How does fulfilling God's will nourish our spiritual lives like food? Jesus’ Statement of Spiritual Diet John 4:34 — “Jesus explained, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.’” Standing by Sychar’s well, the disciples offer lunch; Jesus talks about lunch of another kind. The moment He speaks, He links obedience and satisfaction so tightly that He calls obedience His very food. What “Food” Meant to Jesus • Food keeps life going; without it the body weakens. • In the same way, doing the Father’s will sustains Jesus’ inner life. • He is not merely illustrating a point; He is describing reality. The Father’s work literally energizes Him. How Obedience Feeds Our Souls • Alignment with God’s heart brings deep joy – Psalm 16:11: “You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” • The Word absorbed becomes delight – Jeremiah 15:16: “Your words were found, and I ate them; Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight…” – Job 23:12: “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.” • Action completes faith and strengthens it – James 2:22: “You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did.” • Fruit of the Spirit grows in a well-fed life – Galatians 5:22: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” • Obedience sustains in trial – Isaiah 40:31: “Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength…” Scripture’s Menu of Sustaining Truths • Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” • Isaiah 55:2: “Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.” • John 15:10-11: keeping Christ’s commands leads to “complete” joy. • Philippians 2:13: God works in us “to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” When we cooperate, His power becomes our nourishment. Living on the Feast: Practical Steps 1. Fill your mind daily with Scripture, then act on the truth immediately. 2. Offer every task—big or small—to God as worship (Romans 12:1-2). 3. Seek opportunities to serve and witness; God’s work is always people-focused (John 4:35-38). 4. Rely on the Spirit’s strength, not mere resolve (Philippians 4:13). 5. Keep short accounts with God; unconfessed sin dulls appetite for His will (Psalm 32:3-5). The Fullness We Experience • Contentment in any circumstance (Philippians 4:12). • Ongoing renewal instead of burnout (Isaiah 40:31). • A life that overflows to others, like a table set with more than enough (Psalm 23:5). • Anticipation of the final banquet when the work is finished (Revelation 19:9). Doing the Father’s will is not a side dish; it is the sustaining meal of the Christian life. |
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