I’m going to begin today by making a very controversial statement: Jesus is all that you need. Among believers, this statement is surprisingly controversial. Some people will say: “well, we need oxygen and food and water – so Jesus is really not all that we need.” This seems logical and even reasonable at first, when viewed through the lens of the world, but is this really what the Bible teaches?
In this study today, we will be examining the sufficiency of God, and specifically His sufficiency for us, in all things. Because if we do not understand that God is our total sufficiency, then we must begin looking to other things to fill-in the gaps. So as we see these truths today, we will broaden our view of the nature and character of God, and will be able to receive more from Him.
The first question that we must answer when undertaking a study of this type is: how does God describe Himself? If God does not describe Himself as being all sufficient, then the rest of our study will fall flat. However if God does describe Himself as being all-sufficient, then we have a solid foundation upon which to build. So let’s begin by reading Genesis 17:1-2:
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be you perfect.
And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”
Here we see an account from Genesis in which the LORD appeared to Abram. This is an important detail because now we can be certain that it indeed was the LORD… this was not some false teacher, not some false spirit, not some demon r evil force; it was the LORD, Yahveh, the I AM. And how did He introduce Himself to Abram in our verse? I am the Almighty God… Now in most English translations, it says “Almighty God” – and in the New English Translation, it says “Sovereign God” – however none of these English translations capture the full meaning of the original Hebrew.
Almighty God in this verse is actually El Shaddai in Hebrew. it is comprised of three words:
1) El: Meaning “God
2) shad: Meaning: “breast”
3) dai: Meaning “enough; to pour out”
So in its most literal translation, the name El Shaddai which God reveals Himself to Abram as, means “God of the nourishing breast” or “The All-breasted God”. This, with the obvious understanding that breasts carry the image of nourishment and supply. By revealing Himself to Abram as this name, He is declaring His ability to abundantly supply and nourish Abram in all things, as He declares further on in the same chapter of Genesis 17. The contemporary rendering of this particular name of God is “The All-Sufficient God”. However regardless of which version you choose, or which way you slice it, the intention and message of God with the revealing of this name is clear: God says that indeed He is all sufficient.
Now, what does God supply? Obviously He supplies Grace (Psalms 100:5), compassion (Lamentations 3:22), Wisdom, Righteousness, Holiness and Redemption (1st Corinthians 1:30). He supplies Peace (John 14:27), and Faith (Hebrews 12:2). He supplies healing (Exodus 15:26) and divine health (Proverbs 4.22).
What about the argument in the opening of our study? What about oxygen? Does the air which we breath come from God as well? Isaiah 42:5-6 gives us the answer:
“Thus said God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which comes out of it; he that gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
I the LORD have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and give you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;”
Verse 5 shows us that the LORD created both the heavens and the earth, and everything that comes out of it. He gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to them that walk therein. Verse 6 wasn’t even necessary for this answer, but I wanted you to see more loving words from your Father God, that He has called you to righteousness, and that He has promised to hold your hand and keep (guard, protect) you, and today in Christ Jesus, you have the new covenant of Grace in Him.
What about food then? Does food come from God? In Exodus 16:1-14 the Israelites are journeying in the wilderness of Sin (which spelling is not a coincidence!), and they began to complain because they remembered the food they had eaten while they were slaves in Egypt. The LORD heard their complaining – and even though He did not have to, He miraculously rained down both bread in the morning, and gave them meat in the evening, to satiate both their hunger and their desire for meat!. That’s the generosity, mercy and compassion of God.
Now you might think: “That was just for Israel!” Well then look at Psalms 111:5:
“He has given meat to them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.”
The word “meat” used here is in Hebrew ṭerep̄, physical food. You cannot spiritualize this.
So what about water then? Does water come from God? Take a look at Exodus 17:6:
“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”
But I’m sure this was just a little water, right? Just a little drop here and there… just enough to keep them from dying, yes? Turn to Psalms 78:15-16:
“He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.
He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.”
It wasn’t just a drop here and there. They did not have to search for extra water to add to His provision. He supplied more than enough! He gave them drink as out of the great depths… and caused waters to run down like rivers.
As they journeyed in the hot day, He was the pillar of cloud to keep them cool. And as they journeyed in the nighttime, He was the pillar of fire to keep them warm and light their path. This is our God! This is our El Shaddai! This is our All-Sufficient One!
