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James Smith

All that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!

Psalm 23; Psalm 34:9
James Smith • April, 18 2012 • Audio
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James Smith
James Smith • April, 18 2012
Choice Puritan Devotional

James Smith addresses the doctrine of divine provision in the life of believers in his sermon "All that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!" He argues that true wealth is found not in material possessions but in a relationship with God, as articulated in Psalm 34:9, which assures that those who fear the Lord will not lack any good thing. Smith contrasts the spiritual poverty of the lost sinner with the spiritual riches of the faithful, emphasizing that true contentment comes from divine acceptance and the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ. The practical significance of this doctrine lies in the comfort it provides believers, fostering joy and hope amidst trials, and affirming that God’s promises, secured by the blood of Jesus, fulfill all deeper needs for life and beyond.

Key Quotes

“They are not truly wealthy, who appear to be so, or who boast of being so. The lost sinner must be poor.”

“True riches belong to another family. The Lord's people all fear Him.”

“Here, believer, is your fortune, take it and live upon it while a resident here below.”

“There is no lack to them, for all that they can truly need is promised, and every promise is confirmed by the blood of Jesus.”

What does the Bible say about wealth and poverty?

The Bible teaches that true wealth is found in a relationship with God, not in material possessions.

Biblical teaching on wealth and poverty emphasizes that true riches belong to God's people, who may appear poor but are spiritually rich. Psalm 34:9 affirms that those who fear the Lord will lack nothing good, signifying that their true needs are met through Him rather than earthly treasures. Material prosperity can be misleading, as seen in the plight of the lost sinner who, despite outward appearances, is truly impoverished without God's comfort, guidance, and salvation.

In contrast, the Lord’s followers possess confidence and comfort in life and death because of their acceptance through the blood of Jesus. They enjoy peace, hope, and assurance that comes from knowing they are cared for by God. In this spiritual richness, they are content, recognizing that even in struggles, God’s grace works for their good. Thus, their focus remains on eternal wealth, which far exceeds any temporal gain.

Psalm 23, Psalm 34:9

How do we know God's provision is true?

God's provision is assured through His promises in Scripture, which are confirmed by Christ's sacrifice.

The assurance of God’s provision for His people is deeply rooted in the promises found in Scripture. It is stated that for those who fear the Lord, 'there is no lack' (Psalm 34:9), highlighting the boundless nature of His care and support. This promise is not contingent on outward circumstances but is grounded in the character of God and the faithfulness of His word.

Moreover, the believer's confidence in God’s provision is confirmed by the blood of Jesus, which underscores the seriousness of God’s commitments. As believers recognize their dependence on Him, they can navigate life's uncertainties with the assurance that God’s grace and mercy will supply all their needs according to His riches in glory. His power and wisdom are ever-present for those who trust Him, providing strength, support, and comfort in all situations.

Psalm 34:9, Philippians 4:19

Why is fearing God important for Christians?

Fearing God is essential because it leads to true wealth, peace, and fulfillment in life.

Fearing God is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith that encompasses reverence, respect, and a deep desire to please Him. This fear is not paralyzing but rather liberating, as it aligns believers with God's will and leads to spiritual enrichment. Psalm 34:9 illustrates that those who fear Him will not lack any good thing, indicating that this reverence opens the floodgates of His blessings.

In this way, fearing God cultivates a life filled with joy, comfort, and assurance amid trials. It encourages believers to trust in God's providential care and recognize that all that they can truly need is promised to them. A healthy fear of God leads to contentment, as they rest in His sufficiency and seek to navigate life aligned with His purposes. Ultimately, fear of the Lord transforms the mundane into the eternal, bringing true happiness and fulfillment.

Psalm 34:9, Proverbs 1:7

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

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All that we can need for life or death, time or eternity. James Smith, The Wealthy Family. There is no lack to those who fear Him. Psalm 34 9. They are not truly wealthy, who appear to be so, or who boast of being so. The lost sinner must be poor. He has no God to comfort him, no Savior to deliver him. no guide to conduct him, no advocate to plead for him, no inward peace to support him, no title to heaven to encourage him. He is poor. He is in need. He will need confidence and comfort in death, a wedding garment in which to appear before God, and a comfortable home throughout eternity. Every lost sinner is indeed poor. His resources will soon be exhausted, and he will find himself wretched and miserable, and poor and blind and naked. He may have the appearance of prosperity, but not the reality. True riches belong to another family. The Lord's people all fear Him. That is, they fear to offend Him, and desire above all things to please Him. And though they may appear poor, they are really rich. God has provided all good things for them, and He gives all good things to them. They have a solid peace flowing from a knowledge of acceptance with God through the blood of Jesus. They have a joyful hope, which blooms with immortality. They are assured of strength equal to their day, and of sanctifying grace to make all their troubles work for their good. They are content with God's wise and holy appointments, and godliness with contentment is a good fortune. They acquiesce in the will of God. and are often filled with joy which flows from His presence. They obtain victory over the temptations which would ensnare them. They live above the world, which would allure and beguile them. They are sure of support in death. They look forward to a joyful resurrection. They rightly anticipate heaven as their portion for ever. There is no lack to them, for all that they can truly need is promised, and every promise is confirmed by the blood of Jesus. Jehovah is theirs, along with all that He is and has. His power is their support. His wisdom is their guide. His fullness is their fortune. His mercy is their friend. His love is their heaven. happy are the people who are in such a case all the Lord's people are really in this case and therefore they are all happy just think of having almighty God for your present constant eternal friend think of having the wealth of deity to supply and satisfy you and if you sincerely fear God then this is the reality of your case No truth is more clearly revealed in Scripture. No subject is more rich with consolation. Strength may be exhausted. Health may decline. Courage may fail. Riches may flee. Friends may forsake. Enemies may increase. All circumstances may change for the worse. But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Sweet promise of a faithful God! Here, pilgrim, is your staff, take it and travel home. Here, saint, is your cordial, drink and forget your misery. Here, believer, is your fortune, take it and live upon it while a resident here below. Here, fearful soul, is your antidote, use it to dispel your fears and cheer your fainting heart. The young lions may lack food and go hungry. But there is no lack to those who fear Him. Here is wealth, here is comfort, here is all that we can need for life or death, time or eternity.
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