Jesus Was Available...Are You?

MATT. 9:9-13

One key to being used of God is being available to Him. Still many Christians conveniently excuse themselves from serving our Lord faithfully.  Availability for Christian ministry and service is not a matter of convenience; it is focused commitment to follow, be completely open to, the Lord Jesus out of love—it is genuinely engrained in our character.

Character has been defined in a number of ways. One description says, “Character is who you are when nobody's watching!” That is…when you are being most real and authentic. It could be good or bad character and the element of authenticity could be either positive or negative. We often use adjective to describe a person’s character. We’ll say he is ‘dependable’; she is always ‘punctual’; or they are easily ‘excitable.’ In such statements we are noting a pervasive quality, aspect, attribute, or habit of behavior. 

Christian Character refers to those Christ-like traits impressed or engraved into our hearts by the Spirit and the Word, and these issue into good motives, attitudes, actions, and habits. Christian Character is developed in us when we obey the Word, the Spirit, and when we intentionally form godly habits.  It is doing right because it is right and not just because it is convenient! Positive character development requires disciplined decision making, and negative character changes usually follow the path of least resistance, but this does not exclude intentionality. 

The great Apostle Paul reminds us a holy character is rooted in our new nature/new birth in Colossians 3:10 saying, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed [invigorated, refreshed, perfected] in knowledge after the image of him that created him”. This is absolutely essential to Christ-like character development.

The ‘New Man’ is the person we become as a result of conversion: we possess a new nature; therefore, we can acquire wholesome values, perceive spiritual aspirations, and embrace a new God-honoring life-style.  This ‘New Man’ is constantly being renewed or restored to freshness to reflect the image of Jesus. We are developing to attain a mature knowledge of the God who recreated us. The more a Believer knows and understands God, the more opportunities we have to be influenced by that insight. To the degree we adhere to such grand knowledge, we will become like Jesus in character and conduct.  Simply stated there are certain qualities, traits, and characteristics that are prominent in the Lord Jesus that God wants to stamp onto our innermost being.  He wants to impress these same traits and qualities on our lives also. We must make ourselves available to that kind of life transforming and progressive experience. The question is not how my life compares with other Christians, but how my life compares with Jesus Christ!

Years ago when we would mail out our prayer and update letters, often a few of them would come back with a post office stamp on the envelop indicating that there had been an address change. “Return to Sender,”   “Change of Address,” or “Forwarding Time Expired,” and often these little messages were placed on the letter by a stamp. As a result the letter bears the words, message, and images of the original stamp. This is what it means for God to develop Christ-like Character in us.  We begin to bear the image of Jesus Christ—that is we act, live, interact, and respond, just like Jesus would in our given situation. His qualities are stamped on our minds, emotions, and decisions. We are deeply impressed with Him. Matthew chapter nine presents us with a single opportunity to see what that looks like in real life.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.10, And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.11, And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12, But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13, But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matt 9:9-13, KJV)

It was Dr. MacDonald who gives us some understanding of the situation in Mathew chapter nine saying,

Matthew was a Tax collector or a custom house officer, he and his fellow officials were hated intensely by the Jews because of their crookedness, because of the oppressive taxes they exacted, and most of all because they served the interests of the Roman Empire, Israel’s overlord.  As Jesus passed the tax office, He said to Matthew, “Follow Me.”  The response was instantaneous; he arose and followed; leaving a traditionally dishonest job to become an instant disciple of Jesus.As someone has said, “He lost a comfortable job, but he found a destiny.  He lost a good income but he found honor.  He lost a comfortable security, but he found an adventure the like of which he had never dreamed.”  Not the least among his rewards were that he became one of the twelve and was honored to write the Gospel which bears his name.

Today we are focusing on the character quality of ‘availability’! To be available means present or ready for immediate use. It includes being usable, accessible, and obtainable. Possessing this trait also involves a qualification or willingness to do something or to assume a responsibility. Any honest discussion of character necessarily requires agreement between the motives and the deeds.

