Sufficient

<<enough, ample>>

God’s power can meets all our needs (not wants), giving us everything we require for life and godliness (Phil 4:19; 2 Pet 1:3). The sacrifice of Christ on our behalf was more than sufficient to meet God’s demands for our sin, for which the penalty is death (Gen 2:17; Rom 6:23).

Although God has abundant resources at His disposal they are not always automatically dispensed. Many blessings must be asked for in prayer, claimed and appropriated – just as salvation is available to all, though not everyone takes up the offer (Mt 7:8; Jn 16:24). When we are thirsty, water doesn’t supernaturally appear in our mouth; we must go and turn on the water tap for an unlimited supply. We have the responsibility to do our part in releasing His sufficiency in our lives or else we will live far below our privilege as children of God. As there is a balance between what God expects us to do for ourselves and what He alone can do for us, our priority and responsibility is to seek first His Kingdom and He will look after the affairs that concern us (Mt 6:33).

promises of the Bible, yet do not attempt to go beyond its teachings or principles. Don’t be tempted to try and bring about something by yourself like Abraham did – the outcome of such human reasoning has been ongoing conflict ever since (Gen 16:1-4). Such results will be a constant reminder that doing things our way, outside God’s instructions, brings heartache (Gal 4:29).

When Paul prayed to be delivered from a physical ailment God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor 12:9). Do I fully accept the divine perspective on my affairs or am I tempted to think He is withholding something from me that I am entitled to and should have now? “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” (2 Cor 9:8). No one is fully self-sufficient in their own ability and those that think they are strong and can get along without others must take care they don’t fall (1 Cor 10:12; 2 Cor 3:5). We have no real power in ourselves except for Christ and His grace working on our behalf, which enables us to do whatever God intends for us to do (Zech 4:6; Phil 4:13).

Jesus said, do not worry or be overly concerned about tomorrow, for each day has enough trouble of its own (Mt 6:34). Worry focuses on the negative and is destructive unless it can be used as an incentive to stimulate beneficial preparation and constructive planning.

Before embarking on a venture, it is wise to plan and budget to see if there is adequate finance, time and manpower to complete it (Lk 14:28).

Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:15-17). The Bible is all that is necessary for us to understand the character of God, the nature of man, and the doctrines of sin, heaven, hell, and salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a serious matter to present a Christian message outside what the Bible teaches: “If we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” (Gal 1:8; Rev 22:18,19). While we can receive great insight from godly speakers and authors what they share must not be considered as equal to or completing the Word of God.

See also: inadequate, independence, position in Christ, self-sufficiency.