The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1301-R, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 20."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1982. All Rights Reserved.

Questioner

I want to know if there is a place in the Bible that says, "God helps those who help themselves?"

Answer

No, that’s not a Bible verse.

Questioner

Well, I mean if there’s like a place that indicates it or anything?

Answer

Well, let’s see, I can give you an illustration of it back in Judges, there’s a great statement. You remember the great soldier Gideon? Well, Gideon was a great soldier; he took 300 men and won a great victory. And you know what his battle cry was? And I’ve always thought that was a fabulous battle cry. His battle cry was, “the sword of the Lord and Gideon.” Isn’t that good? “The sword of the Lord and Gideon.” Not just the sword of the Lord, not just the sword of Gideon, but “The sword of the Lord and Gideon.” I like that. I think that that’s true: God helps them that help themselves in some ways, in this sense: I don’t think God’s going to do much through you if you’re not going to do much. You know, you’re not going to just sit there and say, “All right God, go; do it.” You know, I mean, I could say, well, you know, the Lord has anointed me to preach, so I’m just going to get up in the pulpit and wait until He gives me something to say. And I think that’s a truism but not Biblical.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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