| Abundant Life Today Media | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
Podcast: Play in New Window | Download To watch the video, click here. |
|
2 Corinthians 9:8
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Outline:
1. God is able
2. All grace abounds to you
3. In all things at all times
4. Having all that you need
5. Abounding in every good work
1. God is able
Now here’s where some of us struggle.
- Can he? Yes, we know he can.
- Would he? Well, not so sure but I suppose he might.
- Would he, for a person like me? (If Jesus knew what kind of a person I was…)
- Would he, for a person like me right now? Jesus might be busy doing something else or God moves in mysterious ways or whatever other story we come up with.
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
Indignant - feeling or showing anger because of something unjust or unworthy.
I believe Jesus became angry because of the man’s lack of understanding regarding Jesus nature and mission. I believe Jesus was also angry at what this leprosy had done to this man’s life. He was willing and he was willing right then to do for the leper what he wanted to do or was willing to do.
Is Jesus willing to touch you? I say YES!!
2. All grace to abound to you
This portion of the passage states that there are various levels of Grace and when grace comes it comes in various forms.
Grace to serve others
1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Grace to operate in Holy Spirit manifestations
Romans 12:6
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
Grace to overcome ungodliness
Titus 2:11-12
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
3. In all things at all times
Where are the limits here? There are none! In every situation and at any time the situations are happening, God is able to make all grace abound to you and me. Power is available for every situation I’m facing no matter when I’m facing it.
John 3:34b
for God gives the Spirit without limit.
4. Having all that you need
1 Timothy 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Philippians 4:12
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
We brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it. Our contentment should rest in food and clothing. I believe it’s O.K. to have more than these things but I also believe that if this is all we have we should be content in our heart as we pursue God for the abundance he’s promised.
Having all that you need means you don’t have any lack. Sometimes we may have trouble with step #5 because we’re consuming more than we need and thus are unable to abound in every good work.
I believe sometimes people can have their identity in their accomplishments and things instead of hidden in Christ. When our identity is in our stuff, the stuff has way too much control over our lives.
Money is not evil, having money is not evil. Loving money is evil.
5. Abounding in every good work
Ok, so we have all that we need but if that’s all we have, can we give over and above that? Can we create something from nothing? I would make the point that in order to abound in every good work we must have an abundance above our needs.
Emotional abundance
That abundance can be in the area of our emotional ability to walk with someone through some difficulty.
Spiritual abundance
It can be in the Spiritual realm for healing.
Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Material abundance
I believe it also applies in the material realm. If you don’t have the resources, you can’t give them. In order to get you and I to abound in every good work, we are going to have to pursue God for these various abundances.
Review:
- God is Able
- All Grace Abounds to You
- In all Things at All Times
- Having all that you Need
- Abounding in Every Good Work
2 Corinthians 9:8
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Jubilee Family Church45 Thunderbird Dr. Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 793-9124