Trusting God's Provision

[0:00] Turn over to Luke chapter 12 this morning. Luke chapter 12 as we begin looking here at faith that triumphs, you know, and overcoming the challenges that we have in life.

[0:15] ! And so as you're finding Luke chapter 12 there, let me ask you a question. Have you ever just had to have something? You know, when you look at something or you, you just had to have it. I mean, I think all of us could be, say that that has happened in our life where we look at something or something we wanted to purchase or have.

[0:38] It was just an absolute necessity, you know, and it's like I just have to have it thinking that it would satisfy or that that's what I need.

[0:48] Only to find out that when you get it, it didn't fulfill what you thought. You know, I think we can all come to that conclusion in our life because naturally we think if I just possess this or that, it will solve my problem.

[1:08] You know, we have a lot of that natural mindset and understand that possessions, we think if we just possess this, life would be better. But you know, the reality is this. Let me check and see if this is true.

[1:24] The more you have doesn't relieve anxiety and worry. What you possess isn't going to change your anxiety and your worry. It might change what you have anxiety about and what you worry about.

[1:39] But it's not going to change or to alleviate those things. And you know, Jesus addressed what it means to trust God's provision. Because trust is what relieves worry.

[1:54] You know, trust relieves worry. You know, as we look here in Luke chapter 12, let's look down at verse 22. Let's read through this here this morning. And it says this, And Jesus said to his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

[2:17] For life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse nor barn.

[2:28] And God feedeth them. How much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you, with taking thought, can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do the thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

[2:44] Consider the lilies, how they grow, and they toil not. They spin not, and yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

[2:55] If then God so clothed the grass which is today and in the field and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

[3:07] And seek not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of a doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and the Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

[3:20] But rather seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

[3:33] Sell what you have, and give alms, and provide yourself bags that wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not. There where no thief appropriate approaches, neither moth corrupt.

[3:47] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let's pray. Heavenly Fathers, we just take a few moments here today to talk about trusting your provision.

[3:59] Lord, knowing that you're fully aware of what we need in this life. But Lord, help us to understand the application and the principle that you bring forth here to us today.

[4:12] Lord, that we might understand it, that we might trust you properly in our lives. And Lord, we just give you all the praise in Jesus' name. Amen.

[4:24] You know, we see here, to set a little context here of Jesus as he's working through here in Luke chapter 12, Jesus had a young man come to him just prior to this and wanted him to settle the dispute between him and his older brother about the inheritance.

[4:44] You know, they had a dispute about inheritance and said, Jesus, tell my brother what he ought to do. You know, basically that's the context. You know, that we get what we want.

[4:54] It was an issue about what they could possess. But instead of resolving the dispute, Jesus tells a story about a rich man who increased in good and he built barns and he put his trust in wealth and how he can now eat and drink and be merry.

[5:13] But that very night he died. You know, the point of the parable was not that our focus should be on the eternal rather than the temporary.

[5:23] You know, because oftentimes we get caught up a lot in the temporary. We get a hold of the temporary things. Now we're going to see here, I want you to understand, temporary things have an importance, but they're not the most important.

[5:37] There's a practical and a practice that we need to put in here this morning. And so we find that as Jesus was dealing with that, he tells his disciples this dynamic.

[5:51] He reveals to them a condition of their heart and how they think. Because, you know, the one thing that gets us in trouble more than anything is how we think about something.

[6:04] A proper perception impacts how we deal with things. Notice Jesus says, take no thought. You know, how you think always relays out in what you do.

[6:21] Our thinking and our actions, it starts in the thoughts. The Bible calls that our heart. That's the center of feelings and emotion. How we perceive the world around us.

[6:33] And oftentimes we perceive that we have a need for a lot of things. And when our focus is on our possessions, whether they be few, you know, sometimes people worry about what they don't have.

[6:47] But you know what? The reality is you can have a lot and then you just worry about what you do have. What you have doesn't solve your problems. If you want to do a little research, check out the richest people in the world. Most of them have a lot of emotional problems.

