Sustained
Sustained means:
Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His care for His people, His creation, and His promises. The concept of sustaining is rooted in the understanding that:
God is always actively involved in the world and remains faithful to those who trust in Him, sustaining all things.
Hebrews 1:3
who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
In essence, without God sustaining us, the world would fall apart—whether we help or not.
Have you ever had braces? The purpose is clear—straighten your teeth and correct any issues. The braces sustain and support the process, maintaining your progress as you sleep, play, and live your everyday life. In the end, when the braces are removed, you often still need a retainer and follow-up checkups to keep things in place.
Now, think of God as our forever brace—not just supporting us through a season but sustaining us constantly. He is at work in our lives to create an inner beauty, not for just a moment, but for all eternity. Unlike braces, God will never leave us nor forsake us.
God is our eternal brace in life, sustaining us to create an inner beauty that reflects His glory.
- to uphold
- to support
- to maintain
Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His care for His people, His creation, and His promises. The concept of sustaining is rooted in the understanding that:
God is always actively involved in the world and remains faithful to those who trust in Him, sustaining all things.
Hebrews 1:3
who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
In essence, without God sustaining us, the world would fall apart—whether we help or not.
Have you ever had braces? The purpose is clear—straighten your teeth and correct any issues. The braces sustain and support the process, maintaining your progress as you sleep, play, and live your everyday life. In the end, when the braces are removed, you often still need a retainer and follow-up checkups to keep things in place.
Now, think of God as our forever brace—not just supporting us through a season but sustaining us constantly. He is at work in our lives to create an inner beauty, not for just a moment, but for all eternity. Unlike braces, God will never leave us nor forsake us.
God is our eternal brace in life, sustaining us to create an inner beauty that reflects His glory.
Jeremiah 17:5-8
5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.
5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Big Idea: Be Sustaining, To Bring God Glory!
1. Check Your Heart
Jeremiah 17:5
Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord.
One of the recurring themes in the Bible is the heart. Depending on the translation, the word "heart" appears over 500 times in the NIV and over 800 times in the KJV. When something is mentioned this frequently, it's clear that it's of great importance, and we need to pay attention to it. For example, in last week's passage, the word abide was mentioned 10 times—clearly something we need to focus on.
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. –
Matthew 6:21 NLT
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
In Jeremiah 17:5, we see two areas where Satan will attack our hearts in an attempt to pull us away from God:
Paul gives us guidance on how to protect and direct our hearts: What we think about matters! We pour our hearts into whatever consumes our thoughts.
Think about the things you spend time focusing on—whether it’s fishing, hunting, sports, or shopping. When something becomes your obsession, it takes over your heart and mind.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What you think about, spend time on, and consume shapes the direction of your life. The things that fill your mind will inevitably guide your actions and decisions. This can have positive or negative consequences.
In 2 Samuel 13:1-2, we see how Amnon, driven by unhealthy and obsessive thoughts about his sister Tamar, became so consumed with lust that it led to a tragic and sinful act. His thoughts shaped his behavior, and it ultimately led to destruction.
2 Samuel 13:1-2
"In the course of time, Amnon son of David fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom son of David. Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill..."
The things we watch, read, or listen to—whether it’s internet fantasies, videos, or content that feeds unhealthy desires—can warp our thinking and lead us down a destructive path.
Be careful about the voices you choose to listen to. They shape your heart, and soon, trusting in man and flesh will become a life pattern that replaces trusting in God. And when that happens, God gets no glory.
Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord.
One of the recurring themes in the Bible is the heart. Depending on the translation, the word "heart" appears over 500 times in the NIV and over 800 times in the KJV. When something is mentioned this frequently, it's clear that it's of great importance, and we need to pay attention to it. For example, in last week's passage, the word abide was mentioned 10 times—clearly something we need to focus on.
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. –
Matthew 6:21 NLT
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
In Jeremiah 17:5, we see two areas where Satan will attack our hearts in an attempt to pull us away from God:
- Trusting in man
- Making flesh our strength
Paul gives us guidance on how to protect and direct our hearts: What we think about matters! We pour our hearts into whatever consumes our thoughts.
Think about the things you spend time focusing on—whether it’s fishing, hunting, sports, or shopping. When something becomes your obsession, it takes over your heart and mind.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What you think about, spend time on, and consume shapes the direction of your life. The things that fill your mind will inevitably guide your actions and decisions. This can have positive or negative consequences.
In 2 Samuel 13:1-2, we see how Amnon, driven by unhealthy and obsessive thoughts about his sister Tamar, became so consumed with lust that it led to a tragic and sinful act. His thoughts shaped his behavior, and it ultimately led to destruction.
2 Samuel 13:1-2
"In the course of time, Amnon son of David fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom son of David. Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill..."
The things we watch, read, or listen to—whether it’s internet fantasies, videos, or content that feeds unhealthy desires—can warp our thinking and lead us down a destructive path.
Be careful about the voices you choose to listen to. They shape your heart, and soon, trusting in man and flesh will become a life pattern that replaces trusting in God. And when that happens, God gets no glory.
2. Check Your Dependence on God
Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
When we place our trust and hope in God, we find:
Jeremiah 17:8
"For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Here’s how the tree's characteristics reflect our dependence on God:
To be like a tree planted by streams of water is to have constant access to nourishment, growth, and vitality. It symbolizes a life deeply rooted in God’s provision—one that remains steady, fruitful, and full of life, no matter what challenges come our way.
