Fostering the Attitude of Joy 2

1 Thessalonians 5:16

 
SUBJECT: Cultivating the Christian Attitude of Joy

THEME: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of spiritual Joy!

INTRODUCTION: As Christians our inner life is awfully important to God and our spiritual welfare—attitudes, motives, and behaviors are equally weighty aspects of our inner and external growth in grace. Doing the right thing should stem from being the right person. You may recall, an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.” Attitudes include our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; all of which are to be consecrated to the glory of our Lord God. Our focus today is on the attitude of joy.

Joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts. The Bible distinguishes joy from pleasure. The Greek word for pleasure is the word from which we get our word “hedonism,” the philosophy of self-centered pleasure seeking.”^[1]

The Apostle Paul characterized false teachers as “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4). Let this be a warning to us all; we are to love God first and foremost. Joy will prove evasive and illusive as long as we pursue joy, but if we refocus and pursue the Lord then joy will be a benefit of our lavish communion with him. Rejoicing can become our habit…our practice…our character…our destiny.  

Joy as Action. There is a joy that Scripture commands. That joy is action that can be engaged in regardless of how the person feels. Proverbs 5:18 tells the reader to rejoice in the wife of his youth, without reference to what she may be like. Christ instructed his disciples to rejoice when they were persecuted, reviled, and slandered (Mt 5:11, 12). The apostle Paul commanded continuous rejoicing (Phil 4:4; 1 Thes 5:16). James said Christians are to reckon it all joy when they fall into various testings because such testings produce endurance (Jas 1:2). First Peter 4:13 seems to include both action and emotion…. Joy in adverse circumstances is possible only as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, who is present in every Christian (Gal 5:22).^[2]

All of this means our attitudes are a choice! We can choose to be joyful. This is further supported by the fact that God commands this behavior—rejoice. “Rejoice” is a firm authoritative command; not merely a suggestion we can take or leave. We must cultivate attitudes of Joy to ensure it marks our character. 

FOSTER AN ATTITUDE OF JOY CONTINUED….  

1Thes 5:16, Rejoice evermore. 

Recall also the Apostle Paul’s wise counsel, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil 4:4). 

Thesis: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of our Joy!

          I.               Rejoicing Forevermore is Possible because of the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of Spiritual Joy! We understand the imperative and command to rejoice evermore, but here we explore further why we should. There are incredible reasons for fostering the holy attitude of joy. 

A.    First, Rejoice because Jehovah God is Our Source of Joy (Neh. 8:10-12).

                                        1.     We can rejoice always and, in all things, because the Source of our joy is a constant unchanging and all-sufficient origin.

                                        2.     Joy of the LORD—Jehovah, Yahweh—the existing One! It denotes absolute rule and authority of the Creator, Owner, and Master of the universe!

                                        3.     It is the “joy of the Lord” that strengthens us and empowers holy resilience—God-wrought buoyancy—divinely provided elasticity. We can continually rejoice because He always supplies all we need as we need it and whatever we need.

                                        4.     You can rejoice in the Lord as the infinite Source of our Joy! Joy comes from a supernatural Source—God himself and it is supernaturally sustained in our experiences. Transcendental, supernatural, spiritual and mystical are reasonable descriptions of the divine rejoicing; joy is made available through our faith and dependence upon the Lord for it. As certainly as the Lord resources our sun and a trillion billion stars in millions of galaxies He can resource you and me.

                                        5.     Nehemiah 8:10-12, Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. [Power] 11, So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. (Neh. 8:10-12)

                                        6.     We make a gross mistake when we pursue joy or when we expect joy from other sources. While there is natural joy and happiness that we experience through positive circumstances and healthy relationships. Some pursue joy primarily in human relationships—spouse, children, friends. Others look only to things to bring them joy—houses, cars, boats, ect. There are folks who expect joy in their occupations—promotions, more money and raises, new joy, bonuses, recognition ect. Yet, others hunt for joy in achievements—advanced degrees, and on the list goes. The Lord is your real Source of Joy! Look to Him!

