Faith, Provision, and the Miracle of Multiplication
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share some reflections from my recent trip to my hometown in Illinois, where I attended a family reunion. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining relationships with both our biological and church families. These connections are invaluable and provide us with a sense of belonging and support.
On my drive back, I had an interesting encounter where I thought I saw a black panther. This experience reminded me of how God often shows us things that we might overlook, and it ties into today's message from John 6, where Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5,000. This miracle is significant because it appears in all four Gospels, emphasizing its importance.
In John 6, Jesus asks Philip where they can buy bread to feed the crowd, even though He already knows what He will do. This question is a test of faith, much like the questions God asks us to reveal our hearts and our trust in Him. Philip's response highlights the impossibility of the task from a human perspective, but Jesus demonstrates that with God, all things are possible.
The miracle of the loaves and fishes teaches us several key lessons. First, Jesus sees us and our needs. He cares deeply for us and wants to provide for us, not because of what we do for Him, but because of His love for us. Second, to receive His blessings, we must be humble and obedient. When Jesus instructed the crowd to sit down, those who obeyed received the miracle. Third, Jesus is not a short-order cook catering to our every whim; He provides what we need, which is often different from what we want.
Finally, the story of the loaves and fishes illustrates God's ability to multiply our resources when we offer them to Him in faith. Whether it's our time, talents, or material possessions, God can use what little we have to accomplish great things. This principle applies not just in ministry but in every area of our lives, including our relationships, work, and community involvement.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Sees and Cares for Us: Jesus sees our needs and cares for us deeply. He initiates the provision, not because of what we do for Him, but because of His love for us. This is a reminder that our relationship with Jesus is not based on our actions but on His unconditional love. [51:16]
2. Humility and Obedience Lead to Blessings: To receive God's blessings, we must be humble and obedient. When Jesus instructed the crowd to sit down, those who obeyed received the miracle. This teaches us that obedience to God's word is crucial for experiencing His provision. [01:12:14]
3. God Provides What We Need, Not Always What We Want: Jesus provides what we need, which is often different from what we want. This teaches us to trust in God's wisdom and provision, knowing that He knows what is best for us even when it doesn't align with our desires. [01:15:17]
4. God Multiplies Our Resources: When we offer our limited resources to God in faith, He can multiply them to meet our needs and the needs of others. This principle applies in every area of our lives, including our relationships, work, and community involvement. [01:19:45]
5. God's Resources Meet God's Calling: Whatever God has called us to do, He will provide the necessary resources. This applies not just to ministry but to every aspect of our lives, including marriage, parenting, and community leadership. Trusting in God's provision allows us to fulfill our calling without undue stress. [01:24:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[51:16] - Importance of Family and Relationships
[52:24] - Encounter with a Black Panther
[55:07] - Opening Jokes and Announcements
[57:10] - Prayer and Introduction to John 6
[59:10] - Jesus Feeds the 5,000
[01:00:01] - Testing of Faith
[01:01:47] - Human Limitations vs. God's Provision
[01:03:37] - The Boy with Five Loaves and Two Fish
[01:05:13] - The Miracle of Multiplication
[01:07:22] - God's Provision in Our Lives
[01:09:03] - Jesus Sees and Cares for Us
[01:11:19] - Humility and Obedience
[01:15:17] - God Provides What We Need
[01:19:45] - God Multiplies Our Resources
[01:24:03] - God's Resources Meet God's Calling
[01:30:02] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 6:1-14
#### Observation Questions
1. What question does Jesus ask Philip, and why does He ask it? ([01:00:01])
2. How does Philip respond to Jesus' question about feeding the crowd? ([01:00:57])
3. What does Andrew mention about the boy with the loaves and fishes? ([01:02:38])
4. What instructions does Jesus give to the crowd before performing the miracle? ([01:05:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread even though He already knew what He would do? ([01:00:01])
2. How does the story of the loaves and fishes illustrate the importance of humility and obedience in receiving God's blessings? ([01:12:14])
3. In what ways does the miracle of the loaves and fishes demonstrate that God provides what we need, not always what we want? ([01:15:17])
4. How does the principle of God multiplying our resources apply to areas of our lives beyond just material needs? ([01:19:45])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt seen and cared for by Jesus. How did that experience impact your faith? ([01:09:32])
2. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to be humble and obedient to God's instructions? How can you work on this? ([01:12:14])
3. Think of a situation where you received what you needed rather than what you wanted. How did that shape your understanding of God's provision? ([01:15:17])
4. Identify a talent, resource, or skill you have. How can you offer it to God in faith, trusting Him to multiply it for His purposes? ([01:19:45])
5. How can you apply the principle of God's resources meeting God's calling in your current life situation, whether in your family, work, or community? ([01:24:03])
6. What steps can you take this week to strengthen your relationships with both your biological and church families? ([51:16])
7. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision, especially in areas where you feel inadequate or lacking? ([01:27:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Sees and Cares for Us
Jesus sees our needs and cares for us deeply. He initiates the provision, not because of what we do for Him, but because of His love for us. This is a reminder that our relationship with Jesus is not based on our actions but on His unconditional love. Jesus' compassion is evident in the miracle of feeding the 5,000, where He took the initiative to provide for the crowd's physical needs. This act of love demonstrates that Jesus is always aware of our circumstances and is ready to meet our needs out of His abundant love.