[7:00] They're fearful. They have a lot of worry and anxiety because how do I maintain these things? Their focus is on what they can possess, thinking what they possess is going to benefit them.

[7:14] But the Lord here teaches his disciples about trusting God with all our heart for his provision. So we're going to look at a couple of things. First is that make sure we have a biblical perspective.

[7:28] You know, part of the problem is, is what's the perspective that we have? Because oftentimes we have a worldly perspective. What's a worldly perspective when it comes to possessions? What are some of the thoughts that people have about possessions today?

[7:41] The more is the better. What's that? You know, get everything you can while you can, you know, that's a dynamic that they have, you know.

[7:51] But what other thoughts influence people's perception of possessions? Nancy? Yeah, they try to fill a void with what they possess. Possessions and power.

[8:04] Yeah. You know, they equate possessions and power. Influence. You know, you see a lot of ideas about that's their perception of wealth.

[8:17] Their perspective of what they possess and how much they possess. You know, Jesus is teaching his disciples they need to do what?

[8:29] They need to change their thinking about possessions. Because I want you to understand, no place in the text does Jesus say possessions are wrong. What he's dealing with is our perspective about possessions.

[8:49] Because you can be rich and be godly. You can be poor and be godly. What you have doesn't determine whether you're a godly individual or not. What you possess doesn't determine your relationship with God.

[9:03] When we understand the right perspective, let's look back here at verse 22 for a moment. It says, notice what Jesus said unto his disciples. He said this, Notice here, the key phrase is what?

[9:26] Take no what? Thought. You know, this really points out the importance in a Christian's life of our perspective. How we think about things. Because how we think always drives what we do.

[9:39] You know, look over to 2 Corinthians chapter 10 for a moment. 2 Corinthians chapter 10. Because part of the problem with our struggle in this life, look at verse 3.

[9:51] It says, For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

[10:12] You know, I want you to understand how we think is important. Because our actions are determined by our thoughts.

[10:23] It's determined by our perception. Let's put this a little practically for a moment in something outside possessions. Do you react differently to people based on your perception about them?

[10:35] What's the problem there? It's what the perception impacts the action. The same when it comes to what we possess, how we think about it impacts how we respond to it.

[10:47] Because we need to come from a perspective of trust. You know, we could go back to Job. You know, Job had a lot. And then he had nothing.

[10:59] You know, Job, when it comes to Job's faith, the one thing about Job, Job basically said, Hey, I came in with nothing. I can go out with nothing. If I have the Lord, that's what's going to make the difference.

[11:09] Because this life isn't what determines. Because Jesus taught his disciples that in light of understanding his control over these things, means that they could refrain from worry.

[11:23] You know what happens? We spend a lot of time worrying about things. Sometimes we cannot directly control or trying to possess. You know, trying to grab a hold of the phrase, take no thought, refers to being anxious, troubled with cares, or seeking to promote one's own interests.

[11:42] You know? Take no thought. That's our perception. It's how does it influence me? How does it impact me? How do these things apply into our lives? The emphasis here is, in fact, there's a choice to be made because you can choose on what you're going to think about.

[11:59] You know, you influence and control what you think. Because sometimes we allow our thoughts to lead to worry. And the Bible tells us that we can put all our thoughts under Christ.

[12:13] That we can allow our thoughts to be put in the right place. To keep those things in the right order. Because I want you to understand, worry is one of the things that strangles life.

[12:26] You know, worry causes us to not do things that we ought to do. You know, when we're caught up in worry, oftentimes people don't do the rest of the things they ought to do. They spend all their time and energy and effort worrying.

[12:40] You know, people fretting about the things of life. You know, George Mueller said this. He says, the beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. And the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.

[12:51] Now, if you study out George Mueller, you'll understand his statement a little better. Because he's definitely a man who learned to trust God. It's important to note that this passage, Jesus never says we shouldn't have possessions.

