Self-Sufficient People
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of total dependency on God, contrasting it with the self-sufficiency prevalent in society today.
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.
Text
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!
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the term 'children of God'
- The meaning of dependency on God
- The contrast with self-sufficiency
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II
- The influence of self-help culture
- The misconception of self-achievement
- The role of the mind in problem-solving
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III
- Jesus' teaching on humility
- The example of a child in faith
- Rethinking our relationship with God
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IV
- The importance of Holy Spirit guidance
- Total dependency on God
- Transformative power of childlike faith
Key Quotes
“The child of God knows he cannot control his own life without the Lord's daily help.” — David Wilkerson
“Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” — David Wilkerson
“Come to him as a little child and he will revolutionize your thinking!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Recognize areas in your life where you rely on self-sufficiency instead of God.
- Embrace a childlike faith that seeks guidance from the Holy Spirit daily.
- Challenge the influence of self-help ideologies by turning to scripture for true wisdom.