In our daily lives, we often feel overlooked or forgotten, but this story reassures us that Jesus is always attentive to us. He knows our struggles, our fears, and our desires. His provision is not dependent on our worthiness but on His boundless grace. As we reflect on this truth, let us be encouraged to trust in His care and love, knowing that He is always with us, ready to provide for our needs.
John 6:5-6 (ESV): "Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?' He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do."
Reflection: Think of a current need or struggle in your life. How can you trust Jesus to see and care for you in this situation today? [51:16]
Day 2: Humility and Obedience Lead to Blessings
To receive God's blessings, we must be humble and obedient. When Jesus instructed the crowd to sit down, those who obeyed received the miracle. This teaches us that obedience to God's word is crucial for experiencing His provision. Humility allows us to recognize our dependence on God, and obedience positions us to receive His blessings. The act of sitting down may seem simple, but it was a demonstration of trust and readiness to receive from Jesus.
In our lives, humility and obedience are often challenging because they require us to surrender our control and trust in God's plan. However, when we choose to follow His instructions, even when they don't make sense to us, we open ourselves up to His miraculous provision. Let us strive to cultivate a heart of humility and a willingness to obey, trusting that God's ways are higher than our ways.
1 Peter 5:6 (ESV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you struggle with humility or obedience? How can you take a step of obedience today, trusting in God's provision? [01:12:14]
Day 3: God Provides What We Need, Not Always What We Want
Jesus provides what we need, which is often different from what we want. This teaches us to trust in God's wisdom and provision, knowing that He knows what is best for us even when it doesn't align with our desires. The crowd may have had various expectations, but Jesus provided exactly what they needed to be sustained. This principle challenges us to align our desires with God's will and to trust that His provision is always perfect.
In our daily lives, we may have specific wants and desires that we bring before God. However, it's important to remember that God's perspective is far greater than ours. He knows what we truly need to grow, thrive, and fulfill our purpose. By trusting in His provision, we can find peace and contentment, knowing that He is always working for our good.
Matthew 6:31-32 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where your wants did not align with what you received. How can you trust that God's provision in that situation was exactly what you needed? [01:15:17]
Day 4: God Multiplies Our Resources
When we offer our limited resources to God in faith, He can multiply them to meet our needs and the needs of others. This principle applies in every area of our lives, including our relationships, work, and community involvement. The boy who offered his five loaves and two fish demonstrated faith and willingness to give what little he had, and Jesus used it to perform a great miracle. This story encourages us to offer whatever we have to God, trusting that He can use it in ways beyond our imagination.
In our lives, we may feel that our resources—whether time, talents, or material possessions—are insufficient to make a significant impact. However, when we surrender them to God, He can multiply them to achieve His purposes. Let us be encouraged to give generously and trust that God will use our offerings to bless others and glorify His name.
2 Corinthians 9:10 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness."
Reflection: What is one resource (time, talent, or possession) that you can offer to God today? How can you trust Him to multiply it for His purposes? [01:19:45]
Day 5: God's Resources Meet God's Calling
Whatever God has called us to do, He will provide the necessary resources. This applies not just to ministry but to every aspect of our lives, including marriage, parenting, and community leadership. Trusting in God's provision allows us to fulfill our calling without undue stress. The miracle of the loaves and fishes illustrates that when we step out in faith to follow God's calling, He will supply everything we need to accomplish His work.
In our daily lives, we may face challenges and feel inadequate for the tasks before us. However, God's calling comes with His provision. He equips us with the resources, strength, and wisdom needed to fulfill His purposes. Let us trust in His faithfulness and step out boldly, knowing that He will provide for every need as we walk in obedience to His calling.