[13:06] Or even make a reasonable effort to secure some things. In other words, it's not just a 1960s free-for-all hippie lifestyle. Of, okay, somebody will take care of me. Somebody will feed me.

[13:16] It's not a, you might say, just a free-for-all wandering life. It's not a life that people might think. But it's a life that says possessions are a tool that God gives to me.

[13:29] Possessions don't make me who I am or what I am. And when we understand that it's what God gives us. Because we ought to do those things to secure even the necessities of life.

[13:41] You know, the Bible says if you don't work, you shouldn't eat. You know, we ought to put forth the effort. But we ought not to be anxious over it. To say if we understand the importance of being faithful to our responsibility of it, God will be faithful to his.

[13:58] You know, rather than Jesus is saying we shouldn't worry about whether or not we have or will have enough of these things. We should trust in him.

[14:09] Trust in the one that loves you. Trust in the one that will take care of you. Because Jesus always reminds us that our Father will make sure we have exactly what we need to accomplish his purpose.

[14:24] You know, the Bible says he'll supply all our needs according to his riches and glory. Our needs, not our wants. You know, there's a difference between needs and wants.

[14:36] Wants are things that just make, we think, make life more convenient. The things you need get pretty basic pretty quick. You know, last week, heat was a need.

[14:48] Without heat and you were outside last week, you weren't going to make it very long. You know, there are some things we need, but we need to understand that context. Because look over to Matthew chapter 6 for a moment.

[14:59] Matthew chapter 6 and verse 34 says, Take therefore no thought for the morrow. For the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Suffession unto the day is the evil thereof.

[15:13] You ever notice that sometimes you catch yourself worrying and not even intend to? That sometimes things in life cause us just to worry, to be concerned?

[15:23] When we realize that worry can become a pattern. We can get caught up, overly concerned for things that God says he will take care of.

[15:36] Because we need to keep in mind that God is in control. Remember God's control of a situation. His ability to provide for us flows from his sovereignty.

[15:47] Now this is the true definition of sovereignty. God is sovereign. He's over his creation. God interacts with his creation. God tells us that he owns everything.

[16:03] And the Bible doctrine of divine sovereignty is connected with God's providence. You know, when we see there that God sees and knows what we need beforehand, and God knows what's going to happen before it happens, God says, I've already got your needs taken care of.

[16:22] And that's important to understand that what it's talking about is God's overarching, encompassing wisdom and power over his creation.

[16:33] You know, because consider what Romans 8 tells us. It tells us what? Basically that everything that happens, God says, I can work it for good. You know, the one thing people get caught up in Romans is they forget that God doesn't say everything's going to be good.

[16:48] God says he can take everything and turn it to good for those that love him. He can take even the worst situations and turn them into what's profitable for you.

[17:01] You know, who are some examples from the Bible that's happened to? Job? Joseph? Joseph's probably one of the biggest examples that we have for a large stretch.

[17:13] You know, but you can look at how God used those things. How about David? Do you see God's provision in David's life as you read through Ruth? You know?

[17:24] You see this dynamic. There was evil things happening and God worked in spite of the evil to turn it to good. That's God's sovereignty. God says that he will take care of his own.

[17:36] God says he will take care of us. And when we understand that God's providential care for his creation extends to every part of the created order.

[17:49] It includes us. You know, consider the dynamic that he has here. Look at verse 24. Look what it says here in Luke chapter 12. He says, what example does he give?

[18:00] He says, consider what? The ravens. What's he talking about? He's talking about his creation. He says, the ravens. He says, take a look at the ravens. He says, for they neither sow nor reap, and neither have storehouses nor barns, and God feedeth them.

[18:19] How much more are ye better than the fowls? You know what Jesus said? Hey guys, look around. I wouldn't have surprised me if there wasn't some ravens off in the distance when he said this.

[18:32] Because everybody would have understood exactly what he was saying. The raven was a common bird in the area. Think about how God used the ravens.

