1. In this verse Paul described God as "the great supplier." 2. As Paul thanked the Christians in Philippi for their gift, he assured them that God would supply all their needs. 3. In our lesson we will point out 5 special blessings that God supplies for His children. 4. However, let us first consider . . .
Discussion:
I. AN OCCASION WHEN GOD SUPPLIED A NEED FOR ABRAHAM (Genesis 22:1-14)
A. On this occasion God tested Abraham (vs.1). 1. God tested Abraham by telling him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. 2. This was a tremendous trial for Abraham. a. He had waited 25 years for Isaac to be born. b. Vs.2 indicates that Abraham loved Isaac. B. Abraham's faith enabled him to face this trial in a remarkable way. 1. He obeyed God's command without hesitation. 2. We can only imagine how he felt when Isaac asked, "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" (vs.7) 3. In vs.8 Abraham said: "God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering." 4. Abraham's great faith is commended in Hebrews 11:17-19. C. Abraham was spared from taking his son's life. 1. A ram was supplied that Abraham offered in Isaac's place. 2. There is something special about the name that Abraham gave to this place: Jehovahjireh [ASV - "In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided"]. 3. Abraham trusted that God would supply, and God did supply. D. The Bible contains many illustrations showing that "God is the great supplier." E. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. 5 SPECIAL BLESSINGS THAT GOD SUPPLIES FOR HIS CHILDREN
A. God supplies instruction for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 1. In His Word God supplies us with the teaching, the reproof, the correction, and the instruction in righteousness that we desperately need. 2. Having God's Word in our hearts will help us when we are tested. 3. It certainly helped Jesus when the devil tempted Him (Matthew 4:1-11). 4. Let us study the Scriptures and meditate upon them regularly (Psalm 119:97). B. God supplies direction for us (Psalm 23:3b; Proverbs 3:5-6). C. God supplies assistance when we are tested. 1. God will provide a way for us to bear up under trials (1 Corinthians 10:13). 2. When trials come our way He wants us to pray (1 Peter 5:7). 3. We need to pray for wisdom, and God will provide it (James 1:5-6). 4. We can also receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16). D. God supplies comfort in times of sorrow (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). E. God supplies assurance that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).
Conclusion:
1. This is not a complete list of blessings that God supplies for His children. a. (James 1:17) Every good and perfect gift comes from God. b. (Ephesians 1:3) God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings. c. (2 Peter 1:3) God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. 2. These 5 blessings that we have examined are very special. 3. When we are tested, let us remain confident that: a. God supplies instruction for us in His Word b. God supplies direction for us c. God supplies assistance for us d. God supplies comfort for us during times of sorrow e. God supplies assurance that He will work all things together for our good. 4. God supplied a ram for Abraham to sacrifice, and He will supply the blessings that His children need today.
