What Will God Say?

 

MATTHEW 7:21-23

Theme: When we reject false systems of evaluation, we are ready to embrace a concrete criterion from God.

Relevance: The Lord wants us to exercise wise judgment and choose the Will of God over the mere pretenses of people.

Introduction: the disciple must look beyond the appearance of things and note what is really happening. Refusing to be caught up with man made expectations we begin to perceive what God actually requires or stipulates.

Since there are false prophets in the world pointing people in the wrong direction, we must always be careful of deceptions. In this light Jesus reveals every disciple’s real priority consideration. God’s very own expectations…His standard…His criteria for genuine evaluations….

Message:

Determine to be the Person Who Does the Will of God (Matt. 7:21-23).

The final test is not what we think of ourselves, or what others may think. The final test is: What will God say? 

I.               How Can We Prepare for This Judgment?

By doing God’s will.

A.             The Lord Jesus next warns against people who falsely profess to acknowledge Him as Savior, but have never been converted.

                                                         i.     Not everyone who calls Jesus, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.

                                                       ii.     Only those who do the will of God enter the kingdom. The first step in doing the will of God is to believe on the Lord Jesus.

1.     John 6:29, Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

2.     John 6:39-40, And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. [40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

3.     Matthew 12:50, For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

4.     Matthew 21:28-32, But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. [29] He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. [30] And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. [31] Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. [32] For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

B.    Obedience to His will is the test of true faith in Christ.

                                                         i.     When a person is truly born again, he has the Spirit of God living within (Rom. 8:9); and the Spirit enables him to know and do the Father’s will.

                                                       ii.     God’s love in his heart (Rom. 5:5) motivates him to obey God and serve others.

II.            Words Are Not a Substitute for Obedience, and Neither Are Religious Works.

A.    The Test Is Not Words!

                                                         i.     It is not saying “Lord, Lord,” and not obeying His commands.

                                                       ii.     How easy it is to learn a religious vocabulary, and even memorize Bible verses and religious songs, and yet not obey God’s will. 

B.    The Test Is Not Works!

                                                         i.     We are now introduced to those who apparently believe themselves to be genuine disciples and can appeal to their charismatic activities to prove it, but nonetheless turn out to have no real relationship with the Lord to whom they appeal. The false prophets of v 15 were deceivers, but these are self-deceived.

                                                       ii.     On judgment day when unbelievers stand before Christ (Rev. 20:11–15), many will remind Him that they prophesied, or cast out demons, or performed many wonders—all in His name. 

C.    The Test is Not Miracles. A Ministry of miracles is Not a Guarantee Nor a Sign of Real Salvation.

                                                         i.     From these verses we learn that not all miracles are of divine origin and that not all miracle workers are divinely accredited. A miracle simply means that a supernatural power is at work. That power may be divine or satanic. Satan may empower his workers to cast out demons temporarily, in order to create the illusion that the miracle is divine. He is not dividing his kingdom against itself in such a case, but is plotting an even worse invasion of demons in the future.^[1]

                                                       ii.     Preaching, casting out demons, and performing miracles can be divinely inspired, but they give no assurance of salvation. It is likely that even Judas participated in some or all of these activities, and yet he was not a true believer.

                                                     iii.     In the last days, Satan will use “lying wonders” to deceive people (2 Thes. 2:7–12).

                                                      iv.     Even if they were doing supernatural deeds—prophesying in His name, driving out demons, and performing many miracles, they were not obedient to the Father, continually doing His will (Matt. 7:21). They would be refused admission to the kingdom because Jesus had no personal relationship with them (vv. 21, 23).^[2]

III.         Acceptance Depends Not on Profession, Nor Even on Apparent Christian Activity, But on Whether Jesus Knew Them. All their appeals will be in vain.

A.    Matthew 7:23, And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

                                                  ii.     Jesus is explaining that not everyone (especially highly religious people) who claims to be Christian will be recognized by him.

                                                iii.     A true believer cannot lose his salvation, nor can all miracles be performed by true believers.

