The Bible tells us that God, the ruler of the universe, has already promised to provide us with everything we really need because he loves us. He has never promised to give things we want, but he indeed promises to satisfy our needs.
Pastor Si shares the message entitled "Learns to Be Satisfied" in the "Heart-to-Heart" fellowship of Hangzhou on Dec. 8.The Apostle Paul said, "My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Then in which ways does God meet our needs?
1. God meets our material needs
Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear...and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." (Matt. 6:25/32-33)
2. God meets our innermost needs
God has accepted us in his beloved son, with his unconditional love. He says to us, "I have loved you with an everlasting love..." (Jeremiah 31:3) God has made us parts of the body of Christ and each of us is important.
3. God satisfies our spiritual needs
God has given us everything our spiritual lived need in Christ.The Bible states, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)
4. God grants us all things freely
The greatest gift is that God spared his own son.Based on the fact, we are convinced that he will grant us everything else we need. "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all --- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things." (Romans 8:32)
Rev. Si reminds, "Although God has provided everything we need, don't forget that an enemy wants to destroy us." The Bible also declares, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
He adds, "We need to know how Satan tempts us...Satan seduces us by planting false thoughts into our brains." Imagine a circle which represents the environment God creates for human and what is inside the circle is the needed things God provides for us. However, Christian may face many trials and troubles in the world cursed for sins. The devil deceives them by all means, saying by showing some things outside the circle, "You need this. In fact, you won't be happy unless you have it."
If you accept this false thought, it will evolve into a false faith that leads to false action and feelings. Then the false feelings alway give rise to internal problems. For instance, you may be dissatisfied with the surrounding environment and people; fear that God can't care everyone; be anxious for God who won't meet personal needs; feel guilty when thinking of your sins; be disappointed or hurt when being rejected...
But how to learn to be satisfied?
"The Apostle Paul lived a hard life. He went through many persecutions, down in spirits; there was something wrong with his body, which could not be healed; he spent much time in prison. But he was a content Christian..."Paul said, "...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11) He learned that what God provided was everything he needed.
"The secret to being content is to believe God and that what he has given to me is everything I need."
Don't be greedy and be content with our possessions. The Bible also teaches, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5)
Translated By: Karen Luo
