Whence Shall We Buy Bread
This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in meeting spiritual needs and trusting in God's provision, rather than relying on human efforts or devising ways and means.
George Warnock emphasizes the importance of recognizing the true source of sustenance for the needs of people, as illustrated in the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. He critiques the tendency to rely on human efforts and resources, like fundraising, to address spiritual and physical hunger, instead highlighting that Jesus' question to Philip was meant to test faith rather than prompt a practical solution. Warnock points out that while some may suggest limited resources, like the boy with five loaves and two fish, the true answer lies in bringing what little we have to Jesus, who can multiply it to meet the needs of many. The sermon calls for a deeper faith in God's provision rather than solely relying on our own understanding and efforts.
Text
We would like to content ourselves with the thought that the Bible is the bread of life, and therefore we will do what we can to distribute Bibles. Or maybe our much activity in the Church might produce this bread. (And don't misunderstand me; we appreciate the printed Word, and every effort inspired by the Spirit of God to send forth that Word.) But let us just recognize plain facts. You want to be very practical, as you consider the needs of men? Then let us be practical.
And let us just acknowledge that with every increase of our efforts to meet the needs of the people, so do those needs increase, And the "practical" in our midst, like Philip of old, have a very practical answer to the ever-present question that the Lord has posed: "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat" (John 6:5). Now let us as God's people understand that because the Lord raises a matter of concern for His people, this is not God's authority for you and I to devise ways and means to fulfill the thoughts of God's heart. Jesus said this to "prove" Philip, not to authorize him to start a campaign for funds. Philip of course was very practical. Jesus is concerned about the hungry... so I will be concerned.
Let us see: Two hundred dollars would perhaps help to solve the matter: everyone at least will have a little taste. Sound familiar? Perhaps if we could raise a thousand dollars, or twenty thousand dollars, we could get the job done.
But there are also a few Andrews around, and he has a little more faith... but still quite cautious. "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes..." But he doesn't want to go out too far on the limb, so he mentions that it's really only a suggestion. The Lord knew all along what He would do, but very gently He was seeking to lead the disciples into His Way.
Now having recognized their desire to help the people, and having received the suggestion from at least one in the group that there were a few loaves in their midst, little though it was, Jesus came forth with the answer. And it was very simple: Bring them to Me!
Sermon Outline
- The Bible as the Bread of Life
- The Practical Approach to Meeting Needs
- The Role of Faith in Meeting Needs
- The Power of Humble Contributions
- Even small offerings can be used by God
- God can multiply our humble contributions
Key Quotes
“Jesus said this to 'prove' Philip, not to authorize him to start a campaign for funds.” — George Warnock
“Bring them to Me!” — George Warnock
“The Lord knew all along what He would do, but very gently He was seeking to lead the disciples into His Way.” — George Warnock
Application Points
- We should trust in God's provision and offer our humble contributions, no matter how small, to be used by Him.
- Faith is not about devising ways and means, but about trusting in God's provision and allowing Him to lead us in His way.
- Even small offerings can be used by God to meet the needs of others.