[18:44] You know? Where's the place God used ravens? Yeah, he'd be Elijah. I mean, brought him stuff. You know, it's like God used them, and God still supplied for their need.

[19:01] You know? Jesus points out to his disciples that no one can worry his way even to a new physical height. He talks about their stature. You know?

[19:13] You know? Can you add anything to your stature? You know? You can try to fake it. You know? Ladies try to look taller.

[19:23] They put long heels on. Or you have guys who will wear platform shoes so they're taller. But you know what? In reality, they didn't get a bit taller.

[19:36] Didn't change anything. Jesus is using the reality of that to make his point of why should we waste our energy trying to worry about things that are outside our control but inside God's control.

[19:54] You know, oftentimes, worry is exactly that. We're worrying about things that are in God's control and not our control. We see and understand it's better for us to bring our cares to him.

[20:09] You know, think about Philippians chapter 4 and verse 6. It says, Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.

[20:20] You know, when it comes to trusting God, we need a renewed perspective. You know, because our perspective is important. Because we also have a perspective of purpose.

[20:33] A perspective of purpose. You know? Notice what he tells us here. Look at verse 23 of our text. It says, What's Jesus telling them?

[20:46] Think about that. What's Jesus' point there? Yeah. Life is more than just the physical things around us. Life is not just about the accumulation of things or even simply meeting our basic physical needs.

[21:03] It's not about money, clothes, food, experiences, titles, accomplishments. You know, when we understand, it goes beyond those things because certain things are not going to last past this world.

[21:16] The Bible makes it clear that one day this world is going to dissolve. That's in the future. But you know what the present is? One day that everybody in here is going to die. You know what you get to take with you?

[21:28] Nobody has left this life with anything that they possessed here. They might store it. They might try to pile it. They might try to hide it. But the reality is, when their soul departed from their body, all that was left behind.

[21:42] They didn't take a bit of it with them. Because when we understand the purpose of life is far greater, because what is our purpose? Our life is to what? To know Christ. To know Him.

[21:55] You know, think about, turn on Philippians chapter 3 for a moment. Philippians chapter 3 and verse 10. Let's get a volunteer involved here. Let's get everybody woke up a little bit. Philippians 3.10.

[22:06] Who's got that? Lou? Yep. Philippians 3.10. That I may know Him and the power of His remoreration and the fellowship of His Son. What was Paul telling us here? That I may what?

[22:17] Know Him. Paul wasn't speaking about knowing Christ in the sense of becoming a Christian because he already had trusted Christ as his Savior. He was speaking about knowing the things.

[22:30] And he wasn't speaking about knowing things about Christ. He was speaking about the experiential knowledge that Christ, that comes from knowing Him in His Word and walking with Him daily.

[22:42] You know? When we understand, it means becoming familiar with the different aspects of who He is and a personal knowledge about Christ.

[22:53] Because how do we personally know something? It comes from walking with, going through situations. Have you ever noticed in life people that you endure situations and dynamics of life with build bonds?

[23:06] You know, when you do life together, you know, when you get married, you know, a lot of people think, you know, when I get married, everything's going to be grand. Everything's going to be great. And, you know, we know each other so well.

[23:21] See, all the younger ones are like, huh? And all the older ones are like, you know what? When you're married a while, you find out you begin to know them better. You know exactly who they are. You learn about them through what?

[23:34] Walking in life together. Through the bad times, the good times, all the different dynamics of struggle. You know what?

[23:46] When we walk with Christ, the same thing happens. He is there with us in the moments of the struggles and the trials and the tribulations. In the good times and the bad times.

[23:58] You know, it allows you to know him. Because knowing Christ is what brings joy. Because the Christian life in knowing Christ is one is to fear God.

[24:12] You know? Think about what Solomon said at the end of his life in Ecclesiastes 12. He says, let's hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

[24:24] All the things that Solomon did and experienced. I mean, if you want to talk about possessions, you read the Bible. What did, how many things did Solomon possess? It says he went out to experience everything of life.