For example, I love Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.  I could easily eat several of them for lunch dessert…that is if I allowed myself to indulge. I must admit, that I do experience great pleasure while eating these little chocolate and peanut butter treats.  It uses to be my specific design to have them close by and readily available for my consumption. You see, I did not want to search for them wondering where they are! Ideally they were to be immediately at my disposal. Beloved, this is availability! It would be wonderful if we could become so available to God! That is, He does not have to search for us, or labor to get us into the mood to serve Him.  It would be great if we did not require so much preparation! Beloved, think about it…we could live so intimately with Him, well within His reach and prepared to be used by Him for anything His heart desires. We should aspire to become available to execute God’s purposes, plans, and pleasures (Eph. 1:9; Phil. 2:13). That is what our Lord modeled and what Matthew illustrates for us in Matthew chapter nine. 

JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE OF AVAILABILITY

Consider thoughtfully what Matthew records in Matthew 9:9, saying, “And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.” Jesus invited, actually commanded, Matthew to “Follow Me” and this meant that He Himself would serve as Matthew’s model for true Christian character formation!  (Also read Matt 4:19). Knowing who the Lord Jesus is this is an incredible opportunity for Matthew and he had the wisdom to accept it. Jesus made Himself available to Matthew and the rest of the Twelve. What hope these words hold for you and me because our risen exalted glorified Lord extends the same invitation to you and me? Do we have the perception that so marked Matthew? Will we make ourselves available to Him as He has availed Himself to us?

Matthew was handed the chance of his lifetime and he was available to the Lord Jesus who makes Himself available to us all! Perhaps it would be beneficial to broaden our theme slightly to appreciate in a fuller way our Lord’s availability to us.  

JESUS WAS AVAILABLE FOR REDEMPTION

That is correct our Lord Jesus was available when Father God called on him to live as a man, die for our sins, and be raised again as Lord and Savior (Phil.2:5-11). Beloved, Jesus was open to this chance and eagerly executed it to God’s satisfaction and our salvation. We had zero hope without the Lord Jesus’ humiliation, services, and sacrifices. Even though this was not convenient for our Lord he still followed through because desired to serve the plan of God. Looking closer, we see that redemption….

Redemption Required Total Humiliation.  (But Jesus Still Did It for Us)

The Apostle Paul recounts the fascinating humiliation our Lord endured to serve our interests saying,

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. [9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.(Philippians 2:5-11, KJV)

To serve God’s plan required our Lord’s sacrifice of some of the privileges and prerogatives of God to become a human. As a human he freely sacrificed many of the privileges and prerogatives of humanity to serve as the slave of God and humanity. As a human slave Christ died for our sins even though he was entirely and consummately innocent. His death was that of Calvary’s Cross: a form of execution reserved for the vilest offenders! His death was for my sins and yours! Though Jesus remained God for His entire earthly humiliation he served His Father and us with extreme abandonment to God’s plan. How in the world could we seriously consider opting out when Jesus has a task, ministry, assignment, or mission for us?

Beloved, we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ the Righteous! We have been purchased back to God and are free from sin’s guilt, power, dominion, and eternal consequences! My Friend, Jesus was ready, usable and on the job when our needs were most dire. And who objects to being His servant?

Redemption Required Total Abandonment.   (But Jesus Still Satisfied the Father’s Will)

The Book of Hebrews recounts the astounding attitude of our Lord Jesus presenting Himself as the chief executor of God’s redemptive plan in Hebrews 10:6-14,

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; [9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. [10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 

The Lord of Glory abandoned Himself to this mission! Thank God that Jesus was available for our redemption.  Praise the Lord He was willing to go all the way to Calvary in my stead.  We are saved today because the Lord Jesus was available to do the will of God—die for the world of sinners! Not matter what was required of Him Jesus gave himself without any reservations or considerations for himself. As a result, the hopeless, destitute, wretch, harlot, pimp, gangster, extortionist, embezzler, abortionist, religionist, molester, thief, liar, moralist, and average regular Joe or Jane have hope in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.        

