THE THREE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – “THAT YOU MAY LACK NOTHING”

The passage we have been meditating as part of the series on *THE THREE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE”* for the past few days is from, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.
– ’11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

“THAT YOU MAY LACK NOTHING” is the subject of our meditation this morning. This is an important subject to study. Every Christian should look at it deeply and thoroughly, and grasp it well. 
– “12…that you may lack nothing.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:12b

What does it mean when the Word of God says, “that you may lack nothing?” Does that mean we will be overflowing with all the good things of this world? Does this mean “we lack nothing in this world” from the moment we become Christians? There are may different ways in which people have understood this matter. Let us see what the Bible says.
– True, the LORD Jesus, is not only God our Creator, and our Redeemer, but He is also our Provider and our Sustainer.
– It is equally true that, when we follow the LORD Jesus faithfully and obediently in all His ways, then we would lack nothing.
– “​1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.” – Deuteronomy 28:1-2

As we become mature Christians, as those who “eat meat, instead of drink milk” [Hebrews 5:12-14] we begin to see the transformation happening in us, where nothing disturbs us, nothing troubles us, nothing unsettles us, nor nothing moves us from the faith in God’s gracious provision and protection. The LORD Jesus is our everything, therefore we lack nothing.
– “19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” – Philippians 4:19-20
– “8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

If we truly believe the LORD Jesus, and trust the Bible to be His Word, written down for our enlightenment and encouragement, then we should learn to trust God by faith, and not by sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7. We should be obedient and faithful to Him. The faith that should drive a Christian is the trust in God to honour His word, and He will take care of all my needs. This should be backed up by our obedience. Faith and obedience when begin to operate in us, then we will see the hand of God taking care of all that we need.
– “​1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” – Psalm 23

May we be people who will lack nothing, because we have LEARNT to LEAN UPON THE LORD JESUS, and TRUST IN HIS DIVINE PROVISION, while WALKING FAITHFULLY and OBEDIENTLY IN ALL HIS WAYS. Even so, the LORD help us.