Topical Encyclopedia
Definition:All-sufficiency refers to the state of being completely adequate or self-sufficient, lacking nothing necessary for completeness. In a biblical context, it often pertains to God's nature and His provision for His people, emphasizing that God is fully capable of meeting all needs.
Biblical References:1.
God's Nature as All-Sufficient: The concept of all-sufficiency is deeply rooted in the character of God. In
Genesis 17:1, God reveals Himself to Abram as "El Shaddai," often translated as "God Almighty," indicating His supreme power and sufficiency. This name underscores God's ability to fulfill His promises and provide for His people without reliance on anything outside Himself.
2.
God's Provision: The Apostle Paul speaks to the all-sufficiency of God's grace in
2 Corinthians 12:9 : "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'" Here, Paul highlights that God's grace is entirely adequate to sustain believers, even in their weaknesses.
3.
Contentment in God's Sufficiency:Philippians 4:11-13 illustrates the believer's contentment in God's sufficiency: "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Paul expresses that through Christ, he possesses all he needs to endure any situation.
4.
God's Provision for Every Good Work: In
2 Corinthians 9:8 , Paul assures the Corinthians of God's provision: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." This verse emphasizes that God's sufficiency equips believers for every task He calls them to.
5.
The Sufficiency of Scripture: The Bible itself is described as sufficient for guiding believers in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage affirms that Scripture provides all that is necessary for spiritual growth and maturity.
Theological Implications:·
Dependence on God: The doctrine of all-sufficiency encourages believers to rely wholly on God rather than on human strength or resources. It reassures them that God is capable of meeting every need, both physical and spiritual.
·
Trust in God's Promises: Understanding God's all-sufficiency strengthens faith in His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His word and provide for them in every circumstance.
·
Empowerment for Service: Recognizing God's sufficiency empowers believers to engage in service and ministry, knowing that God will supply the necessary resources and strength to accomplish His purposes.
Practical Application:·
Prayer and Dependence: Believers are encouraged to bring their needs before God in prayer, trusting in His all-sufficient nature to provide according to His will.
·
Contentment and Gratitude: Embracing God's sufficiency fosters a spirit of contentment and gratitude, freeing believers from anxiety over material needs and enabling them to focus on spiritual growth and service.
·
Confidence in Witnessing: The assurance of God's sufficiency emboldens believers to share their faith, confident that God will equip them with the words and wisdom needed to witness effectively.
Library
All Sufficiency
...All Sufficiency. "The LORD GOD is a Sun and Shield: the LORD will give
grace and glory: "No good thing will He withhold from them...
Psalm 16 Part 2 Christ'sAll-Sufficiency.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 16 PART 2 Christ'sall-sufficiency. LM Christ's
all-sufficiency. How fast their guilt and sorrows rise....
Psalm 16:2. Second Part. LM Christ'sAll-Sufficiency.
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 16:2. Second Part. LM Christ'sall-sufficiency.
1 How fast their guilt and sorrows rise Who haste to seek some idol god!...
3D Day. All-Sufficient Grace.
... "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always havingall
sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.""2 Corinthians 9:8....
The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... 2. Given to Christ; 3. Born again; 4. Deeply convinced of the evil of sin, their
misery by sin, the vanity of the creature, and theall-sufficiency of Christ.5...
Grace for Service.
... In ii Corinthians 9:8, we read: "God is able to make all grace abound towards you;
that ye, always havingall sufficiency in all things, may abound to every...
Requiting God
... The first answer that occurs to you, no doubt, is"because of Hisall-sufficiency
and our emptiness. Man receives all. God needs nothing....
God is Enough
... enough; and at last a conviction burst upon me that He really was enough, and my
eyes were opened to the fact of the absolute and utterall-sufficiency of God....
Israel the Beloved
... It is intended to intensify the conception of the greatness, and preciousness, and
all-sufficiency of that 'goodwill.' If it is that 'of Him that dwelt in the...
Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So...
... At all times. 3. "Havingall sufficiency""perfect competence to meet just the present
emergency....All sufficiency. 4. "In all things" (or "in every way")....
Thesaurus
All-sufficiency (1 Occurrence)All-
sufficiency. Alloyed,
All-
sufficiency. All-surpassing .
Multi-Version Concordance
All-
sufficiency (1 Occurrence).
...Richly (26 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bestow every blessing on you in abundance,
so that richly enjoyingallsufficiency at all times, you may have ample means...
Enjoying (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bestow every blessing on you in abundance,
so that richly enjoyingallsufficiency at all times, you may have ample means...
Provide (74 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you,
always havingallsufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work....
Bestow (27 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bestow every blessing on you in abundance,
so that richly enjoyingallsufficiency at all times, you may have ample means...
Broad (113 Occurrences)
... into a broad place" (Job 36:16); the liberty of obedience or liberty within the
law (Psalm 119:96, "broad," "roomy," "at liberty"); theall-sufficiency of God...
Alloyed (4 Occurrences)
All-surpassing (1 Occurrence)
All-surpassing.All-sufficiency, All-surpassing. Alluded . Multi-Version
Concordance... (See NIV).All-sufficiency, All-surpassing. Alluded . Reference
Ample (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bestow every blessing on you in abundance,
so that richly enjoyingallsufficiency at all times, you may have ample means...
Sufficiency (18 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always
havingallsufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work....
Resources
What is the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture? What does it mean that the Bible is sufficient? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the rule of faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the differences between Catholics and Protestants? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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