The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? Bible Verses About Blessings and Prosperity. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets. 5:18). From later history, we know that because of Josephs ill-treatment by his brothers, he was enslaved in Egypt. Those honest enough to admit it reason something like this: God wants to bless me. Proverbs 10:22 tells us that "the blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.". For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Where Moms Connect is a unique mom's ministry curriculum that brings women together and helps them connect naturally, through discussion, Bible study and fun. D His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, Behold, we are your servants. But Joseph said to them, Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? Abrahams life was not one of uninterrupted bliss, yet he was blessed of God in every way (Genesis 24:1). Matthew 16:21-27 God promised every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). And Im going to circle back and probably end there and affirm what he sees and show why it is such a great answer to his own question. Download Article. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. It is also only in eternity that the curse of God will be fully poured out on sinners. Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. Sign up now to receive Two Minutes With the Bible every day in your email inbox. Ephesians 1:3-14 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Psalm 112:1-2 (NIV), Blessed are those who keep my ways. Proverbs 8:32 (NIV), Each of these blessings depends on your not turning aside in any way from the laws I have given you; and you must never worship other gods. Deuteronomy 28:14 (Living), Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law. Psalm 94:12 (NIV), It is sin to despise ones neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor. Proverbs 14:21 (NLT), It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 (NIV), A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9 (NIV), Good people will be generous to others and will be blessed for all they do. Isaiah 32:8 (NLT), Blessed is the man who finds wisdom and gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13 (NIV), A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20 (NIV), The Lords curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. Proverbs 3:33 (NIV), People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell. Proverbs 11:26 (NIV), He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21 (NIV), Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20 (NIV), An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end. Proverbs 20:21 (NIV), It will go well with those who convict the guilty and rich blessing will come upon them. Proverbs 24:25 (NIV), Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. Proverbs 28:14 (NIV), The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. Divine blessing refers to Gods purpose to bring about the good of an individual or nation, His proclamation of this purpose by His promise, and a program of bringing about this blessing which includes suffering and adversity. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. (From Forerunner Commentary). Gods blessing is not based upon human merit or works, but upon His grace. Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Give, and it will be given to you. Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when aroused, Thou wilt despise their form. The point I wish to underscore here are the two very different categories of saints. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! (4) God has the right to bless or to curse men (see Romans 9:19-21). For I will not trust in my bow, Nor will my sword save me. "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways." Psalm 128:1 (NIV) "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. Romans 4:3-8; 5:3-5; 8:18-25, 28; 12:14 Unlike many Israelites in the Old Testament, and most of the Jews of Jesus day, Abraham looked for a better blessing. "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. But notice that in the list of things that belong to us is death. Jacob struggled with Laban (see Genesis 31:42). 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. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Unsplash Read more Site Map About Us Help To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. The very food we eat everyday would also be classified aphysical blessing. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (3) What is the relationship between blessing, faith, and obedience? This false view of blessing justifies ones expectations of no pain and all pleasure in this life. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Bible verses about Blessings. Proud member Peter, who once rejected the idea of suffering, later has much to say about suffering in his epistles. (2) The Jews thought of Gods blessings in primarily physical and material terms and not in spiritual terms. It does not tell us that he was seventy-five when he first received the promise of a son. With the coming of Christ, the blessings of God are more spiritual than material, and they come to those who appear not to be blessed as men would appraise blessing (see Luke 6:20-23). Their journey to the promised land held many trials. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128:1-2 (NCV), Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV), If they listen and obey God, then they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. This leads us right into the fourth blessing ( Ephesians 1:7 ), the redemption through His blood. God also promised Abraham a great land that his seed would possess. Blessings have to do with God's Kingdom. Be glad in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. However there are too many repetition eliminate some of the duplication. The Jews of old and many Christians and others today think of Gods blessings in terms of the immediate enjoyment of physical and material pleasures and the absence of pain. 100 When I speak of innocent suffering here, we must all understand that no mortal is ever innocent, save in the blood of Jesus Christ. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. God's blessings are meant to protect us, guide us to the path of righteousness, and give us hope. I will take away sickness from among you. Exodus 23:25 (NIV), Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV), Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV), Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. Your basket and your kitchen will be blessed. