometimes when i'm

working on a book on the gospel and i'll

come in the office and they'll say

what did you study yesterday he's

wonderful

he's wonderful

it doesn't matter what language i know

there's no word i can't it makes me so

mad what's waiting you

is so wonderful the one

waiting you it's his name is wonderful

but please saints please i'm begging you

look

don't live this life don't continue on

you've if i could if i could give you

anything if i could pray one thing for

you

i mean above everything else if you're

truly a child of god if i could give

you one gift it would be that you would

comprehend something of his love for you

it'd be that

really i'm tired of seeing you

tired i'm tired of seeing me tired

[Music]

if you could i mean if you just grasp

that one thing

he loves me immutably

[Music]

and with an illustration i promise all

in

when i was in peru my first years as a

single missionary

and the moment practically from the

moment i was converted

this is going to sound all cycle babble

i don't care it's true

but when i was in school i was never

like

in the inner circle not the best athlete

not the best this not the best that

and i determined that when i became a

christian yeah it was fleshly

you can do your diagnosis but please do

it at home right now just listen

i determined that would not happen to me

in my christian life

i determined that there wouldn't be this

idea of their spurgeon and martin lloyd

jones and all their

inner circle the guys that god really

loves and i'm

outside somewhere i determined that

would not happen

and i worked 18 hours a day

for years and if i had a chance to go

get martyred i tried to do it

until the point where i i weigh like

225 right now i weighed about 169 pounds

and i killed myself

i killed myself and one day

on the third floor of this old building

where we took care of

street kids and we had our church during

the war in peru

it was all bombed out and everything

else and i slept in a little room on the

third floor

i was going up the last little flight of

stairs

and i collapsed and i said this i cried

out i screamed it

i don't want to go to hell because i

i'm afraid of hell i don't want to go to

heaven

because i'm ashamed

just put me somewhere just put me

somewhere

it was at that moment that it was

just a work of the lord scripture

started coming to mind different things

i realized yeah how fleshly

everything had been how wrong i was

but here's the thing i recognized god

loved me

loved me that i didn't have to move to

the left or the right

that was the thing i thought that day i

was sitting on the steps i was looking

at myself and i realize

i don't have to move a quarter of an

inch to the left or a quarter inch to

the right

i don't have to be a great missionary i

don't have to die as a martyr i don't

have to be a great preacher i don't have

to do anything because it is

all in it's god it's in god

he did it all he made the decision

he carries it through he brings it to

its end

i am loved what a wonderful

release that it's just him

it's him for every once

i'll say i'll take a puritan statement

and modernize it for every

every one glance you take to yourself in

the mirror take

ten long looks at god and his love

you're loved this is a terrible thing

about being a preacher

i'm trying to tell you something i'm

trying to get something through your

thick

head and it is this

god really really really does

love you immutably so perfectly so

and it is all founded upon him

his person his decrees his work through

christ on your behalf

all of it it's done it's

done you've got to walk in that you've

got to keep yourselves

in the love of god you've got to keep

thinking it believing it

walking in it talking it fighting to

believe it if necessary

believe it you're loved if you're here

today and you're not a christian

and all those things i said about the

holiness of god being a wonderful joy to

the believer

it's a terror to you it's a terror

the only way it changes is in christ

come to christ

and some of you who are so storm tossed

believers you're so storm

tossed and afflicted just

oh that god would use what said here

today to

prove to your heart and your mind that

you are

deeply and dearly loved

let's pray father god

please please

please

[Music]

break through lord every wall that

people would

that we would all have a greater and

firmer grasp

on your settled

royal covenantal love

in jesus name

you