DIVINE DEPENDENCE

Title: DIVINE DEPENDENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

Supporting Texts: Psalm 121:1-2, Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Isaiah 41:10

INTRODUCTION:
Divine dependence is a state of total reliance on God for everything—our strength, wisdom, provision, and guidance. It is recognizing that apart from Him, we are nothing, but with Him, we can achieve all things. This sermon explores the importance of depending on God in every area of our lives, understanding that He is our source and sustainer. It calls believers to embrace a life of complete dependence on God, knowing that in Him, we find everything we need.

1. THE FOUNDATION OF DIVINE DEPENDENCE

a) Acknowledging God as Our Source:
The foundation of divine dependence is the understanding that God is the source of all things, and we are utterly reliant on Him (James 1:17).

b) The Role of Humility in Dependence:
Divine dependence begins with humility, recognizing that we cannot achieve anything in our own strength (1 Peter 5:6).

c) Acknowledging Our Limitations:
Recognizing our limitations and weaknesses is key to depending on God, as we acknowledge that only He can supply our needs (Philippians 4:13).

d) Total Surrender to God's Will:
To depend on God fully, we must surrender our plans and desires to His will, trusting that His way is always best (Proverbs 3:5-6).

e) Biblical Example: Moses’ dependence on God for guidance and strength during the Exodus, as he recognized his inability to lead the people without God’s help (Exodus 3:11-12).

2. THE BENEFITS OF DIVINE DEPENDENCE

a) Strength for Every Challenge:
Divine dependence empowers us with strength to face any challenge, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).

b) Wisdom Beyond Our Understanding:
When we depend on God, He grants us wisdom and understanding that surpasses our own knowledge (James 1:5).

c) Provision for Every Need:
As we depend on God, He promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

d) Peace in the Midst of Storms:
Dependence on God brings peace, knowing that He is in control of every situation (Isaiah 26:3).

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites’ dependence on God for provision in the wilderness, where He provided manna and water, showing His faithfulness (Exodus 16:4-5).

3. DIVINE DEPENDENCE IN TIMES OF WEAKNESS

a) Finding Strength in God's Power:
In times of weakness, our dependence on God reveals His strength in us, as His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

b) Trusting God in Trials:
Divine dependence grows in the midst of trials, as we lean on God’s promises and trust His plan for our lives (Romans 8:28).

c) Overcoming Fear Through Faith:
When we depend on God, fear gives way to faith, knowing that He is with us and will never leave us (Isaiah 41:10).

d) Seeking God's Guidance in Confusion:
In times of confusion or uncertainty, we depend on God’s guidance, knowing He will direct our paths (Psalm 32:8).

e) Biblical Example: David’s dependence on God for strength and victory over Goliath, as he trusted in God’s power and not his own (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

4. LIVING a Life of Divine Dependence

a) Daily Trust in God’s Provision:
To live in divine dependence, we must trust God daily for our provision, both spiritually and materially (Matthew 6:11).

b) Continuous Prayer and Fellowship with God:
Maintaining a life of dependence involves continual prayer and fellowship with God, acknowledging our need for His presence (Luke 18:1).

c) Leaning on God's Strength, Not Ours:
Every day, we must choose to lean on God’s strength instead of our own, recognizing that His power is limitless (Isaiah 40:29).

d) Obeying God's Leading in Every Situation:
To live in dependence on God, we must obey His leading, trusting that He knows the best way for us (John 14:15).

e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul’s life, where he constantly depended on God for strength and guidance in his ministry, despite the many challenges he faced (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).

5. OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES TO DIVINE DEPENDENCE

a) Pride and Self-Sufficiency:
Pride is a major obstacle to divine dependence, as it makes us think we can handle life’s challenges on our own (Proverbs 16:18).

b) The Desire for Control:
Our desire to control situations can hinder our dependence on God, as we must surrender our control to Him (Matthew 16:24).

c) Fear of Trusting God Fully:
Fear of the unknown can prevent us from fully depending on God, but we must trust His character and promises (Psalm 56:3-4).

d) Doubt in God's Faithfulness:
Doubt can cause us to waver in our dependence on God, but we must remind ourselves of His faithfulness in the past (Lamentations 3:22-23).

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites' struggle to depend on God during their journey through the wilderness, often doubting His provision despite His past faithfulness (Exodus 14:11-12).

CONCLUSION:
Divine dependence is the key to living a victorious Christian life. It is about recognizing our total need for God and trusting in His power, provision, and wisdom. As we depend on Him, He empowers us to do what we could never do on our own. Let us embrace a life of divine dependence, knowing that with God, all things are possible, and without Him, we can do nothing.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to fully depend on You in every area of my life.

2. Father, remove any pride or self-sufficiency that hinders me from relying on Your strength.

3. I declare that I will trust You for provision, wisdom, and strength in every situation.

4. Father, help me to surrender control of my life and trust You completely.

5. Lord, increase my faith to depend on You fully, even in difficult times.

6. I pray for a deeper sense of Your presence and guidance in my daily life.

7. Father, give me the courage to obey Your leading, even when it doesn't make sense.

8. I pray for the strength to overcome fear and doubt, knowing that You are faithful.

9. Lord, help me to daily rely on Your grace and power to live out Your calling for my life.

10. I declare that I will experience Your provision and peace as I depend on You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will experience the fullness of God’s provision as you depend on Him for every need.

2. Divine strength will be made perfect in your weakness as you rely on God’s power.

3. Fear will not rule over you as you place your trust fully in God’s promises.

4. The Lord will guide you in every decision, leading you to paths of success and peace.

5. As you depend on God, you will overcome every obstacle that stands in your way.

6. God will open doors of opportunity for you as you trust in His perfect timing.

7. Your faith will increase, and you will witness the faithfulness of God in your life.

8. You will walk in divine wisdom, empowered to make godly decisions in every situation.

9. The Lord will grant you peace that surpasses all understanding as you depend on Him.

10. Your life will be marked by God’s supernatural provision, protection, and favor.