Sermon Theme
Where to begin? When it comes to the supply of all our needs, where do we begin?
Some say it is we ourselves who have to take responsibility and so work hard and live within our means. “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat..” (2 Thessalonians 3:10–13, NIV84)
YET, in times of catastrophic upheaval, we all can look to the government A report commissioned by the Australian Govt as to COVID management, in part found that the ‘Job Keeper’ program saved many jobs and businesses from being lost to the nation. In times of catastrophic weather events, we turn to the Govt and various agencies for help
These all are good in and of themselves, yet our text and Catechism points us to the ultimate provider. He through whose providence alone we find contentment regardless how dire the circumstances
Sermon outline
- THAT MOST IMPORTANT FOUNDATION AS TO PROVIDENCE
- CONTENT WHATEVER THE CIRCUMSTANCES
- CHRIST THE KEY TO CONTENTMENT
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Sermon Outline
Readings
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 10, QA 27-28
27 Q. What do you understand by the providence of God?
A. Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which He upholds, as with His hand, heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean
years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty__ all things, in fact, come to us
not by chance but from His fatherly hand.
28 Q. How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
A. We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have
good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from His love.
All creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they can neither move nor be moved.
Psalm 104:1–13 (NIV84)
1Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
2He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent
3and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.
4He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.
5He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
6You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
7But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
8they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them.
9You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth.
10He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains.
11They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.
13He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
Text
Philippians 4:10–20 (NIV84)
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;
16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.
17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