Thank God that Jesus was not too busy to be bothered with dying for our sins—the chef need of sinners. Thank God Jesus did not offer a cheap excuse as to why He should be excused from serving God as Redeemer. Praise the Most High God the Lord Jesus did not object to the Cross because it was inconvenient or required too much. Hallelujah for Jesus our Redeemer Extraordinaire!

JESUS WAS AVAILABLE FOR RELIEF

In the service of the Lord we will have opportunities to make extraordinary sacrifices to execute God’s plan. We will also have daily on-going chances to be available to God and the needs of others. No honest person will argue against the conclusion that humanity is a broken race. We certainly do have incredible technological and scientific advancements to be sure, but we are spiritually and morally broken as a race. Sin manifests itself in a multiplicity of painful ways. Any serious consideration of serving God must take the hurting masses into account.

Once more Jesu provides and excellent example of what it looks like to be available to the hurting to provide meaningful relief and solace.

During His Vacation. Jesus was available when planning a vacation after a heavy and extended evangelistic campaign.  Instead of resting He feed the hungry multitude. Such selflessness also reveals his wiliness to serve when he could really use a well-deserved break (Mark 6:30-45). Instead of complaining Jesus placed needy people before himself habitually. He was genuinely selfless. 

During His Devotions. Jesus was available even when he stole away to pray.  His disciples informed him that all men sought for him.  He stopped praying to minister to the needs of those around him (Mk 1: 35-38). Again we witness no complaints, no restrictions—total availability to minister to others. I am not suggesting that we should minimize needed vacations or spiritual devotions. I am saying Jesus made a point of going out of His way to serve the needy and hurting.  

Perhaps these thoughts from Max Lucado, On the Anvil will further clarify,

When a potter bakes a pot, he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the oven and thumping it. If it “sings,” it's ready. If it “thuds,” it's placed back in the oven. The character of a person is also checked by thumping.Been thumped lately?Late-night phone calls. Grouchy teacher. Grumpy moms. Burnt meals. Flat tires. “You've got to be kidding” deadlines. Those are thumps. Thumps are those irritating inconveniences that trigger the worst in us. They catch us off guard. Flat footed. They aren't big enough to be crises, but if you get enough of them, watch out! Traffic jams. Long lines. Empty mailboxes. Dirty clothes on the floor … Thump. Thump. Thump. How do I respond? Do I sing? Or do I thud? Jesus taught that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks (Luke 6:45). There's nothing like a good thump to reveal the nature of a heart. The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living.

Yes, the Lord Jesus was available to serve during vacations and devotions; now let us consider one more….      

During Our Desperation. Jesus was available to the Canaanite women who appealed to him to heal her daughter who was demon possessed (Matt. 15: 21-28). After a brief period of questioning and reasoning with this Gentile woman, Jesus granted her the desire of her heart. Her faith was real and so was the miracle her daughter experienced. In doing so the Lord Jesus was available to her desperate cry for help and intervention. Jesus, as he commonly did, evidenced compassion, mercy, grace, and enormous power over demons, sickness and disease!

If you are anything like me, you also cherish deeply the reality that you can turn to Jesus at any time and from anywhere with deeply felt needs. You also treasure the fact that your cries to Him will fall upon compassionate ears and a loving heart. Jesus was there for you on countless occasions…through deaths, jail sentences, joblessness, rejections, failed marriage, bankruptcy, homelessness, depression, bodily pain, disease, injury, hunger, accidents, and on the painful list goes into our futures. The reason we can face the future with any measure of hope is the fact that HE WILL BE THERE! Yes, Jesus will be available to us when we are most anxious and the pain is unbearable.