B.    Secondly, Rejoice because Jesus Christ is our Subject of Joy (Phil. 4:8).

                                        1.     Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Phil. 4:8)

                                        2.     Your thought life matters when it comes to cultivating a joyful character! We can perceive what is involved in rejoicing evermore by focusing on the Lord. My heart has been rescued from downcast feelings and thoughts by refocusing my thoughts on the Lord Jesus. Thinking about Him stirs joy deep within.

                                        3.     Reflecting on His compassion, mercy, and love gives rise to comfort, assurance, and security in the deepest centers of my soul. Meditating on His patience, wisdom, and courage awakens persistence, confidence, and peace in my heart—again I am helped!

                                        4.     Beloved, concentrate your thoughts on Calvary, the empty tomb, your resurrected Savior, the ascended Christ, the enthroned and powerful Lord, our all-glorious Advocate, our compassionate High Priest, and the coming King of kings and Lord of lords!

                                        5.     Remember Jesus saved you, forgave you, brought you into the family of God and gave you his blessed Holy Spirit. Heaven and forever with the Lord is your eternal reality. Beloved, shout for joy! Let it rise from the depth of your ever-deepening conviction that you have many reasons to rejoice in the Lord. O’ the impact of Christ on our inner life is reason to rejoice evermore! (Phil. 1:4, 18; 2:16-18; 3:3; 4:4, 10; 1 Peter 1:5-8; 1 John 1:1-4)

                                        6.     If you merely ruminate on what’s wrong, bad, evil, sinful, awful, or negative then you will naturally be down cast and mitigate the joy you seek to build in your life!

C.    Thirdly, Rejoice because Father-God is Our Sovereign of Joy (Acts 16:19-35).

                                        1.     JOY is an acrostic for Jehovah over You! He is wonderfully in control of our circumstances! The command to “Rejoice evermore” (1Thess. 5:16) certainly rises out of a firmly fixed conviction that God is in complete control of our circumstances and challenges! His plan concerning you and me is good! We really believe that…come what may. No one else and nothing else occupies the throne of the entire universe! God alone rules forever on high over all; He is supremely in control. If he rules over all, then that includes you and me. If he exercises control over all, then we must accept his control over us. For me, this is reason to rejoice!

                                        2.     Accordingly, in Acts 16:19-35, Paul and Silas were simply obeying God and preaching the Gospel of Christ in Philippi. People were being saved and lives were changing, but this brought false accusations, physical persecution, public humiliating beatings, condemnation without a fair trial, and imprisonment in a dank jail. Rather than being bitter, lapsing into depression, or plotting an escape, these servants of Christ demonstrated confidence in God’s great plan for them. Instead of weeping, cussing, complaining, or protesting they rejoiced and sang praises to God! This was a powerful testimony to the on-watching prisoners. You see, this is the power of joy in action—strengthening and sustaining faithful servants to continue in the work of the Lord Jesus. In fact, God started the church at Philippi with the converts from this development.

                                        3.     Our role is to trust this truth and be glad in the Lord God. Notice how David agrees with Paul saying, “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart” (Ps 32:11). Why not join David and shout for joy? Why??? You and I are not subject to chance, lucky stars, fate, or horoscopes. God is managing our affairs with love, grace, wisdom, power, and this is far more meaningful than impersonal forces randomly impacting our lives!

                                        4.     Since your confidence and trust is indeed in the Lord “rejoice” and “shout for joy”! "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." (Ps 5:11) Express your love for the Lord Jesus by rejoicing in Him. Envelop yourself in His defense strategies first and foremost; rejoice in the impeccable security Jehovah affords. Once again, the Apostle Paul said it perfectly, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil 4:4). There is NO need to fret or fear—trust Him implicitly.

                                        5.     When we keep our minds and hearts upon the truth that Christ controls our circumstances, then we can’t help but rejoice. With the Lord on the throne, everything will ultimately be alright. He does all things well; He rules with wisdom, power, and love. He is our Sovereign, Source and Subject of Joy; therefore, keep rejoicing as you go! (Acts 16:19-35)

                                        6.     If you find it difficult to give God control of your entire life, it may be you do not trust His sovereign wisdom, power, or love! On the other side of full surrender is victory and joy unspeakable and full of glory! (1Pet. 1:5-9)

II.            Rejoicing Always and in All Conditions Must be Fostered…How May We Foster Joy? While we fully acknowledge joy cannot be produce through mere human manipulations, there our spiritual activities that God uses to produce joyful experiences. So, again what are some ways we may experience joy?

