Question: Where in the Bible can I find the verse God helps those who help themselves? “God helps those who help themselves is probably the most often quoted phrase that is not found in the Bible. In actuality, it originated from Algernon Sydney in 1698. Whatever the original source of this saying, the Bible teaches the opposite. God helps the helpless! In Isaiah 25:4 it says, For you have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat... and in Romans 5:6 it tells us, For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. In terms of salvation, we are all utterly helpless. We are all infected by sin (Romans 3:23), and condemned as a result of that sin (Romans 6:23). Nothing we can do on our own can remedy this situation (Isaiah 64:6). Thankfully, God is the helper of the helpless. While we were still sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus paid the penalty that we were incapable of paying (2 Corinthians 5:21). God provided the help that we need precisely because we could not help ourselves. Apart from salvation, there is perhaps a way that the concept God helps those who help themselves is correct. As an example, if you asked me to help you move a piece of furniture, but then just watched me as I moved the furniture for you, I was not actually helping you. I would be doing the work for you. Many Christians fall into the trap of inactivity. Many Christians ask God for help, but then expect God to do everything Himself. They excuse this by pointing to the fact that God will provide according to His will and in His timing. However, this is not a reason for inactivity. As a specific example, if you are in need of a job, ask the Lord to help you find a job…but then be active in actually looking for a job. While it is in His power to do so, it is highly unlikely that God will cause employers to come looking for you! The first time I heard this phrase was in Church, would you believe? I remember it was from a priest during his homily…no proof was offered, no biblical text cited. But it got to me researching this phrase and also made me approach the priest to explain to me further how to go about helping myself…but surprise, surprise; he just couldn’t explain nor lead me to Scripture to help me with my questioning. This also led me to ask people (all Christians), if they had agreed with the statement made by the priest during his homily. I had asked around fifteen people both men and women, but got no satisfying answer from any of them. There are people out there including clergy who quote a lot of things, but if you are not sure question them, and research it yourself. The truth (Word of God) is there for you to refer to at any time, and it never fails. This is why I always encourage people to read Scriptures, which gives all the unanswered questions we may have. God’s Word just cannot go wrong. If a phase is quoted by anyone and is not Scripture based (where our faith is concerned) then it is to be ignored. God be with you…
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:08:09 +0000
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