[24:37] When you read through Ecclesiastes, Solomon thought experiences were going to fulfill him.

[24:48] At the end of his life, he comes to a conclusion. He says, let me sum it up for you. Fear God. Keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

[25:00] A life that's focused on accumulating wealth or chasing pleasure is often not lived in the fear of God. Because we're not thinking, it's what can I have?

[25:10] You know, the world asks, what does a man own? But the reality is we ought to ask, what do we do with what we own? What's our responsibility to Christ with what we possess?

[25:22] Because that responsibility is what? To glorify God. We're to glorify God in all that we do. You know, God created us with a purpose larger than just satisfying ourselves.

[25:36] We're made to glorify him. You know, in all that we do. Take a look over to 1 Corinthians chapter 10. 1 Corinthians 10.31. Who's my volunteer for that one?

[25:47] 1 Corinthians 10.31. Got that one, Darren? Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all the glory of God. Amen. Paul says, hey, no matter what you do, those basic even functions of life do it all to the glory of God.

[26:03] Because fulfillment in life comes when the emphasis of our lives is to glorify God. You know, that perspective is important.

[26:14] To have the right perspective about the things that we possess. Because if you have a wrong perspective of your possessions, you have a wrong perspective about God.

[26:28] Because we see not only a biblical perspective, but also a bountiful provision. You know, I want you to understand. Because we have two problems when it comes to our thinking about God's provision.

[26:42] Sometimes we have a temptation to think that our problems aren't significant enough for God to be bothered with. And sometimes we think our situation. And sometimes we think our situation is so overwhelming that God can't handle it.

[26:57] You know, we love to be people of extremes. You know, we get this extreme mindset and thought. But in the passage that we look at here, we see that Jesus assures us that God knows about our cares.

[27:13] Look at verse 30, back in Luke chapter 12. Notice what he says here. For all these things to the nations of the world seek after. And your father, what? Knoweth that ye have need of all these.

[27:30] You know, God delights in taking care of his children. You know, he does so with his power and in his abundance. Because we need to realize he will provide.

[27:42] God will provide. How do you know that God provides for us? Jesus draws our attention to what he cares for in the other parts of his creation.

[27:55] You know, he says we can learn from the ravens. You know, what can we learn from the ravens? You know, he tells us here, he says, Consider the ravens, verse 24. For they neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse nor barn, and God feedeth them.

[28:10] How much more are ye better than the fowls? There's a lot of theology in that statement for today. But I want you to understand, Jesus is reminding him, he says, If God takes care of this part of his creation, why would he not take care of the pinnacle of his creation, mankind?

[28:29] Especially those that have called upon him. Why would God not take care of him? If he takes care of the smallest of his creation, why would he not take care of the pinnacle of his creation?

[28:42] And we see him pointing that out, that when we understand that it means the dynamic here needs to observe and to understand, to consider, to fix our mind upon, you know, when we understand, consider the ravens.

[29:00] You know, that's what he's telling us. He tells us to think about that in context of who and the priority that God gives. You know, when we observe the things around us, Jesus tells us that we can gain wisdom and insight to who God is and how God provides.

[29:17] You know, oftentimes, I think we lose sight of just being able to understand how does the world operate. Because the whole world, the operation of the world reminds us that God is over this world.

[29:28] The Bible tells us by him all things consist. There wouldn't be anything made that was made if it wasn't for him. He is integral into his creation.

[29:41] You know, it's not just any bird, though, that Jesus points our attention to, but a raven. You know, think about that. How many have been around ravens?

[29:53] Now, ravens are akin to a blackbird, but they're a little different. Ravens are very loud, obnoxious birds. You know, if you're around ravens, they'll let you know.

[30:07] They are loud. They're obnoxious. They're not good looking. You know, matter of fact, they love just tearing up trash. Yeah, they're messy.

