(Read Matthew 10:1-10)
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. We have been studying the life of the Apostle Peter and our study has brought us to Matthew 10. We have been looking at this passage for a couple of days. Let’s go back to it today and seek to glean more from God about His unearned grace. The Bible says:
Jesus sent the twelve men out with these instructions: “Don’t go to the non-Jewish people. And don’t go into any town where the Samaritans live. But go to the people of Israel. They are like sheep that are lost. When you go, tell them this: ‘God’s kingdom is now very near.’ Heal the sick. Bring the dead back to life. Heal the people who have leprosy. And force demons out of people. I give you these powers freely, so help others freely. Don’t carry any money with you—gold or silver or copper. Don’t carry a bag. Take only the clothes and sandals you are wearing. And don’t take a walking stick. A worker should be given what he needs.”
In my last message, just before the 4th of July weekend, I shared a message entitled, “Learning to rely on God” from this passage. In this message I will focus in on the fact that Jesus told them not to take any money with them.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- Jesus sent His disciples out to do ministry and He forbid them from taking any money with them. Jesus said, “Don’t carry any money with you—gold or silver or copper. Don’t carry a bag. Take only the clothes and sandals you are wearing. And don’t take a walking stick. A worker should be given what he needs.” Jesus wanted the disciples to see God as their source. Jesus wanted His men to put their total confidence in God.
- Later on Jesus recalled this situation and He asked His disciples a key question. He said, “Remember when I sent you out without money, a bag, or sandals? Did you lack anything?” The disciples responded, “No.” (see Luke 22:35). Do you know why they did not lack anything? Because God was their source!
- You won’t lack anything when you are doing the will of God. You will face opposition and things may get difficult from time to time, but instead of giving you ‘less challenge’, God opts to give you ‘more grace’. His grace will see you through whatever you face.
- The grace of God is always available to do what He is leading you to do; and that includes money.
- God is more than capable of funding His projects.
- Wherever God gives vision, He obligates Himself for the provision. Said another way, if it’s God’s will, then it’s also God’s bill.
- God’s dreams have no limits because His resources have no end.
- So stop dreaming man-sized dreams. God-sized dreams require God-sized investments and God always finds His projects.
- Divine provision is stored up for you by God’s unearned grace. He now expects you to use your faith lay hold of it.
We will stop here for today. I will continue to flow in this same vein tomorrow, because I have much more to say about God and money.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. You have done Your part by grace. You have already prepared everything I need to accomplish what You are calling me to do. You now expect me to use my faith to lay hold of it. What You lead me to do will always exceed my bank accounts, my education and my affiliations. Your vision requires Your provision. Your dreams require Your involvement. You lead me to do things that force me to rely on You. You don’t want me consumed worrying about money. You don’t want my focus to be on where the money is going to come from. It’s Your will, and therefore it’s Your bill. You are more than capable of funding Your projects. You are my source. I can have money, because money does not have me. My trust is not in money, my trust is in my God, who gives me all things richly to enjoy. Some trust in the things of this world, but Father, I trust in You. You are my source. You are my strength. You are my God! I will do all You have called me to do – not by my strength, but by Your grace! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
