Letter From My Future Self - God is My Provider
Teaching Notes
God is Your Provider: Learning to Trust Through Generosity
Have you ever wondered if God truly sees your financial struggles? Do you find yourself stressed about money, questioning whether God really cares about your daily needs? The truth is, God is your provider—not just in theory, but in the practical, everyday details of your life.
What Does It Mean That God is Your Provider?
God isn't distant or disconnected from your circumstances. He's actively involved in providing everything you have right now and will continue to meet your needs in the future. This isn't just a nice religious saying—it's a foundational truth that should shape how we view our resources and our relationship with money.
When we understand that God is our provider, it changes everything. Instead of viewing our finances as something we've earned entirely on our own, we begin to see them as gifts from a loving Father who knows what we need before we even ask.
Understanding Stewardship vs. Ownership
Everything Belongs to God
One of the most important lessons about generosity is understanding that we're stewards, not owners, of what we have. The Bible makes this clear in several passages:
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1)
"For from him and through him and to him are all things" (Romans 11:36)
"What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)
What is Biblical Stewardship?
Stewardship is the active, responsible management of God's resources for God's purposes. Think of it like managing a corner of God's creation that He's entrusted to you. Your job, your income, your possessions—these are all tools God has given you to manage wisely and use for His glory.
This perspective transforms how we approach giving. When we give back to God through supporting His work in the world, we're simply acknowledging that everything belonged to Him in the first place.
Why Does Jesus Talk So Much About Money?
Jesus spoke about money more than any other topic in the New Testament. Why? Because He knew that money would be the number one competitor for the throne of our hearts. Money often becomes a functional savior—when we have enough, we feel secure; when it's low, we panic.
Money Reveals Our Heart's True Allegiance
How we handle money reveals the authenticity of our faith. As Billy Graham once said, "If a person gets his attitude straight towards money, it will help straighten out almost every other area of their life."
Paul wrote that generosity "will prove that you are obedient to the good news of Christ" (2 Corinthians 9:13). Our generosity becomes evidence of the gospel's work in our lives.
What About Tithing? Is It Still Relevant Today?
Many people ask whether tithing (giving the first 10%) is still relevant since we're no longer under Old Testament law. Here's what's important to understand:
Tithing Existed Before the Law
Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek before any law about tithing existed (Genesis 14). This suggests that giving the first fruits to God is a natural response of faith, not just a legal requirement.
Grace Raises the Bar
While we're not under law but under grace, grace actually raises the bar for generosity. Jesus celebrated the widow who gave everything she had (Luke 21:1-4) and taught that our whole lives belong to God (Matthew 22:21).
The early church was built on the sacrificial generosity of everyone, not the extraordinary gifts of a few. This principle continues today.
How Does Generosity Connect Us to God's Provision?
There's something supernatural about generosity that opens the door to God's provision in our lives. This isn't about treating God like an ATM, but recognizing a kingdom principle: "Give, and it will be given to you" (Luke 6:38).
Kingdom Math Doesn't Make Sense
Many believers can testify that 90% with God's blessing goes further than 100% without it. When we honor God first with our finances, He shows up and provides in ways that don't make natural sense.
This isn't prosperity theology - it's about trusting God as our ultimate source and experiencing His faithfulness in practical ways.
Moving From Functional Atheism to Faith
Many of us live like "functional atheists" when it comes to money. We say God is Lord of our lives, but we can't trust Him with our finances. We keep Jesus at a safe distance from our bank accounts.
Taking Down the Glass
Choosing to give generously is like removing the protective glass between us and Jesus. It invites Him into every area of our lives and puts our faith to the test in a very real way.
When you look at your bank account and say, "Lord, I'm honoring you with this," it brings the reality of your faith into sharp focus. It forces you to answer the question: Do I really believe God is my provider?
Living With an Eternal Perspective
Our culture promotes a secular worldview that says this life is all we have, so we should live for the moment. But Christians believe differently. We came from God, our lives are acts of worship to God, and our decisions today impact eternity.
Do You Have an Eternal Investment Strategy?
Jesus said, "Don't store up treasures on earth, but store up treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). When you give toward the mission of the local church, you're investing in changed lives, baptisms, care for the needy, and the advancement of God's kingdom.
Your generosity today impacts eternity - both for you and for others who will encounter Jesus through the work you support.
Life Application
This week, take an honest look at your relationship with money and generosity. If you've never given regularly to support God's work, consider taking that first step of faith. If you've been giving inconsistently, commit to regular, faithful giving. If you're already tithing, ask God if He's calling you to step out in even greater generosity.
Remember, this isn't about earning God's favor - it's about responding to His grace with gratitude and trust. It's about acknowledging that everything you have is a gift from Him and that He is truly your provider.
Questions for Reflection:
What does your current giving pattern reveal about where you place your ultimate trust?
Are you living like a steward or an owner of your resources?
How might God be calling you to step out in faith with your finances this week?
What would change in your life if you truly believed that God is your provider in every circumstance?
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
Goodbye Yesterday - Elevation Rythym
Another One - elevation Worship
Abide - Aaron Williams
Great Are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters
WFC Speedway
Love So Great - Shane & Shane
Kind Of My Heart - Bethel Music
Jesus You Alone - Highland Worship
Great Are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!
