"If God"

            There are a number of times the phrase "if God" is used in the Bible.  Let's deal with a few of them.  Consider this:  "If God...."

I.

SO CLOTHE THE GRASS OF THE FIELD

            This statement is found in Matthew 6:30 in what is commonly referred to as the Sermon On The Mount.  Jesus is speaking to the disciples and ensures them God will care for them.  He uses fowl, lilies, and grass to get the point across.  If God cares for these things "shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith" (v. 30)? Notice the stipulation, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (v. 33). 

II.

WERE YOUR FATHER

            The religious leaders of Jesus' day claimed God as their Father (Jn. 8:41).  However, Jesus affirmed:  "If God were your Father, ye would love me:  for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me" (v. 42).  There are people today who claim God as their Father while at the same time rejecting Jesus and his teaching.  Jesus asked:  "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say" (Lk. 6:24)? 

III.

BE FOR US

            Writing to the Saints at Rome, Paul penned:  "What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us" (Ro. 8:31).  We have God's assurance that he will never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).  Though all men forsook Paul he could boldly exclaim:  "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me" (2 Tm. 4:17).  We ought to have the mindset that me and the Lord make a majority against any number of our enemies!

            Search the Bible for other uses of the phrase "If God".  It will make a good study, I guarantee it!

- Donnie Oliver