God is asking us as His servant to be available also to the desperate. I realize we all recoil with concerns for self-preservation…I know we live in a dangerous world. It is true that desperate people can be dangerous. Yes, we are also wise to take some precautions. We also must still trust the Lord to lead us into real situations of desperation to help those we find there. Can you be that listening ear? Will you use your power and authority to benefit another? Are you really available? I understand all too well the strong inclination to recoil at this. It is not something I am proud of…. Jesus still made a difference in the life of some deeply hurting folks. Are we available?

The Lord Jesus made himself available to Matthew when He said “Follow Me.” Likewise, He invites us along to learn of Him and from Him. He was available and ready for Father God’s usage concerning redemption and relief. He gave Himself entirely without any reservations to God’s plans for Him. He remains available to us today to help us become like Him in character. So that our motives and deeds reveal that we too are ready for God to use us to touch the world. There are the multitudes of unredeemed and hurting peoples all over the world. I believe we can make a difference. Volunteer. Get involved. Sign up. Ask if you could help. Become creative. Follow the Lord Jesus. Matthew was never the same after answering the Lord’s invitation positively. Nor will you and me if we follow his and our Lord’s example of availability.  

Keep Your Focus on Jesus

Jesus made a tremendous claim about Himself in John 14:6 when He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”

Who is the One who makes such a claim about Himself? How does this claim impact a person's faith? If a person truly believes this claim made by Jesus, how does their belief change the way they live? Those are important questions for every Christian to answer.

Countless people in our world refute this claim made by Jesus, saying, “There are many paths to God. There are many religions, but as long as they all point in the same direction, they are to a great extent equal.”

Others are indignant at His claim, saying in effect, “How dare He think He is the only way to the Father.”  Still others try to discredit the claim of the Lord Jesus, saying that He didn't really mean what is written or that He didn't really say what John wrote.

Genuine Christian believers through the ages; however, have staked their lives on this claim that Jesus made about Himself.

PAUL ATTACKED THE FALSE IDEAS ABOUT CHRIST HEAD ON!

Col. 2:8, Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

First Century Attacks on Christ’s Deity and All Sufficiency.

The Book of Colossians is Paul’s Answer. The apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians to counter the arguments that were being circulated by a number of false teachers who claimed that Jesus was a good man but that belief in Him was not required or sufficient for salvation.

The Cults and False Teachings Were Not Necessary.  These were teachers who advocated that other doctrines and cults had their place as equals to Christianity.

False Teachers Perverted Teachings on Christ’s Person and Sacrificial Death.

Col. 2:4-5, And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [5] For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

In response to these false teachers, Paul began declaring that they should not let anyone delude them. Don't be misled by these false teachers! As you read these verses of warning from Paul, consider what it means to be deceived or “cheated” by those who give false instruction.

Paul Fought The False Teachers By Declaring the Facts About Christ.

Col. 2:2-4,  That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; [3] In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [4] And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

Paul further responded to these false teachers by presenting two main arguments, both of which will be examined in closer detail in the first portion of this study:

Paul Proclaimed the Truth about Christ’s Deity. The false teachers have a wrong understanding about the deity of Jesus Christ. They do not understand that He truly was God incarnate, or God “in flesh.”

Paul Proclaimed the Truth about Christ’s Death. The false teachers have a wrong understanding about the blood of Jesus Christ and what His death on the cross really meant. They do not understand the atonement that was made by Jesus Christ for the sins of all mankind.

According to Col 1:14, We Have Some Beautiful Benefits Through Jesus Christ.  Paul lists five benefits God gives all believers through Christ:

1.  He made us qualified to share in his inheritance.

2.  He rescued us from Satan's dominion of darkness and made us his children.

3.  He brought us into his eternal kingdom.

4.  He redeemed us -- bought our freedom from sin and judgment.

5.  He forgave us for all our sins.

Thank God for what you have received in Christ.(Stanley & MacArthur)

PAUL PROCLAIMED THE FACTS ABOUT WHO JESUS CHRIST REALLY IS.