                                                iv.     What does it mean to “work iniquity” or practice lawlessness?

                                                  v.     The quality or condition of having no regard for societies laws; behavior that is contrary to or shows indifference to God’s law: Unfortunately, a lot of confusion, lawlessness, stupidity, and even death surrounds this reality. 

                                                vi.     Jesus will declare to them that He never knew them or acknowledged them as His own.

A.    Note the extraordinary authority he assumes as judge; to enter the kingdom of heaven depends on his acknowledgment and consists in being with him.

B.    “Jesus goes on to describe those who will be able to call upon His name on the day of judgment. It will be those who hear His words and put them into practice, the same ones referred to in verse 21 as those who obediently do the will of the Father in heaven. True believers are the good trees that produce good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), the true sheep who look to Christ, depend on Him, commit themselves to Him, trust in Him, and believe on Him for righteousness, salvation, and eternal life. These are the ones who will enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (From Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation?)

Conclusion:

When we reject phony righteousness, we become able to eliminate false systems or sanctimonious standards of judgment also. Our Lord invites us to exercise wise judgment and choose the Will of God over the mere pretenses of people.  Will you accept his generous invitation?

MANY ARE STUCK IN DEADLY SINFUL SYSTEMS OF EVALUATION!

1 Timothy 6:20-21, O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: ²¹ Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

We must guard against the errors seeping into the churches and taking the place of God’s truth. Not only are we to guard the Bible teachings committed to our trust, but also avoid the dangers of improper division of the Word, foolish irrelevant chatter, and contradictions falsely claiming to be real knowledge.

 We are called to avoid being carried away by false teaching, by imitating the obedient faith of godly leaders.

Hebrews 13:7, Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation…. 17, Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

GOD OFFERS FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST FROM THE EVIL

The world in which we live is not a godly world, but we each must experience the freedom that Christ offers to us so that we can live in this world, yet not be “of” this world.

John 17:14-17, I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Christ prayed earnestly that we would not become enslaved and influenced by the evil present in the world system. 

YOU CAN BE FREE OF SIN’S CLUTCHES TODAY WHEN YOU RECEIVE CHRIST!

To any person in the clutches of something sinful, negative, or evil, “You can be free!”

Romans 6:18, Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:22, But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

This is the spiritual freedom that everyone needs to become familiar with.

GOD’S FORGIVENESS IS YOURS BY HIS GRACE! (Through the kindness and help of God)

Ephes. 1:7, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Have you decided to accept and receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? To “accept and receive”—is required for you to be forgiven by God, regardless of the nature, magnitude, or deep entrenchment of your sins.

To “accept” is to believe with your mind that what the Bible says about Jesus and His death on the cross is true—that Jesus died for your sins, and He rose again to give you and me new life in Him. To “receive” is to say, “I don't merely accept what Jesus did on the cross as a fact of history or as a statement of sound theology, but I accept His sacrificial death on the cross as being for me personally and individually—his sacrifice was made for my sins. I invite Christ to indwell me, to cleanse me of all my past transgressions, iniquities, evil, and sin, and to make me a new person in God's eyes. I receive the work of the Holy Spirit in me that gives me a completely restored relationship with my heavenly Father.”

Titus 3:5-7, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; [7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Have you taken Him up on His offer? If not, will you accept and receive Jesus Christ today? Will you receive God's forgiveness?

---

^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1230.

^[2] Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 34.

Discretion...Proceed with Caution

 

MATTHEW 7:13-20

Theme: When we reject a fake righteousness, it will enable us to reject a false system of judgment also.

Relevance: The Lord wants us to exercise wise judgment regarding ourselves, other people, and the Lord himself.

Introduction: Discretion is the quality of being discreet; using good judgment; care in speech or action; wise caution. Unfortunately, many people rushed into things because they are popular and gratifying; however, the disciple must show discretion—we must look beyond the appearance of things and note what is really happening. 

There is also a need to be determined in the matter of using discretion throughout the course of life and discipleship. After presenting the true way of access into His anticipated kingdom, Jesus gave a warning about false prophets. Since there are false prophets in the world, we must always be careful of deception.