[30:19] They're nuisances. You know what? Ravens today act just like ravens did in Jesus' day. And yet God feeds and takes care of them. He says, here's what many consider to be a nuisance animal.

[30:32] They're part of God's cleanup crew, you know, because they take care of things in nature that other things animals won't take care of. God has a purpose for them, but they're not the most attractive or animal you want to have around.

[30:44] And God says, hey, I still take care of them. They're part of my creation. You know, Psalm 147 in verse 9 says this, He give it to the beast of his food and to the young ravens which cry.

[30:58] You know, if God feeds the ravens, Jesus is asking how much more is he able and willing to take care of you? God assumes responsibility for the ravens and he takes responsibility for taking care of us.

[31:14] Our job is to trust him, you know. We need to learn also, the next example he gives is the lilies. To learn from the lilies.

[31:24] Look here in verse 27, it says, Consider the lilies, how they grow. They toil not, they spin not. And yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

[31:38] If then God so clothed the grass which is a day in the field and the morrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? You know?

[31:49] He's saying the lilies grow, they increase in number and become greater in splendor and beauty than King Solomon. And yet all they do this without expending any effort on their own part.

[32:02] You know? Lilies don't spend a whole lot of time trying to possess things or grab things or needful things. God provides for it. But God will provide for us and provide what is needed.

[32:17] He attends to each part of his creation, even the grass and the field. Notice what he says, the grass and the field. He basically says it's here today and gone tomorrow.

[32:29] And God says, I still take care of it. But God will provide for us bountifully. The point Jesus here is providing to us, that if God provides food for the birds and beauty for the flowers, he cares for these seemingly insignificant things.

[32:44] How much more is he going to care for the needs of those that are his children? You know, what father doesn't care for the needs of their children? God cares for us.

[32:58] You know, we serve a God who's willing and able to meet our need. You know? Matter of fact, Ephesians 3 tells us, Philippians 4.19 tells us, But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus.

[33:22] You know, that perspective is to trust God, to focus on what God has, to live out his purpose in our lives. You know, God provides for us, but we need to have a biblical perspective, understand his bountiful provision, but also a biblical promise.

[33:45] Because God doesn't ask us to trust in the abstract. God gives us promises that we can hold on to. He gives us those things because when we seek the eternal rather than the temporary, God takes care of both the temporary and the eternal.

[34:03] You know, when we focus on the right things, the idea of the mind being focused on useless thoughts causes us to be anxious.

[34:17] You know? Look over here in Luke chapter 12. Look down at verse 29. It says, And seek not ye what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink.

[34:28] And then notice this. Neither be ye what? Of a doubtful mind. In other words, don't be anxious. Don't be doubtful that God will take care of it.

[34:40] Our responsibility to do our part, trusting God, is going to do his. You know, Vance Havner said this. He says, worry is like a rocking chair.

[34:51] It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere. You know, worry is kind of the same thing. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere. Doesn't take care of anything. Ultimately, worry is useless unless it accomplishes nothing.

[35:06] You know? But when we rest in the Lord, God will take care of us. Look over to Psalm 37 for a moment. Think about God's promise to us here.

[35:18] Psalm 37 in verse 7. Who's got that one? You got that, Lou? Psalm 37 said, rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him. Write not thyself because of him who's promised to be praying, but the commandment of Christ is a license.

[35:33] You know? What's it tell us? To rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him. You know, we can trust God's plan because he knows what we need.

[35:44] You know? Think about verse 30 back in our passage in Luke 12. It says, for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knoweth that you have need of these.

[35:55] You know? People who don't know the Lord spend their lives trying to acquire the things of this life. You know, they spend a lot of time and effort and energy, and they're focused on the things trying to manipulate and to bring about what they can possess.

[36:13] We need to keep in mind the right perspective of that. To understand God's provision. To trust in his provision. You know?

[36:23] But also trust his plan, but trust his priority. You know, instead of making the pursuit of the temporal our priority, God calls us to seek him.