It is Impossible To Fully Understand God.

Remember God is Incomprehensible. Certainly it is not fully possible for any of us, in our finite human state, to comprehend the fullness of our infinite God. None of us are fully capable of comprehending the glory of the Trinity or the majesty of Jesus Christ.

Job 11:7, Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

Isaiah 40:18, To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

Remember God Can Be Known.

John 17:3, And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

1 John 5:20,  And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true [God our Heavenly Father], and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

To a certain extent, all that we know about God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are things that we know in part. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Cor. 13:12).

It is Possible to Understand God through Christ’s Revelation of Him!

John 14:7, If ye had known me [Jesus Christ], ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Even so, there are some truths that we can know with certainty about God because Jesus Christ made those things very plain to us and explained them not only in words but by the actions of his life.

Commitment to Christ-Centered Insight Leads to More Understanding (Col. 2:2-3).

Christ Centered Insight into God’s Ways Enables Believers to Know Truth More Fully. Paul did not want any believers to stop at knowing the glorious riches of his mystery (Col.1:27), he wanted them to have the full riches of complete understanding.

Christ Is the True Mystery of God (Vs. 2). Christ is the revealer of God to man.  There is no understanding of God apart from Christ. There is no complete understanding of God apart from a personal relationship with his Son.

A Mystery is Understandable by Believers. A Mystery is a truth concealed in the OT period and now reveal in the NT period.Christ in effect has unveiled God for us to know Him. Christ is the mystery, yet he is a mystery revealed to those who believe -- as is the mystery of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col.1:27), and the mystery that Gentiles and Jews can be united in one body (Col.1:26).

John 1:18, No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

Hebrews 1:2-3, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; [3] Who being the brightness of his glory [All Divine Perfections], and the express image of his person [Exact Representative of God], and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

All spiritual knowledge, understanding, and wisdom is in Christ! The force of this passage, Col. 2:2-3, is that all, and not merely some of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are contained in Christ; therefore, to search for them outside of Him is doomed to failure. But not only are they in Christ, but they are contained in a hidden way.  Thus complete understanding obtained through a personal relationship with Christ himself assures believers of the truth and helps them recognize and avoid heresy. Everything anyone wants to know about God and his purposes in the world are answered in the person of Christ. The mystery is revealed because it is Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (MacDonald)

We can secure these deep riches through the discipline of meditation.  These “hid” “treasures” do not lie on the surface, but must be sought for earnestly, as men seek for hidden treasure.  Dig then beloved, into the richest vein in the universe, dig even deeper to find what you are longing for! These are not matters of external observances, such as the false teachers believed, but they can be secured only by deep and serious meditation on the truths of Christ.

Hidden does not mean concealed, but rather that they were laid up or stored away to be made available to those who desire a deepening relationship with Christ.  Fellowship with through meditation is one key to open the door to access these hid treasures.  Certainly these words are a great comfort to us who do not have to look any farther for wisdom and knowledge than to our Savior, Jesus Christ. As believers we are already possessed of all wisdom and knowledge, yet we have a long way to go to attain maturity and complete understanding.  Meditation upon specific truths about Christ is the key to securing these treasures and faith in application of the truth to our need is the key to enjoying the treasure. (MacArthur)

Psalm 1:2, But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

1 Tim. 4:15, Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Christ is the Only Rich Gold Mine of Spiritual Insights (Vs. 3). For in Him are hidden (Col. 1:26) “all the treasures of wisdom (Col. 1:9) and knowledge.”

Knowledge Is the Apprehension of Truth. (What We Need to Know)

Knowledge is prudent judgment. Knowledge is often described as good judgment. True knowledge is found only in Christ.