A.    By Communing with God through Christ (1John 1:4)

B.    By Abiding (staying) in Jesus Christ to be Fruitful (John 15:11)

C.    By Depending on the Spirit for his gracious life-changing Fruit (Gal. 5:22-23)

D.    By Reaping a Harvest of Converts through sharing the Gospel (Phil. 2:15-18)

E.    By Rejoicing in the Lord Habitually and Intentionally (Phil. 4:4)

F.     By Renewing the Mind with Scripture (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 4:8)

CONCLUSION:

We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of spiritual Joy!

Holy Joy can be the continual experience of Christians, even in the most contrary conditions. Beloved, this is because our great God is the source, subject and sovereign of our joy! Therefore, we can deliberately “rejoice evermore.” In doing so we foster the attitude of joy. Remember, Christ is fully in control of our circumstances.

Even from the world of science and psychology, joy and happiness have been linked to good health:

            1.  Promotes a healthier lifestyle

2. Protects your heart
3. Combats disease and disability
4. Boosts/strengthens your immune system
5. Fights stress and supports fewer aches and pains
6. Promotes longevity—lengthens our lives

Truly, “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Prov. 17:22; see also Prov. 15:13). The science world is only beginning to realize the physical and temporal benefits of joy and happiness. For thousands of years the Scriptures have informed us of these along with the far reaching spiritual benefits of a joyful life in Christ. Let us explore the wonders of intimate communion with the Lord; one incredible result is fullness of joy (1John 1:1-4). In obedience to God’s command, let us “rejoice evermore” in the Lord!

Finally, as joy-filled believers, we will make a positive impact for the glory of God. It is easy to conceive how more people would come to Christ if we were characterized by real joy (Jn. 15:11; 10:10). Christ wills that His people not only have life, but that we have it more abundantly! Joy should not only create a curiosity, but also a hunger in hearts for the Lord. Christianity should be marked by saltiness while providing light to all (Matt. 5:13-16). Joy is solid evidence of Christianity’s distinctive testimony. Remember the words of the Savior, “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

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^[1] Dean, R. J. (2003). Joy. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (pp. 956–957). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

^[2] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Joy. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1225). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

The Source of Vision

ACTS 13:1-5

To carry the Gospel to our community, we must embrace a God-Given Vision

In Acts 13, Doctor Luke communicates how this primarily Gentile congregation in Antioch willingly accepts Christ’s vision. The Word of God will provide the ministry-shaping and purpose-orienting vision for all genuine churches. We all need some guidance from God to serve as a legitimate model of vision. In this instance the First Century Church of Antioch is an excellent prototype to learn from.

Once again, note what Luke says in Acts 13:2,

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

God gave vision to the church! It is obedience to this God-given vision that gives our churches restraint and provides direction in the local and worldwide mission endeavors. Here we need to entertain the question of where does vision come from? Who should we look to for vision for our church and ministry?

THE VISION FOR MISSIONS MUST COME FROM GOD

Acts 13:2, ... the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

In Antioch we hear the clarion voice of the Holy Spirit of God directing the church and his specific servants to the communities and regions beyond the city of Antioch. I do not know if the Spirit of God spoke audibly or through one of the pastors or a prophet; I do know the church receive its vision from God. The Source was and should also be divine! God’s people must insist upon this.

The Vision for the Local Mission Must Originate with God

Matthew 28:18-19, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

After our Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection, He commissioned his first church to take the good news to the entire world. God was directing his body to action and specifying the nature of that action. The local evangelistic vision for our communities must originate with God. At Antioch it was the Holy Ghost of God talking to his churches. Praise God they had a heart and ears to hear what the Spirit was saying.