Message:

I.               Discretion: Stay on the Straight and Narrow Because It Is the Path of Life (Matt. 7:13-20).

But the greatest danger is self-deception. The scribes and Pharisees had fooled themselves into believing that they were righteous and others were sinful. It is possible for people to know the right language, believe intellectually the right doctrines, obey the right rules, and still not be saved. Jesus gives us reliable advice to help us judge ourselves and others righteously.

a.    Determine to Stay With The Narrow Way Because it is the Right Way (Matt.. 7:13-14).

These verses have a wonderful application to the gospel by depicting the two roads and destinies of the human race. The wide gate and broad way lead to destruction (Prov. 16:25). The strait gate and narrow way lead to life. Jesus is both the gate (John 10:9) and the way (John 14:6).

But while this is a valid application of the passage, the interpretation is for believers. The two ways mentioned here are not the way to heaven and the way to hell, but the way of discipleship contrasted with a wasted life.

                                                    i.     From the Beginning: We Must Choose the Strait Gate and Avoid the Wide Gate.

a.      The Lord warns that the gate to Christian discipleship is strait [small, narrow, and difficult to enter] and the road way is narrow and difficult also. 

                                                                                                                i.     But those who faithfully follow His teachings find the abundant life he promised (John 10:10).

                                                                                                              ii.     Jesus presented the clear way of access into a righteousness lifestyle. The righteousness He demanded (Matt. 5:20) comes through adherence to His teachings alone which emphasize internal transformation and not mere external requirements. 

b.     On the other hand, there is the wide gate—the life of self-indulgence and pleasure.

                                                                                                                i.     Jesus was comparing the wide gate and the broad roadway to the outward righteousness and external requirements of the Pharisees.

                                                                                                              ii.     If people followed the Pharisees’ teachings, their path would lead to certain ruin. The end of such a life is destruction. This is not referring to losing one’s soul, but of a failure to live out a truly righteous life--- the purpose of one’s existence as a disciple.

                                                  ii.     During the Journey: We Must Choose the Narrow Way and Avoid the Broad Way.

a.      Jesus is saying that to follow Him would require faith, discipline, and endurance. But this challenging life is the only life worth living.

                                                                                                                i.     The reason is not difficult to discover: The way of life is narrow, lonely, and costly; it is marked with sufferings, troubles, and afflictions.

                                                                                                              ii.     We can walk on the broad way and keep our “baggage” of sin and worldliness. But if we enter the narrow way, we must give up those things. 

b.     Here, then, is the first test: Did your profession of faith in Christ cost you anything?

                                                                                                                i.     If not, then it was not a true profession. Many people who “trust” Jesus Christ never leave the broad road with its appetites and associations. They have an easy Christianity that makes no demands on them.

                                                                                                              ii.     Yet Jesus said that the narrow way was hard. We cannot walk on two roads, in two different directions, at the same time.

                                                iii.     Despite Conditions: We Must Choose the Life Few Leads and Avoid the Life the Majority Lead.

a.      True discipleship is a minority position, a matter of deliberately opting out from the mainstream, but it is a matter of life and death.

                                                                                                                i.     If you choose the easy way, you will have plenty of company, but you will miss God’s best for you.

                                                                                                              ii.     The broad way is the easy way; it is the popular way. But we must not judge spiritual profession by statistics; the majority is not always right. The fact that “everybody does it” is no proof that what they are doing is right. 

b.     Quite the contrary is true: God’s people have always been a remnant, a small minority in this world.

b.    Determine To Stay Away from the Influence of False Prophets Because they Will Lead You Astray (Matt. 7:15-20).

Wherever the stern demands of true discipleship are taught, there are false prophets who advocate the wide gate and easy way. They water down the truth until, as C. H. Spurgeon said, “There is not enough left to make soup for a sick grasshopper.”

                                                    i.     Realize they are Wolves and Only Appear to be Sheep (Matt. 7:15).

a.      These men who profess to be speaking for God come in sheep’s clothing, giving the appearance of being true believers.

