Category: Blessings
Blessings
“Indeed I have all and abound”
In the book of Philippians we see Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment. Things were dire. His continued life was dependent upon a capricious Caesar. He was under house arrest.
His brethren in Philippi rallied to his aid in sending by the hand of Epaphroditus necessities during his imprisonment. It is this to which Paul here responds, “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).
It was good and pleasing to God that the Christians in Philippi send aid to Paul. For it, he was greatly appreciative. However, the phrase “Indeed I have all and abound” is especially interesting to me.
No doubt their aid helped. Yet Paul was in prison, and still in danger of losing his life. Paul’s abundance did not depend upon physical aid, but his relationship with God. Even facing death he wrote, “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23-24).
What about you? Can you withstand any circumstance in life if you are guaranteed heaven? May we all look to eternity!
Sermon: “May the Lord our God be with us” (1 Kings 8:57-61)
At Solomon’s dedication of the newly erected Temple, he reveals important truths concerning the relationship that God has with His people.
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Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Our text gives three illustrations to examine truths that come with discipleship.
First is the necessity of enduring hardship. We are described as soldiers, and our discipleship should mirror that. Just as a soldier suffers loss and sacrifice as he gives himself over totally to serving his country, the Christian must do the same to be a faithful disciple (cf. Luke 14:26).
Second, you must carefully follow Christ’s “rules” or requirements to win your crown. An athlete who competes only wins his reward if he is not disqualified by cheating. A violation of the rules is equally problematic to a disciple of Christ (cf. Matthew 7:21-23).
Finally, developing skills to help others will first benefit you! Just as a farmer who plants crops to sell to and feed others, first feeds himself with his produce, the Christian is the first to benefit from his efforts to bring others to Christ! (cf. James 1:25).
Important truths to consider, and to understand! (cf. 7)
Already Full
Paul has an interesting thing to write about the Christian’s blessings, both because of Christ Himself, and the diligent ministry of His servants. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:
“You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” (8-10).
We are so blessed because of our relationship with Christ. All spiritual blessings emanate from Him! So, the hope of heaven and eternal bliss, as well as our opportunity to worship, communicate with Him and learn His will, all enrich us, strengthen us, and help us to find value and purpose in our lives.
Too, we rejoice that others, His servants, are willing to sacrifice so much for our welfare. This is love. This is what Paul and the other apostles were always willing to do. They were willing to die, be made a spectacle, called a fool, and be weak and dishonored, if only their brethren benefited. May others follow their example. As Paul wrote, he wished that the Corinthians would reign, “that we might reign with you!” (8). We all benefit!
The Response of Faith
The apostle Peter began his second epistle with a proclamation of God’s mercy and grace. With His divine power, He “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Further, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises.” Because of this, we “may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (1:2-4).
What a wonderful expression of God’s love. He determined to save man from Himself, and sent His Son. It is through Jesus that God has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). When we have gained so much from Him, the obvious question we should be asking is—how should we respond to His munificence? Continue reading “The Response of Faith”
Sermon: Stop Waiting in Line!
The spiritual blessing we receive in Christ, we do not have to wait to receive. We must only seek them diligently, and God will provide. This includes the salvation of our souls!
Sermon: What’s Standing Between You and Your Blessing?
Speaker: Justin Carrell
God wants us to receive great and wonderful blessings from Him. If we are not receiving them, then there is obviously something wrong on our end, which needs remedying.
Sermon: In Everything Give Thanks
A discussion of things for which we should give thanks: Christ’s victory over sin and death, the revelation of truth, life’s physical provisions, our brethren, God’s grace, the authority of our Lord. All are established scripturally and discussed.
Sermon: God Be Merciful to Us and Bless Us
Psalm 67 is a song of praise to God for His blessings, mercy, sovereignty and fairness. All nations should praise Him, and when we do, He bestows His blessings upon us.
Sermon: He Became Poor – We Became Rich
Paul reveals our blessings in Christ in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 8:9 supplies the premise for this study.
Sermon: The Benefits of a Life Lived for Christ
A life lived for Jesus Christ brings blessings, both while we live upon the earth He created, and most importantly, in eternity!
“I Will Certainly Be With You”
In Exodus 3 we read of God’s conversation with Moses, from the midst of the burning bush. Moses was understandably hesitant to take on the task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. He asked “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (11). In response, God did not seek to stroke the ego of Moses. Such was not needed. It was enough for God to say, “I will certainly be with you” (12). It didn’t matter who Moses was, with God’s help he would be successful in his task.
Sermon: The Assurance of the Benefits of Being a Christian
Sermon by Brantley Gallman.
We receive many blessings as the children of God, which give us joy and confidence as we trust in Him.
Sermon: The Blessings of the Redeemed
Ephesians 2:19-22 expresses the blessings we obtain as a result of our redemption. Our relationship with God gives us so much!
Invitation: “If then you were raised with Christ”
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In Colossians 3:1-3, the apostle Paul shows the obligation of the child of God, based upon what has been obtained through Jesus Christ.