Wisdom Is Truths Application to Life. (How We Need to Live)

Wisdom is prudent action.  Wisdom is application of good judgment in the form of good actions. True wisdom is found only in Christ.

Faithfully look to Christ for the answers and solutions you yearn for.  Both “knowledge” (what I need to Know) and “wisdom” (what I need to do) are found in Christ (Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 12:8) whose wisdom is foolishness to the world (1 Cor. 1:21-25), but who is the power of God by which a believer receives “righteousness, sanctification, and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30).  Certainly this encompasses all areas of life and nothing is left wanting or unsatisfied.  It is imperative that we faithfully look to Christ with every need, concern, or cry for help.

Commit yourself to the truth in Jesus Christ the Lord. As believers, we all need to grow to maturity in the faith we have received. Paul reaffirmed this to them in 2:1-3 so that we would not be deceived by any arguments from false teachers. The false teachers had their fascinating philosophies, but in Christ we have “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (v. 3). Any man-made philosophy that has no place for Christ is unworthy of our consideration. We are rich in Him; why lower ourselves to follow man-made doctrines? Let religious teachers come along with their “hidden doctrines”; we have all wisdom hidden in Christ, and we are “hid with Christ in God” (3:3).  At first, lies don't sound like lies. The false teachers did a good job of making their teachings sound plausible and of using persuasive tactics to cause the believers to question their faith. When believers are fully committed to the truth in Jesus, they will not be easily deluded when others offer "treasures of wisdom" not found in Christ. (Stanley & MacArthur)

If we have a more complete understanding of who Jesus Christ is then we can appreciate His complete ability to provide for us– his all sufficiency is rooted in His divine nature and power. This then is the solid foundation on which we grow and develop in every area of our lives.

The fact is, if we do not fully know Christ Jesus, we cannot know his sufficiency. And if we do not believe that He is sufficient, and have an ability to access His sufficiency, we are vulnerable to arguments that can lead us astray—away from Christ and away from the perfection to which Christ calls us. (Anders)

On the other hand, if we have a deep understanding of all that Christ has provided for us and all that He makes available to us, we have a solid foundation on which to grow and develop in every area of our lives. A solid foundation, one established on the eternal principles of God's Word, must become our desire if we truly are to live meaningful, satisfying, and victorious lives!

Jesus Really Is Enough

Where do you look when you find yourself in need? To whom do you turn when there is a deficiency? Who do you look to for answers? To expect any person, preacher, group, ideals, trends, methods, technique, organization, or entity other than Christ Jesus to be our total provision and supply in life—both external and internal—is to deny, to some degree, the sufficiency of Christ. That is correct! The Lord Jesus really is plenty for any need we may experience. Note the thoughts of Paul and then Peter:

2 Cor. 9:8, And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 

2 Peter 1:3-4, According as his [Jesus Christ] divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

These verses tell us that God did not leave out anything regarding our needs! He has thought of it all and will or has supplied every need we have or could have. The broader truth is Jesus is our all sufficient Lord! It is equally true that we must grow in our awareness of His great supply towards us.
                                                                                                           

In the first century, false teachers made claims to the new believers that Jesus Christ might be sufficient for some of their needs—perhaps even many or most of their needs.  But that other traditional customs and beliefs were necessary in addition to Christ for a person to experience a total supply of all things. They taught that while Christ Jesus might be sufficient for a person's spiritual salvation, Christ Jesus could not fulfill all practical, emotional, psychological, material, or social needs.

The apostle Paul soundly rejected the claims of these false teachers in a letter that we know as the book of Colossians in the New Testament. This entire letter is devoted to Paul's claim that Christ Jesus is 100 percent sufficient to meet all human needs, now and forever.

                                                                                                           

JESUS CHRIST IS STILL THE SINGULAR ANSWER!

Col. 2:10, And ye are complete in him [The Lord Jesus Christ], which is the head of all…

All that is necessary to live and develop in the Lord Jesus is found in Him in sufficient supply and in full satisfaction whatever the need may be in our lives. Beloved, we are complete in Christ.

