Embracing Abundance: Trusting God's Provision Daily

 

Summary

In a discourse on the concept of abundance and scarcity, the focus is placed on the teachings of Jesus as a representation of God's Kingdom on Earth. The message begins with an invocation of Psalm 36, highlighting the vastness of God's love and faithfulness, and the abundance that flows from Him. This sets the stage for a discussion on the human tendency to worry about material needs and the contrasting perspective offered by Jesus.

The narrative contrasts two personal experiences that illustrate different worldviews. The first is a visit to a crowded public pool where people hoarded pool chairs, even when not using them, driven by a fear of scarcity. The second experience is attending a football game where every need was abundantly met, reflecting a perspective of plenty. These stories serve as metaphors for two different kingdoms or perspectives: the first being a kingdom of scarcity that we are all born into, and the second being a kingdom of abundance that Jesus invites us to experience.

The message then delves into the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12, where Jesus addresses the concerns of daily life such as food and clothing. He points to the ravens and lilies, which do not toil or spin, yet are provided for by God, to illustrate that life is more than material possessions. Jesus emphasizes that worry cannot add a single moment to one's life and that God knows and provides for our needs. The teaching challenges the belief that security and fulfillment come from accumulating wealth and possessions, suggesting that such a mindset reveals a lack of trust in God.

Jesus invites his followers to seek the Kingdom of God above all else, promising that God will provide for their needs. The message underscores that God delights in giving the Kingdom to His children and that the true problem is not a lack of resources but a lack of trust in God as the provider. The narrative further explores the idea that God's blessing is not just about prosperity but also about maturity and growth.

The discourse also touches on the early Christian community, which practiced generosity by selling possessions and giving to those in need. This act of sharing is presented as storing up treasure in heaven, which is understood not as a future reward but as experiencing the treasures of heaven on earth by living out blessing and generosity.

The message concludes with a personal reflection on the need to trust in Jesus daily and the realization that Jesus' teachings are not just for others but also for oneself. It is a call to shift focus from being the object of blessing to being the agent of blessing, from hoarding to compassion, and from "me and mine" to "we and ours." This shift leads to experiencing God's peace and the understanding that we are recipients of enough and more than enough.

Key Takeaways:

- The teachings of Jesus challenge the scarcity mindset by presenting a vision of God's Kingdom where there is abundance and provision for all. This perspective encourages individuals to trust in God's provision rather than hoarding resources out of fear. [02:07:08]

- Worry and anxiety about material needs are addressed by Jesus, who points to the natural world as evidence of God's care. This serves as a reminder that life's value extends beyond physical possessions and that trust in God alleviates the burden of worry. [02:14:12]

- Generosity is a hallmark of living in the Kingdom of God. The early Christian practice of sharing resources is an example of how believers are called to bless others, reflecting God's desire to bless His children not just with material wealth but also with spiritual maturity. [02:24:26]

- The concept of storing up treasures in heaven is redefined as living out the values of the Kingdom of God here on earth. This involves a life of blessing, generosity, and freedom from anxiety, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality. [02:25:30]

- The journey of following Jesus is a daily process of growth and reliance on Him. It is a reminder that no matter how long one has been a believer, the need for Jesus remains constant, and the call to live out His teachings is an ongoing commitment. [02:31:27]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 36:5-9 (NLT)
- "Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see."