In closing today, we will be examining the two biggest areas of all: money and love. These are the areas that actually cause the most stumbling in people’s lives. These are the areas that lead people away from God the most frequently, and it’s precisely because most people do not believe that God is all sufficient for them in these areas – so they go off in search of other financial providers and relationships to try and fill these areas, and they get led astray, all because of wrong beliefs about God. But friend, I am here today to tell you that Jesus is your total sufficiency, even in these two areas of money and love as well. Let’s examine it now, starting with money… Proverbs 15:6:
“In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.”
This comes with the revelation that in Christ Jesus today, you are absolutely and without a doubt, righteous in Him. Many do not experience this, because many just flat-out and plainly do not believe or receive this truth! How then should we expect this to be delivered? Proverbs 13:22:
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
Notice what this verse is saying. That a good man will leave an inheritance for his children’s children. Now if this is what a “good man” will do, then how much more will God who is good beyond measure make sure that the inheritance for His children is not deficient in any way? Also notice the second-half of this verse… the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. This means whenever you see a sinner who seems to be enjoying wealth, you, dear child of God, do not have to look on them with envy – because in reality, they are just holding it and keeping it warm for you. All of that wealth will in-time find its way into your pockets. You don’t have to strive or sweat for it, it is part of your inheritance in Christ. You are destined to conform to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29) and He is rich beyond measure.
Still not convinced? 2nd Corinthians 8:9:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich.”
The phrase “might be rich” used here in this verse, is really just one word in the Greek: plouteō, which means rich with outward possessions, physical wealth and abundance, affluence and to be richly supplied. There can be no doubt at all that this is speaking of physical provisions, by God, to us, paid for by the completed work of Jesus Christ. The only thing now is for you to accept and believe the truth!
Finally, we have one item left… love. Can God truly satisfy you with love on a personal and intimate level? David certainly thought so: Psalms 63:1-8:
“O God, you are my God; early will I seek you: my soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
To see your power and your glory, so as I have seen you in the sanctuary.
Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.
Thus will I bless you while I live: I will lift up my hands in your name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips:
When I remember you on my bed, and meditate on you in the night watches.
Because you have been my help, therefore in the shadow of your wings will I rejoice.
My soul follows hard after you: your right hand upholds me.”
Do you see God in this way? David says he seeks God early in the morning… he can’t wait to see God when he wakes up, he says that his very soul thirsts for God – and notice he is speaking to God personally. He goes on to say that his flesh longs for God as in a dry land where there is no water. It is a powerful picture of longing and desire!
David says in verse 3 that the loving kindness of God is better than life itself! His lips can’t help but praise God for it. In verse 5 David says that again his soul which is his mind and emotions are satisfied as with marrow and fatness (which represent life and riches). So David says that God completely satisfies him. Then in verse 6, David is still thinking of God when he goes to bed at night. From the moment he wakes up, all throughout the day and then as he lays down again at night, he is permanently fixed on his love relationship with the LORD. There is no need or lack there. Total satisfaction and sufficiency.
Now, is this a one-sided relationship? Is David pining for a lover that does not love him back? Would we be foolish to love after a God who shows no love for us? Let’s hear from God now… Proverbs 18:17-21:
“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Riches and honor are with me; yes, durable riches and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of judgment:
That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”
God here plainly says that He loves us, and that He can be found of all those who seek Him while there is still time. And just like any marriage, the assets become on. The riches and honor that are God’s become ours as well, and God promises to do it.
Wait… marriage? Does God really want to marry us? Is God that intimate with us? Turn to Hosea 2:19-20:
“And I will betroth you to me for ever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies.
I will even betroth you to me in faithfulness: and you shall know the LORD.”
Yes it is one-hundred-percent true. God desires a real, personal and intimate relationship with us. He considers us spiritually “married” to Him. So when we turn away to other sources, and when we reject Christ in favor of self-effort, and the law, and when we fail to acknowledge the finished work of Christ, we are committing spiritual-adultery. And as proof, look at Jeremiah 3:22:
“Turn, O backsliding children, said the LORD; for I am married to you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:”
and also 2nd Corinthians 11:2-3:
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
The truth is, beloved of God, we have been selling our relationship with God very short. When have been neglecting the majority of the wonderful resource we have in El Shaddai. Jesus truly is our total sufficiency in all things. He paid the price for us to have unbroken and unrestrained fellowship with Him. So now, let’s stop settling for all of the false love and provision of the world, and start enjoying the sufficiency of God.