“BUT THAT WAS THEN, AND THIS IS NOW!”

“But what does this have to do with me today?”  You may ask.  Paul was writing to people who lived in the ancient past, not the modern world.”

    1.  This is a Direct Attack on the All Satisfying Ability of Jesus Christ the Lord!

The same arguments that were made to the believers in the early churches are being made to Christians and non-Christians today! The sufficiency of Christ Jesus is attacked from many sides, at times directly and boldly, and at times indirectly and with great subtlety. Unfortunately, believers are still falling for the devil's lies instead of trusting God's truth in Christ.

    2.  What You and I Need is an Old Fashion Dose of the Real Lord Jesus Christ.

“No,” says Paul to the Colossians and to us, “you don't need anything beyond Christ Jesus.” Note his words in Colossians 2:5-10,

 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.    [6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [7] Rooted [Deeply fixed in the nourishing soil of Christ] and built up in him [Like a Building Rising and Developing on the Foundation of Christ], and stablished [Continually Confirming the Truth in your heart] in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein [Overflowing, Captivated, and Motivated] with thanksgiving. [8] Beware [Maintain a Sharp Look-out] lest any man spoil you through philosophy [Wisdom and Intelligence Apart from God] and vain deceit [Empty Lies; False Secret Insights known only to a Select Few], after the tradition [Religious Practices Not Based on Scripture] of men, after the rudiments [Worldly Ideals, Rules, and Values] of the world, and not after Christ. [9] For in him [Christ] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily [Christ is the Eternal All Sufficient Lord]. [10] And ye are complete [Everything we need for Life and Godliness] in him [Christ], which is the head of all principality and power:        

                                                                                                                                   

Beloved, because of these truths and Paul’s constant proclamation of Jesus Christ as the perfect, divine, all sufficient Lord, we don’t need to add anything to Him and His work to find fulfillment, completion, confidence, maturity, power, victory, or meaning in this life and the next!  We can boldly say then, away with Christian Science, away with Jehovah’s Witnesses, away with Second Blessings and Tongue Talking, Away with the lies of Modern Psychology and all the rest who contend that we need more then God to make it in this life. Why would a genuine believer accept a teaching, or idea that slights the power, deity, satisfaction, and sufficiency that is in Jesus Christ?  I don’t understand it!  It is obvious that such a person does not understand what they received when they trusted Jesus Christ to save them. 

                                                                                                           

WE DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND WHO CHRIST IS!

This is where the problem truly lies.  The Lord God is never the problem.  In fact, He is always the solution.  But, men sure can overlook and even ignore what the Lord Jesus can do and who he really is.

   1.  My Experience as a Missionary/Pastor Confirms This.

In my work as a pastor I have encountered countless church-going, Christ-believing people who have fallen prey to arguments that Christ is not sufficient to meet all of their needs. 

   2.  This Study Explores the Sufficiency of Christ.

It is focused much on the book of Colossians.  It deals with three questions that are vital to the life of every believer:

Who is Christ Jesus—really? What has Christ Jesus already provided for me as a person who believes that He is God? How can I experience the full sufficiency of Christ Jesus in my life on a practical and personal level? Paul labors to answer these important questions in Colossians 1:14-22,

In whom [Christ our Lord] we have redemption [Redeemer] through his blood [Blood Atonement], even the forgiveness of sins [Forgiver]: [15] Who is the image of the invisible God [Revealer and Representative of God], the firstborn [The Unique Superior and Sovereign over creation] of every creature: [16] For by him were all things created [Creator], that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones [Superior to All Creatures], or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him [Originator], and for him [Supreme Purpose and Meaning]: [17] And he is before all things [Preeminent One], and by him all things consist [The Providential Sustainer]. [18] And he is the head of the body [The Leader of the Church], the church: who is the beginning [The Source of the New Creation], the firstborn [The Superior Resurrection, Glorified Body] from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [Preeminent One][19] For it pleased the Father that in him [God the Son] should all fulness dwell; [The Complete Fullness of God Permanently Indwells Christ] [20] And, having made peace through the blood [The Peace Sacrifice for Sin] of his cross, by him to reconcile [The Reconciler] all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled [22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

We hope to expand on the significance of these truths concerning Christ our Lord who satisfies our every need!