                                                                                                                i.     They present themselves as insiders, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

                                                                                                              ii.     Their intention is destructive; they are vicious unbelievers who prey on the immature, the unstable, and the gullible.   

b.     So not all alleged preaching, teaching, Christian books, music, and videos are to be taken at face value; it must be tested (1Jn. 4:1-6).

                                                                                                                i.     How can one determine the character of false teachers? The test is not the prophets’ profession but their fruit. We need only look at the fruit they produce. Are they influencing people regarding true inner righteousness of the heart?

                                                                                                              ii.     The meaning of fruit usually indicates behavior which is genuinely pleasing to God (Matt. 3:8–10; 12:33–37; 21:43). 

                                                  ii.     Recognize that Good Fruit Comes from Good Trees (Matt. 7:16-18).

a.      This is God’s detection system for the false prophets: ye shall know them by their fruits. Their licentious lives and destructive teachings betray them.

b.     A tree or plant produces fruit according to its character.

                                                                                                                i.     Thorn cannot bear grapes; thistles do not bear figs. A good tree bears good fruit and a corrupt tree bears evil fruit.

                                                                                                              ii.     This principle is true in the natural world and in the spiritual world. The life and teaching of those who claim to speak for God should be tested by the Word of God: “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20).

                                                                                                            iii.     The Savior gives the correct test of their character.

1.     Generally we do not judge a fruit tree by its leaves, or bark, or flowers, but by the fruit it bears. The flowers may be beautiful and fragrant, the foliage thick and green; but these are merely extras. It is the “fruit” that is of primary benefit to people; and we form our opinion of the nature and value of the tree by that fruit.

2.     The same is true about those who pretend to have saving faith and to engage in Christian service. Their claims may be clear; but the “conduct”-the fruit-is the determining factor about the true nature of the person.

3.     Those religious leaders, who seemed to be good men, who taught spiritual truths about Messiah and His kingdom were exposed by the Lord. Jesus made it clear they were not good for they were leading others astray. 

c.      The two trees show that true faith in Christ changes the life and produces fruit for God’s glory.

                                                                                                                i.     Everything in nature reproduces after its kind, and this is also true in the spiritual realm. Good fruit comes from a good tree, but bad fruit comes from a bad tree.

                                                                                                              ii.     The second test is this: Did my decision for Christ change my life?

1.     False prophets who teach false doctrine can produce only a false righteousness (see Acts 20:29). Their fruit (the results of their ministry) is false and cannot last.

2.     The prophets themselves are false; the closer we get to them, the more we see the falsity of their lives and doctrines. They magnify themselves, not Jesus Christ; and their purpose is to exploit people, not to edify them.

3.     The person who believes false doctrine, or who follows a false prophet, will never experience a changed life. Unfortunately, some people do not realize this until it is too late. 

                                                iii.     Remember the End for False Preachers is the Fire (Matt 7:19-20).

a.     The destiny of the false prophets is to be cast into the fire. The doom of false teachers and prophets is “swift destruction” (2 Pet. 2:1). Like the tree that produces rotten fruit they too will be cut down and thrown into the fire. If they do not fulfill their purpose for existence, they should be removed.

b.     They can be known by their fruits. “Wherefore, by their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:20).

 

Conclusion:

When we reject phony righteousness, we become able to eliminate false systems or sanctimonious standards of judgment also. Our Lord invites us to exercise wise, loving, sensitive, compassionate discernment towards ourselves and other people. Will you accept his generous invitation?

1.  How shall we test our profession of faith? By popularity? No, for there are many on the broad road to destruction. And there are many who are depending on words, saying “Lord, Lord”—but this is no assurance of salvation. Even religious activities in a church organization are no assurance.

2. How then shall we judge ourselves and others who profess Christ as Savior?

The two ways tell us to examine the cost of our profession. Have we paid a price to profess faith in Christ?

The two trees tell us to investigate whether our lives have really changed. Are there godly fruits from our 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