2. Luke 12:22-34 (NLT)
- "Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, 'That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 36:5-9 say about God's love and provision?
2. In Luke 12:22-34, what examples does Jesus use to illustrate God's provision for our needs?
3. According to Jesus in Luke 12:25, what is the impact of worry on our lives?
4. How does Jesus describe the difference between the thoughts of believers and unbelievers in Luke 12:30? [02:15:57]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery in Psalm 36:5-9 help us understand the nature of God's provision and care?
2. What does Jesus mean when he says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else" in Luke 12:31? How does this relate to our daily concerns? [02:21:03]
3. Why does Jesus emphasize that it gives God great happiness to give us the Kingdom in Luke 12:32? What does this reveal about God's character? [02:21:41]
4. How does the concept of storing up treasures in heaven, as mentioned in Luke 12:33-34, redefine our understanding of wealth and security? [02:24:26]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in a way that alleviated your worries. How did this experience impact your trust in God? [02:18:22]
2. Jesus invites us to shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. What practical steps can you take this week to trust in God's provision rather than hoarding resources out of fear? [02:07:08]
3. How can you practice generosity in your community, following the example of the early Christian community who sold possessions to give to those in need? [02:24:26]
4. In what ways can you seek the Kingdom of God above all else in your daily life? Identify specific areas where you can prioritize God's Kingdom over material concerns. [02:21:03]
5. Jesus teaches that worry cannot add a single moment to our lives. What are some practical ways you can reduce worry and increase trust in God's provision this week? [02:14:12]
6. Consider the idea of being an agent of blessing rather than just the object of blessing. How can you shift your focus from "me and mine" to "we and ours" in your interactions with others? [02:35:47]
7. Reflect on the personal realization that Jesus' teachings are not just for others but also for oneself. How can you apply this understanding to your spiritual growth and daily reliance on Jesus? [02:31:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Abundant Kingdom
God's Kingdom offers an abundance that challenges our scarcity mindset, inviting us to trust in His provision. This trust frees us from the fear of not having enough and opens our hearts to God's generous nature. [02:07:08]

Matthew 6:31-33 - "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from worrying about material needs to seeking God's Kingdom today?

Day 2: Trust Over Worry
Jesus teaches that life is more than material possessions and that worry cannot extend our lifespan. By observing the natural world, we are reminded of God's care and encouraged to trust in His provision. [02:14:12]

Luke 12:24-25 - "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where worry has taken hold, and how can you actively trust God in that situation?

Day 3: Generosity as Kingdom Living
Living in the Kingdom of God is characterized by generosity and sharing, reflecting God's desire to bless us with more than just material wealth. This act of giving is an expression of spiritual maturity and heavenly treasure. [02:24:26]

Acts 4:32-35 - "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was powerfully at work in them all."
Reflection: How can you practice generosity today in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God?

Day 4: Treasures of Heaven on Earth
The treasures of heaven are not just a future hope but are experienced on earth through living out the values of the Kingdom of God. This involves a life of blessing, generosity, and freedom from anxiety. [02:25:30]

Matthew 19:21 - "Jesus said to him, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'"
Reflection: What does storing up treasures in heaven mean to you, and how can you live out this principle in your daily life?

Day 5: Daily Reliance on Jesus
Following Jesus is a daily journey of growth and reliance on Him. It is a constant reminder that we need Jesus every day, and we are called to live out His teachings as an ongoing commitment. [02:31:27]

Hebrews 3:13-14 - "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end."
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to deepen your reliance on Jesus and live out His teachings more fully?

Quotes

1) "When God is our treasure, we're able to move beyond anxiety and greed, beyond feeling like we need more security, we're able to move beyond addictions and shame." [02:34:31] (Download)

2) "A person is a fool to store up Earthly wealth but to not have a rich relationship with God." [02:11:45] (Download)

3) "Jesus is saying that your savings account is not where your hope should lie; it makes a bad God." [02:17:12] (Download)

4) "God's kingdom exchanges guilt for freedom, hoarding for compassion, 'me and mine' to 'we and ours'." [02:35:47] (Download)

5) "We are recipients of enough and enough and more than enough as individuals, families, as a church family." [02:35:47] (Download)

6) "Jesus wasn't just talking to Avalon Church; he was talking to me. I need to hear this. I have followed Jesus for 30,000 years and I still need him every day." [02:31:27] (Download)

7) "God's blessing is never meant to stop with you. When God is our hope, we can bless other people who are receiving blessing from God through others." [02:33:56] (Download)

8) "Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. You don't have to be anxious or stressed." [02:21:03] (Download)

9) "For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the kingdom. God blessing you is delightful for him." [02:21:41] (Download)

10) "We don't have to worry about a lack of resources; that is not the problem. It's that we don't trust God as our provider." [02:20:20] (Download)

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Transcript
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