The All-Sufficient God (El Shaddai)

THE ALL-SUFFICIENT GOD (EL SHADDAI)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 17:1

"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty [El Shaddai]; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.’"

Supporting Texts:

2 Corinthians 9:8, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 91:1, Isaiah 40:29-31, Ephesians 3:20

INTRODUCTION:

El Shaddai, meaning "The All-Sufficient God" or "God Almighty," reveals God as the One who has unlimited power and sufficiency to meet every need. This name first appears in Genesis 17:1 when God reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham, declaring His ability to fulfil every promise. El Shaddai is not only all-powerful but also abundantly sufficient, providing everything we need for life and godliness. This sermon explores how El Shaddai manifests His sufficiency in our lives and how we can rely on Him completely.

1. EL SHADDAI IS SUFFICIENT TO FULFIL HIS PROMISES

God's promises never fail because He is all-sufficient to bring them to pass.

a) God’s Promises Are Sure – His Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).

b) God’s Timing Is Perfect – He fulfils His promises in His appointed time (Habakkuk 2:3).

c) God’s Power Brings His Promises to Pass – What He has spoken, He will do (Numbers 23:19).

d) God’s Promises Require Our Faith – We must believe and trust in His sufficiency (Romans 4:20-21).

e) Biblical Example:

Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 17:1-6) – When God revealed Himself as El Shaddai, He assured Abraham that despite his old age, He would make him the father of many nations, showing His sufficiency in fulfilling His promises.

2. EL SHADDAI IS SUFFICIENT TO MEET EVERY NEED

El Shaddai provides not only material needs but also spiritual and emotional sustenance.

a) God Provides All Our Needs – He supplies according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

b) God Strengthens the Weak – His sufficiency empowers us in times of weakness (Isaiah 40:29-31).

c) God Grants Grace in Abundance – His grace is more than enough (2 Corinthians 12:9).

d) God Gives Peace in Every Situation – His sufficiency extends to inner peace and stability (Philippians 4:6-7).

e) Biblical Example:

The Widow’s Oil (2 Kings 4:1-7) – Elisha instructed the widow to pour out her small jar of oil, and God multiplied it, proving that He is more than enough to meet needs.

3. EL SHADDAI IS SUFFICIENT TO EMPOWER HIS PEOPLE

God's sufficiency enables us to accomplish great things for His glory.

a) God Empowers Us to Do His Work – We are strengthened by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

b) God Enables Us to Overcome Challenges – Nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:27).

c) God Gives Us Supernatural Ability – He equips us for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

d) God Sustains Us in Every Season – His sufficiency carries us through trials (Psalm 55:22).

e) Biblical Example:

Gideon’s Victory (Judges 6:11-16) – Despite being weak and fearful, God empowered Gideon to lead Israel to victory, demonstrating that He is all-sufficient.

4. EL SHADDAI IS SUFFICIENT TO SAVE AND RESTORE

God's sufficiency extends to salvation, deliverance, and restoration.

a) God’s Salvation Is Complete – He is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).

b) God Restores the Broken – He brings restoration to those who trust in Him (Joel 2:25).

c) God Redeems the Lost – His sufficiency brings redemption (Colossians 1:13-14).

d) God Heals the Wounded – He is sufficient to bring emotional and physical healing (Exodus 15:26).

e) Biblical Example:

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) – The father’s abundant provision and restoration of his lost son illustrate God’s sufficiency in restoring His children.

5. EL SHADDAI IS SUFFICIENT TO GIVE ABUNDANT LIFE

God’s sufficiency is not just about meeting needs but also about overflowing abundance.

a) God Gives More Than Enough – He does exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

b) God Fills Us with His Presence – In Him, we lack nothing (Psalm 23:1).

c) God Grants Eternal Satisfaction – Those who trust Him will never be in want (John 6:35).

d) God Provides Spiritual Riches – His sufficiency brings eternal blessings (2 Peter 1:3).

e) Biblical Example:

Jesus Feeds the 5,000 (John 6:1-13) – Jesus demonstrated the sufficiency of God by multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude, leaving leftovers.

CONCLUSION:

El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient God, is more than enough to meet every need, fulfil every promise, empower His people, save and restore, and grant abundant life. When we trust in His sufficiency, we lack nothing. No matter what challenges we face, we can rely on the limitless power and provision of our Almighty God.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, I thank You for being my all-sufficient God.

2. Lord, help me to trust in Your sufficiency in every area of my life.