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel called but also feel inadequate? How can you trust God to provide the resources you need to fulfill this calling? [01:24:03]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Family is important, guys, in maintaining those bonds and working through things and doing the best you can to keep bridges open and keep relationships going. It's important. So I encourage you to invest the time. You know, when it's all said and done. And when everything is laid out, family is the thing that's the value. Relationships, friends, not just physical family, but church family, the real family members of your life. That's what's really important." [51:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus likes asking us questions for us to realize where we are. You know, like he asked Adam, Hey Adam, where are you? He knew where Adam was. He wanted Adam to realize where are you. When he asked Cain, Cain, where's Abel? He knew where Abel was. He wanted Cain to admit in his heart and with his mouth where his brother was and what happened to him." [01:00:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How often do you look at yourself and God and say, OK, God, you know, I hear you, but there ain't enough here. There's not enough here, Jesus, to do what you want to do or to be who you want me to be. I don't have enough love for that individual. I don't have enough peace. For this situation. I don't know how to have enough wisdom to walk through this. I don't have enough physical strength to do one more thing." [01:03:37] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus isn't blind. You're not blended, camouflaged into your problems. So much that he doesn't see you and recognize, hey, I've got an answer for you. Jesus sees you. He saw all of these people. Do you realize it wasn't initiated by the guys here? It was initiated by Jesus. What are we going to do, guys? How are we going to meet the needs of these people? They're out here. They don't have any food. I want to take care of them." [01:09:03] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He wants relationship with you because of you. He created you. And the doing comes out of that. It isn't the doing that makes the relationship. Okay. Well, I'm just preaching too much today. I'm sorry. Come on." [01:10:36] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There has to be a point in all of our lives where we have to humble ourselves and obey the word that he told us. See, boundaries are good and boundaries are godly. Jesus always puts boundaries. Boundaries are important for us. What are the boundaries? John 3.16 gets quoted a lot. We see it a lot at sporting events. You know, it's a great evangelist sermon. For God so loved the world that he gave. Man, Jesus gave you because he loves you. They forget that next little line there. That whosoever believes. That means you can be loved but choose not to believe. Choosing not to believe does not end the love. The love is just there. Choosing to believe is that point where we humble ourselves. Because Jesus said in his first sermon, repent and believe." [01:12:14] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to remind you that God's resources meet God's calling. God resources meets God's calling. Now, we're pretty churchy at times as charismatic believers. And a lot of us have come from a lot of different church backgrounds. So you might hear me say that as, oh, if you're in the ministry, or if God has called you to do something in the ministry, then God will give you the ability to do that. And that's not what I said. I said God's resources meets God's calling. Are you called to be married? Are you called to be a parent? Are you called to be a community leader? Are you called to be a neighbor? Are you called to be a servant? Do you see where I'm going here? It fits everywhere." [01:24:03] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to encourage you this morning. God sees you. He sees you. He sees the situation you're in. He knows what you have to offer. And he's not afraid of it. So take it to him and ask him. Say, Lord, this is all I got. This is what's before me. Would you multiply? Let Jesus do that miracle for you and reveal to himself. Because he loves you and wants a deeper relationship with you. Jesus has you exactly where you are right now. And I know there's situations that are overwhelming, discouraging. Difficult. He's not asking you to fix all of them. He's asking you to look to him. Because he says, okay, I know what you got. Just bring it to me and trust me. And I'm going to show you what I got." [01:28:21] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He enjoys caring for you. You bring him joy. He enjoys simply sitting and listening and enjoying you. Oftentimes we associate Jesus's love for us with us doing something for him. What did these 5,000 men and their families do for Jesus? Absolutely nothing. But listen. Most of them didn't even follow him. He just so enjoyed them, he wanted to spend time with them. Don't equate your relationship with Jesus with the task that you do. Because tasks will come and go. But your relationship with Jesus should not be a roller coaster of, oh, I'm doing a lot. Oh, I'm doing horrible because I'm not doing anything with Jesus. And, oh, he's using me. No, he's not using me. That's not the way he designed it." [01:10:36] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus has you exactly where you are right now. And I know there's situations that are overwhelming, discouraging. Difficult. He's not asking you to fix all of them. He's asking you to look to him. Because he says, okay, I know what you got. Just bring it to me and trust me. And I'm going to show you what I got. I want to reveal to you what I have for you in the situation you're in. That's what he desires. He wants a relationship with you individually to grow in it. It isn't to get you down. It's to do something. He wants a relationship. He wants to reveal himself to you in your situation so that you go, wow, you do love me. And then you can have a conversation." [01:29:18] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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