                                                                       

  3.  The Fact Is, If We Don't Fully Know Christ Jesus, We Cannot Know His Sufficiency.

Ignorance Regarding Christ is Dangerous! And if we do not believe that He is sufficient, and have an ability to access His sufficiency, we are vulnerable to arguments that can lead us astray—away from Christ and away from the perfection to which Christ calls us.

Informed Regarding Christ is Victorious! On the other hand, if we have a deep understanding of all that Christ has provided for us and all that He makes available to us, we have a solid foundation on which to grow and develop in every area of our lives. A solid foundation, one established on the eternal principles of God's Word, must become our desire if we truly are to live meaningful, satisfying, and victorious lives!  Yes, Jesus Christ is still the singular answer!

JESUS IS OUR ALL-SUFFICIENT LORD!

2 Cor. 9:8, And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2 Peter 1:3, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Beloved, if God cannot meet our needs then we are completely hopeless and certainly no mere man can come up with a great solution to every one of our challenges.  We do have difficulty believing God for everything, all the time, and in every situation. But, in our moments of doubt, we will actually consider what some self-important human being said, while ignoring the power, wisdom, and love of Christ Jesus.  But, still we contend that Jesus is our all-sufficient Lord.  God can meet our needs whatever they may be, however complex they may appear to us.  God has never had to scratch his head in bewilderment, he has never been perplexed, he knows nothing of being puzzled and stomped by our challenges.  Just because we are limited in our perception of Christ’s all ability does not modify one bit His complete sufficiency!

SUFFICIENCY

2 Cor. 3:5, Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

     1. Sufficiency —all that is needed in ample supply.

     2. Supply —what is needed to meet a particular need, solve a specific problem, or overcome a remarkable lack.

     3.  Source —a fountainhead of supply that produces sufficiency.

These three terms—sufficiency, supply, and source—will be used almost interchangeably in this study because Jesus Christ is our Sufficiency for an abundant life, our Supply or Provision, and our Source of wholeness in this life and eternal life in the future.

SCRIPTURE

2 Cor. 12:9-10, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

    1.  Christ’s Sufficiency is a Biblical Teaching.

How do we know this? Because that is what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ. This study is based upon the belief that the Bible gives us the whole truth and nothing but the truth about Jesus Christ. My hope as you engage in this study is that you will turn again and again in the Bible to conclude what the Lord Jesus is able to do for you.  Make this study your study about the sufficiency of Christ!

    2.  Scripture is the Final Authority on Who Jesus Christ is.

Countless other books tell about methods and means other than Christ as a foundation for completeness, sufficiency, and everlasting supply. The Bible, however, is God's truth about who Jesus Christ is—really, and about what Christ provides for us. It is when we understand and apply what the Bible says that we truly come to know Christ Jesus as our Sufficiency. Make the Bible your ultimate authority on Jesus Christ and how to get your needs met, and you won't be disappointed!

  

    3.  Grow in Your Comprehension of Christ’s Sufficiency.

Never stop exploring the riches of God's Word on any topic, but especially on the sufficiency of Christ Jesus. The truth of Christ's sufficiency is a lesson that is always timely, and that is always applicable in new ways. Grow in your understanding … and choose to continue growing in your understanding of His sufficiency all the days of your life.

The Savior can solve every problem,

The tangles of life can undo.

There’s nothing too hard for Jesus;

There’s nothing that He cannot do. —Author unknown