Relying on God: The Truth About Self-Help
Summary
Welcome to Harvest, where we gather as a family of Christ followers to love God, love people, and serve the world with the hands and feet of Jesus. Today, we continue our series, "Does the Bible Say That?" by examining the phrase, "God helps those who help themselves." This statement, often attributed to the Bible, is not found in scripture. Instead, it originates from a Greek saying and was popularized in English by Algernon Sidney in the 1600s. The Bible, however, teaches us to rely on God's power and presence, especially when we face more than we can handle.
In 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul addresses the importance of work ethic, not as a means to earn God's favor, but to maintain a good reputation among outsiders. He emphasizes that Christians should work hard, not to be a burden, but to be a blessing to others. This aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where our actions have consequences, and we are encouraged to sow seeds of goodness.
The messianic perspective reminds us that Jesus came to help those who cannot help themselves. He proclaimed good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, and sight for the blind. Our role as followers of Jesus is to do good to everyone, without judging who is worthy of help. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, partnering with God to bring His love and assistance to those in need.
In a culture that values independence and self-reliance, we must remember that we are part of a kingdom that prioritizes generosity, self-sacrifice, and community. We are not meant to navigate life alone; we need God's presence and each other. Let us tear down the false image of self-sufficiency and embrace the call to do good, just as Jesus did.
Key Takeaways:
- The phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is not found in the Bible. Instead, scripture teaches us to rely on God's power and presence, especially when we face challenges beyond our capacity. [54:23]
- Paul's message in 2 Thessalonians 3 emphasizes the importance of work ethic, not to earn God's favor, but to maintain a good reputation among outsiders and to be a blessing rather than a burden. [59:58]
- The biblical principle of sowing and reaping teaches us that our actions have consequences. We are encouraged to sow seeds of goodness, trusting that God will bring a harvest in due time. [01:13:09]
- Jesus' mission was to help those who cannot help themselves, proclaiming good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed. As His followers, we are called to do good to everyone, without judging their worthiness. [01:26:15]
- In a culture that values independence, we must remember that we are part of a kingdom that prioritizes generosity and community. We need God's presence and each other to navigate life and fulfill our purpose. [01:31:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:58] - Connection and Prayer Requests
[47:01] - Women's Retreat Update
[50:14] - Series Introduction: "Does the Bible Say That?"
[51:35] - Authenticity and Misconceptions
[52:33] - Examining "God Helps Those Who Help Themselves"
[53:48] - Misinterpretations and Context
[54:23] - Contextual Analysis of 2 Thessalonians 3
[56:16] - Biblical Doctrine: Sowing and Reaping
[57:11] - Communicating Truth in Love
[58:28] - Contextual Understanding of Paul's Message
[01:11:19] - Biblical Doctrine: Sowing and Reaping
[01:17:13] - Messianic Perspective: Jesus' Mission
[01:26:15] - Jesus' Proclamation and Mission
[01:31:13] - The Kingdom's Call to Generosity
[01:40:15] - Invitation to Surrender to Jesus
[01:44:27] - Worship and Prayer Invitation
[01:48:34] - Closing and Fellowship Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
2. Galatians 6:7-10
3. Luke 4:18-19
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul instruct the Thessalonians to do in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 regarding those who lead an undisciplined life? How does this relate to the idea of work ethic? [59:58]
2. In Galatians 6:7-10, what principle does Paul emphasize about sowing and reaping? How does this principle apply to our actions and their consequences? [01:11:19]
3. According to Luke 4:18-19, what mission does Jesus declare for Himself? How does this mission challenge the statement "God helps those who help themselves"? [01:26:15]
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural contrast between independence and community within the kingdom of God? [01:31:13]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's instruction in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 about work ethic relate to the reputation of Christians among outsiders? Why is this important for the church's witness? [01:09:59]
2. What does the principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-10 teach us about the long-term impact of our actions? How might this influence our daily decisions? [01:13:09]
3. In what ways does Jesus' mission in Luke 4:18-19 reflect God's heart for those who cannot help themselves? How should this shape our understanding of helping others? [01:26:56]
4. The sermon suggests that the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is not biblical. How does this misconception affect our view of God's role in our lives and our responsibility to others? [01:33:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed and needed to rely on God's power and presence. How did that experience shape your faith? [50:14]
2. Consider your current work ethic. How can you ensure that your efforts are a blessing to others and not a burden? What changes might you need to make? [59:58]
3. Identify a situation where you can sow seeds of goodness this week. What specific actions can you take to ensure you are contributing positively to those around you? [01:13:09]
4. Think of someone in your life who may be struggling and unable to help themselves. How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to them without judging their worthiness? [01:17:13]
5. In what ways can you challenge the cultural value of independence in your life and embrace the kingdom values of generosity and community? [01:31:13]
6. How can you cultivate a heart that sees others as God sees them, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalized? What practical steps can you take to act on this perspective? [01:45:35]
7. Reflect on the concept of the Year of Jubilee. How can you incorporate the spirit of restoration and generosity into your interactions with others, especially those who have made mistakes? [01:35:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Relying on God's Power and Presence
In a world that often promotes self-reliance, it's crucial to remember that the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is not found in the Bible. Instead, scripture encourages believers to rely on God's power and presence, especially when facing challenges beyond their capacity. This reliance is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of God's sovereignty and our need for His guidance. By acknowledging our limitations, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace and strength, which can carry us through life's trials. [54:23]
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to stop striving in your own strength and start relying on God's power and presence today?
