Self-Sufficiency Of God

Read

Acts 17:24-25 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else."

Romans 11:36 "For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

Think

When we bought a new house in a nicer neighborhood, it was what our realtor called a “fixer-upper.” Despite its size and location, the place needed serious TLC. The walls carried the scent of cigarette smoke and dogs had marked their territory. My wife was hesitant, but I promised her my (nonexistent) handyman skills would turn it around, so off we went, paint brushes in hand!

Soon, the weight of the repairs began to settle in, with one project leading to another. Despite my initial confidence, I found myself constantly reaching for more—more supplies, more time, more energy—thinking that just a little extra effort would finally make everything right.

This approach mirrors a common spiritual pitfall. We start to believe that with just a bit of our own effort, God can help us finish the job instead of resting in the truth that our lives are shaped by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. God doesn’t need me.

The reality is God doesn’t need our help. He didn’t create the world because he was lonely or incomplete. God is entirely self-sufficient, a truth theologians call "aseity." He exists in perfect fullness, lacking nothing, and is not dependent on anything or anyone. As Paul reminds us in Acts 17:24-25, God isn’t served by human hands as though he needed anything—he is the giver of life, breath, and everything.

Everything exists for God's glory, not because he needs it, but because it reflects his magnificence. Paul and Peter both emphasize that all things are from him, through him, and to him. Jonathan Edwards (an American pastor in the 1700s) once said that the ultimate purpose of creation is the praise of God's glory. This aligns with our purpose—to glorify God and enjoy him forever. God’s self-sufficiency invites us not to help him but to honor him with our lives, acknowledging that he alone is enough.

Apply

In what areas of your life have you been relying on your strength, thinking, “I can do this with just a little help from God”? Identify those places where you need to let go of control and fully trust in God’s grace and sufficiency.

Pray

Father, I come to you with a heart that often tries to do things alone. I confess that I sometimes believe I can do it if you just help me a little. But I realize I need to surrender my efforts and trust entirely in your grace. Thank you for being all-sufficient, not needing anything from me, yet giving me everything I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.