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. 101 See also Matthew 23:29-39; Acts 7:52. (7) Divine blessing is based upon divine grace and not human merit or effort. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. Awake, do not reject us forever. Our blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). This shall never happen to You. But He turned and said to Peter, Get behind Me, Satan! Foolishly, they sought to keep the Israelites subject to them as slaves and to keep them from leaving their land (Exodus 1:8-22). Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect (Hebrews 11:32-40). . In order to receive God's spiritual blessings, one must be in the right spiritual location, that is, in Christ. He was not only to be the son of Abraham but of Sarah as well (Genesis 17:15-21). If a nation repented of its sin and turned to God, its threatened judgment could be averted. Use these Bible verses to remind you of the many blessing you can claim as a child of God! This is to be the pattern for the Christians dealings with others, including our enemies (Matthew 6:44-48; Acts 14:15-17; 17:30-31). Eve was cursed with pain in child-bearing and with the dominion of her husband over her. 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. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. All things are yours.". And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. For example, Genesis 49:1 . By faith, these saints conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises,103 shut the mouths of lions, received their dead back to life, and so on. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. There is a sense in which our suffering bears testimony to the end of sins dominion in our lives (1 Peter 4:1). All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. 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). How is it related to cursing? Our faith in God and in His promise will result in the obedience of faith (Genesis 17:9-14; Romans 4:9-24; Hebrews 11:13-31; James 2:14-26). - Philippians 4:19 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. Judaisms errors concerning divine blessings can be summed up in these statements. For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds (Matthew 16:21-27). To me, it seems like the way God uses blessed or blessings in the Bible is very different from how its used now. As Asaph protested centuries ago in Psalm 73, the wicked may prosper, and the righteous may suffer. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning, Bible Verses about Blessings - Blessed Scripture Quotes. They would do well to give more thought to the blessings of God as defined in Scripture. The story of the rich man and Lazarus underscore this principle (see Luke 16:19-31). (6) Gods glory is revealed in both His blessing and His cursing (see Exodus 34:5-7). But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him. If not, we have reason to question whether our faith is real. A secondary goal is to accomplish the good of those who love God: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Faith and obedience are both necessary because each calls upon us to act, not on the basis of what we see, but on the basis of what He has said. But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. Nevertheless I am continually with Thee; Thou hast taken hold of my right hand. HCSB, ISV, BBE. And said, By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. We now loathe that which we once loved. It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Thy statutes (Psalm 119:71). Such suffering serves as a test of our faith and obedience as we see from Jobs experiences.99 Precisely at times like these, Gods people find their perspectives changing and discover Gods presence as their true source of blessing: Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart! For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.. Gods common grace is extended to all men, without distinction. I have become a cynic when it comes to promises received in the mail. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. But what does it mean to truly be blessed according to Scripture? 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. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! His blessings are offered in the form of a promise, and this promise must be believed by faith (see Genesis 15:1-6). Thou dost make us a byword among the nations, A laughingstock among the peoples. 9:11 (CEV), Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13 (NIV), They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. Psalm 37:26 (NIV), The best of all the first fruits will belong to the priests. The Israelites of Jesus day also held a distorted view of divine blessings. 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. When Christians suffer for Christs sake, it is a blessing. 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.. Next we will look at our Lords teaching on blessing before turning to the rest of the New Testament to study divine blessing. Email: berean@bereanbiblesociety.org 2 Chron 30:27. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. This is what it means to be truly blessed. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Blog, A All of the prophets of Israel were resisted, rejected, and persecuted because they spoke to men for God: And the Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).101. Redemption speaks of buying one's freedom, paying a ransom. Living in the midst of a fallen world itself suffering from the curse of sin (Romans 8:18-25) results in a suffering of soul for the Christian. In what ways does God bless only Christians? But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. Help me to rejoice always, Father, for this is Your will for me. Satan, once our master, has now become our enemy. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. (1) Gods blessing refers to His purpose, pronouncement, and process of bringing about a persons good. God's blessings are meant to protect us, guide us to the path of righteousness, and give us hope. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just. Thats the orientation of Jesus Christ the king. And it shall come to pass, if thou . (8) Divine cursing or condemnation is based upon an individuals decision and works. P And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3). 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. In everything [not just some thingsand not just spiritual things] give thanks: for this is thewill of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thes. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. God was in no hurry to fulfill His promised blessings. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.. Biblical blessings are often associated with protection and happiness. Theres nothing like that in the New Testament. My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Thy works (Psalm 73:1-28). Jacob saw much strife in his family and suffered much over the loss of Joseph and then Benjamin. When we suffer, we do not ask God for the mind of Christ, or the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we ask God to bless us by giving us a life free from the pain and sorrow we are currently experiencing. Your blessings in eternity will not. You cannot be richer than a Christian. The plan of God is to bring about His own glory and the Christians good (or blessing). John 3:16. 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 abuse you. 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. For I was envious of the arrogant, As I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Deuteronomy 8:2-6; 28; 30:15-20 For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future all are yours, and you are Christs, and Christ is Gods. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! This child was not merely an adopted heir, but Abrahams own son (Genesis 15:1-6). When Jesus began to teach His disciples concerning His coming rejection, suffering, and death in Jerusalem, even His disciples reacted. But in the case of these innocent sufferers, their suffering was not attributed to their sin but was the outgrowth of their righteousness. "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. How were these saints so successful? By tracing the fulfillment of this promise through the Scriptures we will better understand Gods blessings. They understood that the blessings God promised were not material, but spiritual, and that they were not temporal, but eternal. 4-14. James 1:2-5 The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. Just a few - of many - New Testament texts make this clear: Mark 1:4-5 And so John the Baptist appeared . What a verse! 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 ESV / 21 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. Pastor Sadler, you referred to our having physical blessings today. 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. In all that he does, he prospers. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. Physical John 3:5 ESV / 23 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. S And they say, How does God know? This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21). Or heres the way James puts it: 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 (James 1:12). The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. Psalm 41:1-2 (NIV), Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. Joseph, one of the Bibles great heroes and a son of Jacob, suffered a great deal in his early life. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Through Thee we will push back our adversaries; Through Thy name we will trample down those who rise up against us. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Browse the best Bible verses about blessings in this collection of scripture quotes: Photo credit: GettyImages/Digitalskillet. Gods blessing is the overturning and removal of the curse due to sin. These saints also had faith, but their faith resulted in perseverance rather than in success or prosperity. They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth. When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. B Gods plan is purposed to bring glory to Himself and blessing to us. This bundle contains the Year of Blessing annual . Christians often find their third tithe years to be abundant with all types of blessings and invaluable lessons learned. 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). Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm Central Time. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. (5) What errors concerning divine blessing can we see in the Jews of old and also in Christians of today? Bible Verses About Blessing Others " The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26 Scriptures on Blessing and Favor Blessing and favor are found with the Lord and amongst His People. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? But in addition to the deserved suffering of Israel, many godly Israelites suffered. of Of how much more value are you than the birds! John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. And in so doing, we actually miss the blessing God has for us in affliction. Humanly speaking, men are blessed or cursed on the basis of their response to Abrahams seed, Jesus Christ (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 24:3-6; 32:1-2; 84:4-5; 89:14-18; John 3:16-18; 14:6; Acts 3:26; Romans 4:6-8; Galatians 3:9, 13-16; 1 John 5:11-12). And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16). For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused,if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctifiedby the Word of God and prayer (I Tim. His desire was to demonstrate His blessings to all men so that men from every nation would seek blessing in Him. Those who identified with Israel and Israels God would also be blessed, as God told Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3). The same errors which plagued the Israelites and Christians of old are popular in evangelical Christianity today. Paul later put it this way: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. Jesus simply did not fit the mold of Jewish expectations. Tools. If we had forgotten the name of our God, Or extended our hands to a strange god; Would not God find this out? Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Your blessings in this life will be mixed with sorrow. At other times, Israels suffering was not due to her unbelief and rebellion. As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. I am not happy. But Peter was wrong for supposing that Gods blessings were incompatible with suffering. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 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. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still . They suppose prosperity is ones reward for being spiritual and that suffering is the consequence of sin. This is the profession of Job: And he said, Naked I came from my mothers womb, and naked I shall return there. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
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