Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 2Corinthians 3:5
..You know it seems to take a while for us to learn. It takes us a while to learn that our sufficiency is from God.. That is what the apostle said here. He [was saying in his defence] ‘ This is from God what I reveal to you. My ministry – my calling – is from God. ‘ He would have done something completely different.. he was on his way to persecute the Christians..
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Acts 9:2-5
Supernaturally Changed And Provided For
..Completely utterly changed you see, it was supernatural. And it is exactly the same with us. Our lives have been changed, our lives are supernatural. We would not be here today if it were not for God who took the initiative, who placed the affection of worship – of gathering together in His presence – we wouldn’t be here unless He had placed that within our hearts. That is why we thank Him.. worship Him.. praise Him, because He first loved us. And so our sufficiency – everything that we need today, (not yesterday) now – is by the grace and mercy of God and it is sufficient..
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philipians 4:13-20
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
.. It doesn’t mean to say that the Church doesn’t have it’s responsibility but the sufficiency comes from God.. God provides for our needs.. ‘ Put the Kingdom first and don’t worry about the rest – I will provide. ‘ And we know that He does because we only have to look at the animal life out there. They’re not at all concerned about where their food is coming from. As I’ve said so many times, when you see those birds on the lawn you think ‘ where did you see that worm, I wouldn’t have seen that worm but they can see it. You see God brings it to them.. ..
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8.9
Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