[36:34] You know, look at verse 31 in Luke chapter 12 there. It tells us this, But rather seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be what? Added unto you. You know, added's a good math term.

[36:45] It means you get more. It means he gets taken care of. When we understand he promises to do that, you know, notice the sequence here.

[36:58] We're instructed to first seek God and trust him to provide. We trust he provides. But one tangible way we seek God and trust God is to give of our temporal resources.

[37:13] You know? Turn over to Proverbs chapter 3 for a moment. You know, Proverbs chapter 3 and verse 9. Notice what it tells us here. It says, Honor the Lord with thy substance. What's he talking about?

[37:25] Your substance is what? The temporary things of this life. The things we possess, our money, our resources. And he says, And with the firstfruits of all thine increased.

[37:37] When we honor God by giving him the first and the best of our time, our talent, and our treasure, we put into practice our trust in his commitment to his children to care for them by meeting their needs.

[37:51] We need to trust him in our needs. And we find ourselves an increased capacity for generosity. You know, we're able to give more back to God when we trust God.

[38:04] You know, oftentimes people don't give because it's really a lack of faith in God. They say, if I give this, I'll do without. What are they saying?

[38:16] I can't trust God to accomplish what he said he's going to do. To honor the Lord with your substance. To give to the Lord. You know what? Oftentimes, we forget that God promises that if we give, if we trust him, God says, I'll take care of the rest.

[38:34] Matter of fact, God says he'll even multiply. Look over to Luke chapter 6 for a moment. Luke chapter 6 and verse 38. He says, Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

[38:46] Shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you meet with all shall be measured to you again. You know, let me put this in simple terms for you. The size of the shovel you use to give to God is the same size shovel God uses to give back to you.

[39:03] You know, we often forget that. We want, but we're not willing to trust God and give. To trust him. To understand how do we put things in God's order.

[39:16] To trust his plan. To trust his priority. But also trust his eternity. You know, look here at verse 32 in our text. It says, Fear not, little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

[39:30] Sell that you have, and give alms, and provide yourself bags which wax not old, and treasures in heaven faileth not, and no thief approaches, neither moth corrupteth. You know, I want you to see here it's God's good pleasure to do these things if we seek after him.

[39:47] You know, to do those things. We find eternal rewards that outlast anything this world can offer. You know, we need to invest in what God is doing with our resources.

[40:00] What God has given to us is important. It says to sell what you have and give alms. What are alms? That's an important question. That's not a term we use.

[40:12] Offerings. Offerings. That would be the term we would use today. To give an offering unto the Lord. You know, offerings are important.

[40:24] Tithes are important. To give of those things. You know, Christian giving is really in the scriptures divided into two portions. One is a tithe and one is an offering. Malachi tells us to bring all the tithes into the storehouse.

[40:36] Now, we don't have time this morning to develop all that because I'm already out of time. But I want you to understand that if you're not willing to give of your substance, you're really saying, I don't trust God to provide for my needs.

[40:49] It's really not a question of money as much as it is a question of trust. Oftentimes, we think it's a money question, thinking problem. Instead of understanding, it's a trusting problem that we do that.

[41:03] But offerings are gifts to the Lord above and beyond the tithe. And we see, we have some great examples of those things. But to give alms is to do that.

[41:13] To give unto the Lord. To offer unto Him. You'll see that principle throughout the Old Testament. You know, because notice what it says. We'll conclude here. Look at verse 34.

[41:25] It tells us this. It says, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. You know, what you invest in and what you prioritize is where it's going to attach your heart.

[41:36] Are you trusting in the Lord in our daily walk with Him? Especially when it comes to what we possess. Because your life is much more than what you own.

[41:48] You can own the whole world and still be in trouble when you stand before the Lord. Because we need to put our affections in the right place. Colossians 3, 2 says this.

[42:00] Set your affection on the things above, not on the things on the earth. Your heart and your resources are always tied together. Let's pray.

[42:11]