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  SELF-SUFFICIENT PEOPLE
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of total dependency
on God, contrasting it with the self-sufficiency prevalent in society
today.

Topics: "Dependence On God", "Humility"
Scripture References: Matthew 18:2, Romans 8:16

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing our dependence
on God as His children, contrasting this with the self-sufficient
mindset prevalent in society and even within the church. He points out
that many believe they can achieve anything through their own efforts
and mental strength, often neglecting the need for divine assistance.
Wilkerson highlights Jesus' teaching on humility and dependency, using
the example of a child to illustrate that true greatness in God's
kingdom comes from recognizing our inability to function without His
help. He challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with God and
to embrace a childlike faith that relies on the Holy Spirit for guidance
and support.

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CONTENT
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The apostle Paul wrote, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our
spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16). The phrase "children
of God" is often used to describe believers but the words may be used
too flippantly, with little understanding of the power and depth of
their true meaning.

To be a child of God means simply to be God's dependent; that is, "one
who is unable to exist or function without help." The child of God knows
he cannot control his own life without the Lord's daily help.

Many sinners are self-sufficient people who see themselves as high
achievers -- can-do people. They preach that whatever the mind can
conceive, it can achieve -- that with the right mental attitude, a
person can do anything.

The church has been flooded with self-help books of all kinds, many
about winning your own victory over self, doubt, fear and loneliness.
Many in the church believe if you have the right formula, you can figure
out everything for yourself and solve your own problems. This attitude
says, "God, you gave me a good mind so I'll just think this through and
work it out."

Jesus once found his disciples arguing among themselves about which one
was going to be the greatest in God's kingdom and he gave them a lesson.
"Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and
said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as
little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven'"
(Matthew 18:2-3).

Jesus was saying, "Forget about who will be greatest. You must rethink
your relationship to me and learn how to walk in this life." This child
represented a life of total dependency, because children cannot
adequately take care of themselves.

Have you learned to be wholly dependent on the guidance of the Holy
Spirit? Come to him as a little child and he will revolutionize your
thinking!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/self-sufficient-people/
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