Topical Bible: Gifts from God: Temporal: Food and Raiment

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In the Christian understanding, food and raiment (clothing) are seen as essential provisions from God, reflecting His care and sustenance for humanity. These temporal gifts are not merely physical necessities but are also imbued with spiritual significance, serving as reminders of God's ongoing provision and faithfulness.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently acknowledges God as the ultimate provider of all necessities, including food and clothing. In the Old Testament, God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the Israelites is a profound example of His care (Exodus 16:4-35). This miraculous sustenance underscores the belief that God provides for His people even in the most challenging circumstances.

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes reliance on God for daily needs. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies and what they will wear. He assures them, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans strive after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them" (Matthew 6:31-32). This passage highlights the importance of trusting in God's provision and prioritizing His kingdom.

Spiritual Significance

Food and raiment are not only physical necessities but also carry spiritual lessons. The provision of food is often associated with God's abundance and generosity. In Psalm 104:14-15, the psalmist praises God for causing "the grass to grow for the livestock and providing crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart" . This imagery reflects the joy and sustenance that God's provision brings to human life.

Clothing, on the other hand, is often symbolic of God's protection and care. In Genesis 3:21, after the fall of man, "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" . This act of providing clothing is seen as a gesture of God's mercy and care, even in the midst of human disobedience.

Practical Implications

The recognition of food and raiment as gifts from God carries practical implications for believers. It encourages a posture of gratitude and contentment, acknowledging that all provisions come from God's hand. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, advises, "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these" (1 Timothy 6:8). This contentment is rooted in the understanding that God knows and meets the needs of His people.

Furthermore, the provision of these temporal gifts calls believers to a life of stewardship and generosity. As recipients of God's abundant provision, Christians are encouraged to share with those in need, reflecting God's love and care to others. In James 2:15-16, the apostle challenges believers, "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?" . This exhortation underscores the responsibility of believers to act as conduits of God's provision to others.

In summary, food and raiment are seen as temporal gifts from God, essential for physical sustenance and rich with spiritual meaning. They remind believers of God's faithfulness, encourage trust and contentment, and inspire acts of generosity and stewardship.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 6:25,33
Therefore I say to you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Temporal Advantages.
... I will attempt to show that these gifts of the ... we forget the overruling power of
God's providence, and the ... And moreover, these temporal advantages, as they are ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

To Monna Colomba in Lucca
... has nor held nor retained the favours and gifts and great ... you had two, you might
give one to God and the ... Be a dispenser to the poor of your temporal substance. ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to monna colomba in lucca.htm

The Good Steward
... Eternal things only are our own: With all these temporal things we are barely ... If
he so account of himself as a steward of the manifold gifts of God, let him ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 51 the good steward.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
... If ye seek this kingdom, all temporal things shall be laid to your hand, all ... must
come from above by Jesus Christ Grace and glory are the gifts of God. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv but seek ye.htm

On God's vineyard
... Used the gifts on each bestow'd ... in the morning, and six or seven in the evening,
that their temporal business may ... O souls bowed down to earth, and void of God!". ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 107 on gods vineyard.htm

The Christian Prayer
... If men know how to give good gifts to their children ... the fact that we are dependent
upon God for daily ... shelter and all that belongs to our temporal necessities ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study vii the christian prayer.htm

The General Service to Two or Many Monk Martyrs.
... was great and still greater the gifts,-do supplicate for ... of the world and of temporal
food, and therefore ... odes, standing all together before God; having also ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xix the general service.htm

The Duty of Self-Denial.
... how unlike is he to one who had a temporal promise ... unlawful, yet we must not use
God's earthly gifts to the ... corrupt our hearts, and to seduce us from God, as to ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vii the duty of.htm

On the Feast of the Epiphany, iv.
... world: so that they hoped for a temporal leader while ... systematic adoration, observed
this method in offering their gifts? ... of them in the mercy of God have been ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxxiv on the feast.htm

To Brother William of England of the Hermit Brothers of St. ...
... we be sanctified in Him, therefore giving His gifts. ... seeking private consolation,
spiritual or temporal, but, as ... he sees the greatness of God's goodness more ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to brother william of england.htm