Summer Break 2 // God Helps
Does God help those who help themselves?
- Barna Survey: 52% of Christians believe this is in the Bible
- Not in the Bible
What is wrong with this?
- It puts the focus on us
- Presumes God needs us to act first
- God is not dependent on us
What does God say?
- God does what you cannot do
- Romans 8:3 | The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.
- God wants your initiative
- Matthew 7:7-8 | Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
- Your help comes from God
- John 14:16-17 | And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
Know that God is working in you to help you!
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever fallen into the “God helps those who help themselves” trap?
- Can you think of anything you would add that states why this is incorrect or incomplete theology?
- How do you find the truth that God always intended to be the source of your help?
- What does it mean that God does what you cannot do? Where is the challenge? Comfort?
- What initiative do you think God wants you to take right now?