Day 2: Work Ethic as a Blessing
Paul's message in 2 Thessalonians 3 emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic, not as a means to earn God's favor, but to maintain a good reputation among outsiders and to be a blessing rather than a burden. This teaching aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where our actions have consequences. By working diligently, we not only provide for ourselves but also position ourselves to bless others, reflecting God's love and generosity. This perspective shifts our motivation from self-centered ambition to a desire to serve and uplift those around us. [59:58]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: How can you transform your daily work into an act of service and blessing for others this week?
Day 3: Sowing Seeds of Goodness
The biblical principle of sowing and reaping teaches us that our actions have consequences. We are encouraged to sow seeds of goodness, trusting that God will bring a harvest in due time. This principle reminds us that our efforts, though sometimes unseen, are never in vain. By consistently choosing to do good, we align ourselves with God's purposes and contribute to the flourishing of His kingdom. This requires patience and faith, trusting that God will honor our efforts and bring about His desired outcomes in His perfect timing. [01:13:09]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one small act of goodness you can sow today, trusting that God will use it for His purposes?
Day 4: Helping Those Who Cannot Help Themselves
Jesus' mission was to help those who cannot help themselves, proclaiming good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed. As His followers, we are called to do good to everyone, without judging their worthiness. This call challenges us to extend grace and compassion to all, recognizing that we are all recipients of God's unmerited favor. By serving others selflessly, we become conduits of God's love and mercy, reflecting the heart of Christ to a world in need. [01:26:15]
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of help today, and how can you extend God's love to them without judgment?
Day 5: Embracing Generosity and Community
In a culture that values independence, we must remember that we are part of a kingdom that prioritizes generosity and community. We need God's presence and each other to navigate life and fulfill our purpose. This kingdom mindset calls us to tear down the false image of self-sufficiency and embrace the call to do good, just as Jesus did. By fostering a spirit of generosity and community, we create spaces where God's love can be experienced and shared, transforming lives and building His kingdom on earth. [01:31:13]
"And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." (Acts 2:44-45, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to building a community of generosity and support within your church or neighborhood this week?
Quotes
1) "What we concluded was, in reality, we were all given more than we can handle, right? We've all been given more than we can handle in this life. But what does that do? That forces us to rely on the power and the presence of God. We are very inadequate in and of ourselves to navigate this, life successfully, but when we trust in the presence and power of God, anything is possible. Amen?" [50:14] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "So the Bible teaches that we live in a world of sowing and reaping. And let me be very clear, guys, again, karma is a big word, hot word today. We are not talking about karma. It is God's law of sowing and reaping. It's where karma came from, that whole idea for karma, right? But God's law of sowing and reaping is not karma. It's a biblical law of the universe that God set in motion. We have the ability to act and to react. How many of you know that we got to be just as careful how we react as to how we act, right?" [01:13:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "What I'm thoroughly convinced of is this. We've got to tear down this false image of us looking to be the judge of who is and isn't worthy of God's help. Because every single human being that we encounter, we're not worthy of God's help. We're not worthy of God's help. We're not worthy of God's help. We're not worthy of God's help. You know, every single human being that you encounter in this life is a living expression of God's creative joy. Every single human being. Every single human being you encounter, they were, God breathed the breath of life into their lungs. Every human being that you encounter is deeply cherished by God." [01:23:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And the good news is, it's not God alone who's wanting to help people. He wants to partner with us, his people, in this process of helping people. It's God helping people. It's always been a part of the mission of how people have learned to surrender their lives to Jesus and become more like him." [01:24:32] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "One of the greatest dangers of believing the statement, God helps those who help themselves, is a tendency toward hyper-independence. That is our society today. It's like our belief that when push comes to shove, the only person I can depend on is me, myself, and I. And guys, again, that is not the way of the kingdom that we're from. That is not the way of the kingdom of God. We all need the Lord. We need his presence. We need his power. We need each other." [01:31:13] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "I think it's time to quit asking, does God help those who help themselves and instead just choose to do good? Because that's what Jesus did. Amen?" [01:39:31] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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