Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Dependence, in a biblical context, refers to the reliance on God for spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. It is the acknowledgment of human limitations and the recognition of God's sovereignty and provision. Dependence on God is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing trust, faith, and submission to His will. Old Testament Insights The Old Testament provides numerous examples of dependence on God. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is a profound illustration of this concept. In Exodus 16:4, God tells Moses, "Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day." This daily provision of manna required the Israelites to depend on God for their sustenance. The Psalms frequently express a deep reliance on God. Psalm 23:1-2 states, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." Here, the psalmist portrays God as a shepherd who provides and cares for His flock, highlighting the believer's dependence on Him for guidance and provision. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about dependence on God in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:25-26 , He says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air: they do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Jesus encourages His followers to trust in God's provision and not to be anxious about their needs. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes dependence on God in his letters. In Philippians 4:19 , he assures the believers, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Paul underscores the sufficiency of God's provision for every need, reinforcing the call to rely on Him. Dependence in Prayer Prayer is a vital expression of dependence on God. The Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13, includes the petition, "Give us this day our daily bread" . This request signifies a daily reliance on God for provision and sustenance. Prayer is an acknowledgment of God's power and a submission to His will, as seen in Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). Dependence and Faith Dependence on God is closely linked to faith. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." Dependence requires believers to trust in God's promises and His unseen hand at work in their lives. The faith of figures like Abraham, who "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3), exemplifies this trust and reliance. Practical Implications Living a life of dependence on God involves surrendering personal control and trusting in His wisdom and timing. It requires humility, as seen in James 4:10 : "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." Dependence on God also calls for obedience to His commands and a commitment to seek His kingdom first, as instructed in Matthew 6:33 : "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Conclusion Dependence on God is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, calling believers to trust in His provision, guidance, and sovereignty. Through prayer, faith, and obedience, Christians are invited to live in a state of reliance on their Creator, assured of His unfailing love and care. Topical Bible Verses 2 Peter 1:21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Topicalbible.org John 3:16 1 Corinthians 4:2 Matthew 28:18-20 Strong's Hebrew 8511. tala -- to hang... A primitive root; to suspend; figuratively (through hesitation) to be uncertain; by implication (of mental dependence) to habituate -- be bent, hang (in doubt ... /hebrew/8511.htm - 6k Library Dependence on God. Two Stages in the Dependence of the Apostles Upon Christ. Letter viii. --Our Dependence on God. This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action ... Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ... The Distinction Between Faith and Hope, and the Mutual Dependence ... The Interpretation of Scripture Depends on the Discovery and ... The Father Abiding in Me Doeth the Work "Ye are the Branches" Note E. --Chap. viii Nothing of Myself Resources Is freedom of religion a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I achieve victory in Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.org Depended: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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