Are we deeply rooted in God, drawing from His never-ending supply of strength, security, stability, and substance? When we depend on Him fully, we can bear good fruit, stay green, and flourish in the midst of life’s heat.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
When we place our trust and hope in God, we find:
- Security
- Strength
- Stability
- Substance
Jeremiah 17:8
"For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Here’s how the tree's characteristics reflect our dependence on God:
- Security: Just like the tree planted near the water, our security comes from God. He is our constant source of stability.
- Strength: The tree’s roots spread deep to find strength in the water. Likewise, we are strengthened when we trust God for our sustenance and growth.
- Stability: The tree does not fear the heat or drought. Similarly, when we depend on God, we can stand firm in the midst of trials, knowing He will sustain us.
- Substance: Just as the tree remains green and healthy, we too can flourish when we are rooted in Christ—bearing the fruits of the Spirit and living a vibrant life of faith.
To be like a tree planted by streams of water is to have constant access to nourishment, growth, and vitality. It symbolizes a life deeply rooted in God’s provision—one that remains steady, fruitful, and full of life, no matter what challenges come our way.
Are we deeply rooted in God, drawing from His never-ending supply of strength, security, stability, and substance? When we depend on Him fully, we can bear good fruit, stay green, and flourish in the midst of life’s heat.
3. Check Your Fruit
Jeremiah 17:8(b)
"Nor will cease from yielding fruit."
A tree's primary purpose is to bear fruit, and it does so consistently. This is also true for believers; our lives should consistently yield the fruit of God's work in us.
Psalm 1:1-3
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."
The tree described here consistently produces fruit in its season, regardless of external circumstances. This symbolizes a life rooted in God's Word and filled with His guidance. Such a life will bear fruit—good deeds, godly character, and a positive impact on others—no matter the environment.
Fruit-bearing comes from:
Remember, bearing fruit requires intentional effort. It's easy to fall into patterns of sin, because our sinful nature pulls us in the opposite direction. However, we are called to resist that pull and continually pursue good.
The struggle between our sinful nature and the Spirit is real, but we are empowered by God's Spirit to bear fruit that honors Him.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Romans 5:12
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Galatians 5:17
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Live a Life of Sustaining in God to Give God Glory, and Your Tree Will Be Fruitful.
"Nor will cease from yielding fruit."
A tree's primary purpose is to bear fruit, and it does so consistently. This is also true for believers; our lives should consistently yield the fruit of God's work in us.
Psalm 1:1-3
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."
The tree described here consistently produces fruit in its season, regardless of external circumstances. This symbolizes a life rooted in God's Word and filled with His guidance. Such a life will bear fruit—good deeds, godly character, and a positive impact on others—no matter the environment.
Fruit-bearing comes from:
- Development of Godly Character
- Good Works
- Impact on Others
Remember, bearing fruit requires intentional effort. It's easy to fall into patterns of sin, because our sinful nature pulls us in the opposite direction. However, we are called to resist that pull and continually pursue good.
The struggle between our sinful nature and the Spirit is real, but we are empowered by God's Spirit to bear fruit that honors Him.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Romans 5:12
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Galatians 5:17
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Live a Life of Sustaining in God to Give God Glory, and Your Tree Will Be Fruitful.
Imagine this: a work glove. It looks good, it has potential, and it's made to protect your hand while working. But here's the catch—the glove can do nothing on its own. No matter how much you try, the glove won’t fulfill its purpose until a living hand enters it and gives it life and purpose.
In the same way, we are like that glove. We are made in the image of God, but we cannot fully fulfill our purpose until we allow the "Living Hand" of God—His Spirit—to enter into our lives and sustain us for His purpose. Without Him, we are incomplete. But when we allow God to use us, He sustains us, equips us, and fills us to fulfill the purpose He designed for us. God created us in His image so that we could live out His purposes, bearing fruit and bringing glory to Him. The question is: Can He use you?
When we allow God to sustain us, we bear fruit. And just like a tree planted by water, we become strong, steady, and fruitful, living for His glory. The purpose of the tree is to grow and produce fruit, and the purpose of our lives is to live in obedience, reflecting God’s glory in everything we do.
So ask yourself today: Are you allowing God to sustain you? Are you letting Him fill you, guide you, and use you for His Kingdom?
- Work Glove: “Do your work, pick up the Bible!”
- Encouragement: “Come on, you can do it!”
- Training: One-on-one guidance and support.
- Fellowship: Connecting with others who encourage you and support your growth.
- Commitment: Take the step of faith—praying, getting baptized, and making a commitment to follow Christ.
In the same way, we are like that glove. We are made in the image of God, but we cannot fully fulfill our purpose until we allow the "Living Hand" of God—His Spirit—to enter into our lives and sustain us for His purpose. Without Him, we are incomplete. But when we allow God to use us, He sustains us, equips us, and fills us to fulfill the purpose He designed for us. God created us in His image so that we could live out His purposes, bearing fruit and bringing glory to Him. The question is: Can He use you?
When we allow God to sustain us, we bear fruit. And just like a tree planted by water, we become strong, steady, and fruitful, living for His glory. The purpose of the tree is to grow and produce fruit, and the purpose of our lives is to live in obedience, reflecting God’s glory in everything we do.
So ask yourself today: Are you allowing God to sustain you? Are you letting Him fill you, guide you, and use you for His Kingdom?
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