It’s not always easy to trust someone. Although there are Christians that are wealthy, God doesn’t promise that. He does promise He’ll take care of us and we can trust Him. This lesson is about God Provides Our Needs: A Benefit of Faith in God.
These questions are for discussion:
- What is the difference between a need and a want in God?
- What is God’s supply?
- What scripture says God is a present help in time of need?
- What does God say about supplying our needs?
- How does God give us what we need?
- Does God provide all your needs?
- What are the things God provides for us?
What is the difference between a need and a want in God?
Matthew 6:31 NIV “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
God knows about our concern for these things because they are needed for our survival. Even though at times we desire more, such as nicer clothes, or better food, we still need them.
James 4:3 NIV “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.“
In James 4:3, we see emphasis on wants. God says we often don’t receive what we ask for because it’s with the wrong motive, or attitude.
All of us like new cars. If it’s not in our budget and we ask God for it, it’s not likely He thinks of that as a need. Now, if our car needs to be repaired, and we can’t go to work without it, that’s different.
What is God’s supply?
Psalm 50:10-12 NIV “for every animal of the forest is mine,and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.”
It’s hard for us to imagine someone who owns everything. We see some in the media who have a lot of money and that seems overwhelming. God owns all of it. His supply is boundless. We don’t have to worry that He’ll run out.
What scripture says God is a present help in time of need?
Psalm 46:1-3 NIV “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
“Neither forget the fact that God is our refuge just now, in the immediate present, as truly as when David penned the word. God alone is our all in all. All other refuges are refuges of lies, all other strength is weakness, for power belongs unto God: but as God is all sufficient, our defense and might are equal to all emergencies. “A very present help in trouble,” or in distress he has so been found, he has been tried and proved by his people. He never withdraws himself from his afflicted.” Charles Spurgeon, blueletterbible.org
What does God say about supplying our needs?
Philippians 4:19 NIV “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Paul is talking to the Philippian church and thanking them for their support of him. More important to him, was their generosity in giving to God. He called it a “fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Here is where the 19th verse comes in. He tells them that God will meet all of their needs. How much? “according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
How does God give us what we need?
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“
This is a wonderful verse. It promises us a chance to commune with God, give Him our petitions and grateful hearts. A big bonus is the peace we receive that can only come from God.
This is how God grants us our needs. By going to Him in prayer, we are humbling ourselves to the One who can grant our requests. God then often uses others to accomplish His work.
Does God provide all your needs?
Matthew 6:31-33 NIV “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we put our trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become a part of God’s kingdom. He promises when we are seeking Him first, all our needs will be met.
God is faithful. He has always provided for Christians I know and have known. He has always met my needs.
What are the things God provides for us?
Salvation:
John 3:16 NIV “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
If God never gives us another thing, salvation is worth it all. God the Son gave His life for us so we could enjoy fellowship with Him both now and in eternity.
The privilege to talk to Him:
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
There are several gifts in this verse. He will take away our anxiety in everything when we go to Him with a grateful heart and answer our prayers. The additional gift is a peace that we can not get anywhere else.
The Holy Spirit:
John 14:26 NIV “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Not only do we have access to God the Holy Spirit, but He actually indwells us. When we rely on Him, we can be stronger and resist sin that would ordinarily be hard to do. He also helps us to understand what God is saying in His Word.
God’s Word:
2 Timothy 3:16 NIV “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
God provided a way for us to know His will. We can read and study to understand His way and it’s useful for all things.
God will never leave us:
Hebrews 13:5 NIV “ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
God has promised He will always be with us. There are moments that we don’t feel God’s presence. Don’t believe for a minute. He is always there for His children. The answer may not come as quickly as we would like, but it will come.
Gives a Spirit of power, love and self-discipline:
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
We all know what it’s like to fear or just feel a little timid. Through God the Holy Spirit, we are given the ability to overcome fear and replace it with God’s power, love and self-discipline.
We are given rest:
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus tells us to come to Him when we are burdened and overwhelmed from life’s trials. He is ready to give us rest and peace to carry on.
He meets our needs:
Philippians 4:19 NIV “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
We have discussed how God provides our basic needs. This also includes emotional, mental and naturally our spiritual needs.
These are just some of things that God provides to those who love Him. He is ready to answer our prayers and grant what we need.
Conclusion
Our faith in God provides many benefits and all work together for our good. His provision is more than we could ever imagine.
The longer we trust in the Lord, the greater that trust becomes. Like everything else, it has to be used. Let the Lord know what you need.
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