A True Vision Is Not Centered in Human Beings, Either the Pastor or the People, but in God Himself. Vision is not the product of our own imagination or hopes; it is the discovery of God’s design and plan for each church. Beloved, we cannot lead a focus group to come up with God’s vision for our churches. We must consult with God as a collective people.

Missions Begins with a Supernatural Encounter with a Holy God.  Matthew 28:18, And Jesus came and spake unto them. . ..

You and I must first know God experientially. Once a believer knows the Lord through study and fellowship he will become captivated by God’s vision and then join Him in His redemptive activity. One key to vision discovery is prayer and fasting. “We have not because we ask not,” explains James 4:2. If we are to find God’s vision for our churches with regards to our local mission, we must be willing to ask and then to listen. Because we are activity oriented, our prayer times tend to be long on asking and short on listening. What is God trying to communicate to your heart through this message?

God’s Vision Will Be Centered in and Supported by The Word.           

Luke 24:44-48 And he [Lord Jesus] said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. [45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, [46] And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] And ye are witnesses of these things.

The Lord Jesus Christ understood the importance of divine revelation providing the particulars of ministry endeavors. His entire public ministry pointed back to what was foretold about him hundreds of years before in the Word. The content and focus of His work were prescribed in the body of the Old Testament Scriptures. Beloved, God still speaks through His Bible. When the Bible is correctly interpreted and applied it will always provide clear guidance to the Work of God and His people. What the church in Antioch was embarking upon in Acts 13 had been commanded by the Lord Jesus years before!  

  

God's vision will always be centered in and supported by His precious Word—The Scriptures. God will not communicate a vision contrary to His own nature, purpose, the old Book.  If our vision is a grandiose scheme centered in our own ego rather than based solidly in Scripture, you can be sure it is not of God, and He will not empower our churches for this. We must always ask: “Does our vision find its base in the revealed Word of God? Does it reflect the character of God Himself? Will it glorify Him?”          

Many times, churches are motivated to see how many people they can win for bragging rights, or to merely outperform the other churches in town. They are driven to build a name for themselves as a “Evangelistic Church.” Actually, this really is pride. It sounds like the same things the people at the Tower of Babel said in Genesis chapter eleven. All of these are poor motivations! Being zealous for souls for the glory of Christ is wholesome but getting decisions to make another Face Book post is carnal. The scriptures must be the beat to which we march.

Vision from God Will Be Grounded in the Great Commission.

Bible based Vision will always be anchored in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; John 20:21-23).

The Specific Vision for Each Church must Enable it to Better Fulfill the Great Commission. To make disciples through going, baptizing, and teaching obedience is not an option for any real church. Unless a church body is first committed to the Great Commission it is not likely to seek vision nor follow it.

One of the Most Important Series of Messages the Pastor Can Preach to Prepare People for Discovering a Vision Is a Series on the Mission and Ministry of the Local Church. Missions Conferences will provide us with the insights and encouragements to embrace a God-given vision for this world including the local community. Vision emerges when God's people have a clear understanding of the church's mission.  Worldwide evangelization is literally why the churches exist!

You May Assume that Everyone Knows the Great Commission Establishes the Marching Orders for a New Testament Church. This is not true!  A recent Christian publication referred to a survey taken throughout that state concerning the primary task of the church. Nine out of ten pastors identified the primary task as that of fulfilling the Great Commission, while only two out of ten church members/attendees did so. They believed that the primary ministry of the church was to meet the needs of the members. If we have not first accepted the Great Commission as the marching orders for the church, we will not know Christ’s vision for His churches.

Clearly, the true Source of Vision is the Lord God, and He largely communicates that vision through His written Word. Many leaders claim to have dreams, trances, an epiphany or a ‘word’, but what we need is a God-given vision rooted in the nature and character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many churches virtually waste their existence focused on half-baked human endeavors that scarcely resemble an authentic work of Christ. For some it is all about them…all about the buildings, or all about the money. For others church is merely where they get their religious fix once or twice a month. Beloved, vision is written revelation in local application. Vision emerges from time in the presence of God, and meditation on the Great Commission. Remember, “Where there is no vision, the people perish….” God is speaking, but are you listening?

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