Israel was the showcase of Gods blessings among the nations. Blessing may be accomplished by what appears to be Gods cursing. As it is written, He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. The Bereans "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. The unnamed author of this epistle reminds these Christians of their Old Testament roots. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. Z. The Abrahamic covenant takes up the promise of blessing: Now the Lord said to Abram, Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your fathers house, to the land which I will show you; and I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. Download Article. Christians often find their third tithe years to be abundant with all types of blessings and invaluable lessons learned. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Gods blessing is the overturning and removal of the curse due to sin. This is one of the reasons Jesus teaching and His offer of the kingdom was rejected. The writer may have meant that they were given promises, but they did not receive them. And on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. At the time of Sarahs death, the land of Canaan was possessed by the Canaanites (Genesis 12:6) and Abraham did not own any part of the promised land. 98 This verse tells us that Abraham was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Email: berean@bereanbiblesociety.org And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets. As we come to the study of divine blessing in our series, we begin by considering Gods promised blessings in the Old Testament. Men are not only condemned because they are destined to destruction, but because they deserve it and have decided for it (see Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 28; John 3:18; Revelation 16:5-6). Steps. Biblical blessings are often associated with protection and happiness. 8. The Promised Blessings and Their Fulfillment in God's - Bible.org Ephesians 1:3-14 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. While the Old Testament records many instances in which Israel suffered for their sins, texts like this one in Psalm 44 indicate there are times when Gods people suffer innocently, for His sake (see verse 22). So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God. If Thy law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction (Psalm 119:92). Salvation is "in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:10). Verse Concepts. Philippians 4:19 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (17) The blessings our Lord accomplished on the cross of Calvary will not all be poured out on men in this life. This is what it means to be truly blessed. Before one can receive . The Israelites of Jesus day also held a distorted view of divine blessings. I must do whatever it takes to be happy, even if that involves disobedience to Gods revealed Word.. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. He called those blessed whom the Jews regarded as accursed. Good will comes to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. What Does It Mean to Be Blessed? | Desiring God No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. Thou dost make us a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing and a derision to those around us. The adversity of those whom Jesus called blessed made them discontent with this world, causing them to look ahead to the promised blessings of the kingdom of God. How will Abraham be blessed, and how will he become a blessing to others? For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. Transcript Craig Scott Pastor, United Church of God All this has come upon us, but we have not forgotten Thee, And we have not dealt falsely with Thy covenant. In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Thy name forever. They are based upon His sacrifice at Calvary but are realized in His coming to judge the earth: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. He and his mother struggled with Isaac and Esau. Then many people will thank God when we deliver your gift. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (CEV), If the place of worship is too far from your home for you to carry there the tithe of the produce that the Lord has blessed you with, then do his: Sell your produce and take the money with you to the one place of worship. Deuteronomy 14:24-25 (TEV), God blesses those who are kind to the poor and helpless. Satan, once our master, has now become our enemy. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. P These are the blessings our Lord Himself brings to pass in His second coming. 2 Peter 2:7-8 49 Bible Verses about Blessings From God - Knowing Jesus The point I wish to underscore here are the two very different categories of saints. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of Gods own possession, to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:3-14). Jesus simply did not fit the mold of Jewish expectations. (18) Christians will suffer--and not just for sin. OpenBible.info Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. of He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. Job 4:6. Abrahams life was not one of uninterrupted bliss, yet he was blessed of God in every way (Genesis 24:1). For there are no pains in their death; And their body is fat. Proverbs 10:22 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 1 Chron 23:13. What is the basis for blessing and cursing? The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. The Lord will bless you with full barns, and he will bless everything you do. Deuteronomy 28:2-8 (NCV), I will also bless the Gentiles who commit themselves to the Lord and serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who have accepted his covenant. Isaiah 56:6 (NLT), A beautiful palace does not make a great king! Full and unhindered blessing can only take place in heaven, when Satan is bound, sin and death defeated, and the things corrupted by sin (including our bodies and this world) made new. But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Paul says, "The world is yours. Neither Gods blessings nor His wrath are fully manifested in this life. Let that sink in. "In everything [ not just some things and not just spiritual things] give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thes. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. What are the promises of God? | GotQuestions.org I call that the showcasing of the blessing of God on the people of God in the Old Testament. There is no geographic center for Christianity. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Luke 14:12-14 (NIV), You will be blessed in every way, and you will be able to keep on being generous. Gods promise to Abraham included a land and a seed. Abrahams seed was to begin with a son. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. One only needs enough faith to be confident God hears and answers our prayers as we desire. His blessings are offered in the form of a promise, and this promise must be believed by faith (see Genesis 15:1-6). Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. S E Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. He said, "I am the God that healeth thee." . Theres no great temple-like edifice in Christianity. At times like these, the Word of God becomes much more precious and meaningful: Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Thy word (Psalm 119:67). They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth. Zechariah 8:13; 14:11 Always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. Often, the Old Testament Israelite had a mistaken concept of Gods blessings. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! Thou dost make us a byword among the nations, A laughingstock among the peoples. The apostle John heard a voice from heaven saying, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13). . Jesus called blessed those who were poor, hungry, and sorrowful. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. Both were cursed with death by being banned from the Garden and the tree of life. Your basket and your kitchen will be blessed. By paying to God what we owe Him (that is, His tithes), He rewards us with blessings. You cannot be richer than a Christian. Dont have a stingy heart. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. God is not the only one who pronounces blessings. Christ is the source of all our blessings; indeed, He is the blessing: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. Spiritual Growth And Physical Blessing - Sermon Central Somehow, in Gods perfect plan and according to Gods promises, Gods blessings would not come apart from suffering. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. His desire was to demonstrate His blessings to all men so that men from every nation would seek blessing in Him. The Hebrews were Christians who came out of Judaism by faith in Jesus Christ. K He protects them and keeps them alive; he publicly honors them and destroys the power of their enemies. Psalm 41:1-2 (LB). Use these Bible verses to remind you of the many blessing you can claim as a child of God! But in addition to the deserved suffering of Israel, many godly Israelites suffered. The blessing of God directly relates to two matters: (1) the overcoming of Gods curse, and (2) the cursing of Satan which promises his condemnation and destruction. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you Luke 6:20-28). See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit., Saying, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.. They would do well to give more thought to the blessings of God as defined in Scripture. 1. They understood that the blessings God promised were not material, but spiritual, and that they were not temporal, but eternal. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. This is the profession of Job: And he said, Naked I came from my mothers womb, and naked I shall return there. Ephesians 6:12-13,15-19 And that about wraps it up. God is - bible.com Perhaps best of all, our suffering for Christs sake deepens our love for our Lord and our fellowship with Him: More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Uphold me with Your generous Spirit. Bible prophecy reveals that the descendants of Esau will exist in the end time. For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. But Jesus taught us explicitly not to expect them now. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. It is the blessing which comes from faith in Jesus Christ and not from human effort or achievement. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Blessings that we receive, whether material or spiritual, all have to do with the coming of God's Kingdom, whether here and now in small glimpses, or eternally when God makes all things new (Revelation 21:5, Isaiah 43:19). But what of Gods eternal blessings? C They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Related Topics: Dispensational / Covenantal Theology, Theology Proper (God), Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. G But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. There are no priests or saints through whom we have to go to God, but only Jesus Christ. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. Gods blessing is found in trusting and obeying God and in the resulting enjoyment (blessing) of His presence and fellowship. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. 1:9,10). List Of Over 80 Blessings In The Bible - Believers Portal Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. If a nation turned from God, its promised blessings would be taken away: At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! God blesses the Christian by bearing our curse in the person of Jesus Christ. 1:9,10). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:8-12). I love it. Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.". What Does the Bible Say About Blessings? - OpenBible.info The land of Canaan was not to be possessed until Abrahams offspring had been oppressed and enslaved for four hundred years. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. You do not have to fear the future when God's hand is over your life. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. M Only God can make something good from that which seems evil at the moment. I believe this text provides the key to understanding Gods blessings, especially their relationship to suffering and adversity. Some Christians seem to be saying that we can be assured of receiving all the promises now. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. But for Thy sake we are killed all day long; We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? The prophets suffered themselves and also spoke of the Messiah to come as the One who would suffer for the sins of men (Isaiah 52:13--53:12). Thou dost give us as sheep to be eaten, And hast scattered us among the nations. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your Gods, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. Deuteronomy 15:10 (Msg), Worship the Lord your God and his blessing will be on your food and water. H Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff Then Jacob made a vow, saying, If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.. God promised to finish the work He started in us (Philippians 1:6). Every word in the Bible is for us; for our learning. This leads us right into the fourth blessing ( Ephesians 1:7 ), the redemption through His blood. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. They would do especially well to give careful thought to this text in Hebrews: And what more shall I say? Labs The Christian life should be lived out in the light of the superiority of God's promised blessings in comparison to the "blessings" an ungodly world holds out to us (Hebrews 11:24-26). Temporal blessings are experienced by sinners, living in a sin-cursed world. The son was just the beginning. They are paupers I mean, poverty-stricken paupers compared to the lowliest Christian. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Cite this page: Editor: Stephen Smith. One can imagine how shocked men were to hear Jesus teach about Gods blessing and cursing precisely opposite from their own view: And turning His gaze on His disciples, He began to say, Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. We must view such blessing and suffering as temporary and not eternal. 103 Notice that while these saints obtained promises (verse 33) they did not receive what was promised (verse 39). So remove evil from your house. Job 22:23 (NCV), Even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice. Luke 11:28 (NLT), (Help the unfortunate) and you will be blessed. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Thats in the list: All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death. Death is yours. (1) The Jews thought of Gods blessings primarily in terms of the here and now, while Gods Word speaks of the fulfillment of His promised blessings in terms of the future. These are not always material blessings, however. Routinely, such letters go in the trash without my even opening them. But this command I gave them: Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God (1 Peter 4:14-16). Awake, do not reject us forever. This child was not merely an adopted heir, but Abrahams own son (Genesis 15:1-6). And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But Peter was wrong for supposing that Gods blessings were incompatible with suffering. Abraham had to buy a small parcel of ground for a burial site for his family (Genesis 23:1-20). Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Pastor John, hello! (10) Blessing and cursing have present manifestations, but they are not fully manifested until the second coming of Christ. It is by blessing Him that we enjoy Gods blessings, rather than the curse of sin. What is a blessing according to the Bible? - GotQuestions.org Just as our Lord suffered because of His identification with sinful men, so God has purposed that we who trust in Him should suffer because of our identification with Him. - Numbers 6:24-26. The blessings of God are not inconsistent with suffering. May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! A Prayer for God's Power. Strengthen and help me, Lord. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. God chose Israel as the object of His blessings. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. - THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR DIVINE ORDINATION TO THE BLESSINGS OF GRACE. 5:18). June 10, 2013. 5:18). Peter rebuked our Lord for speaking of His own suffering (see Matthew 16:21-22). To belong to Christ is to belong to God as our Father and to be heirs of all that God owns that is, everything. It does not tell us that he was seventy-five when he first received the promise of a son. Berean Bible Society (9) Blessing or cursing are not necessarily evident in the means God employs to produce His desired goal. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. For the Christian, good includes the blessing of all those who are the called in Jesus Christ. Our blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE, we also believe, therefore also we speak; knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. Their numerical growth concerned the Egyptians and brought about a time of great persecution and affliction. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. For You make him most blessed forever; Whereas, in the Old Testament, Israel had the promise of physical blessing, the church today has been promised spiritual blessings "in the heavenly realms." Our inheritance is reserved for us (1 Peter 1:4). Only in eternity will the full blessings of God be poured out on Gods people. Why dost Thou hide Thy face, And forget our affliction and our oppression? What a verse! The Bible that you hold in your hand is aphysical book with a spiritual message. Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings - Bible Hub Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart. Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him (Deuteronomy 8:2-6). Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10 (NIV), Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. What the Bible says about Blessings, Physical ( From Forerunner Commentary ) Proverbs 3:9-10 By paying to God what we owe Him (that is, His tithes), He rewards us with blessings.