Blessing God: Our Response to His Goodness
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! It's so wonderful to be back with you after our family vacation in May. Today, we are launching a new series called the Summer Playlist Series, which is my favorite series at Hope City. For the next two months, we will take a worship song we sing on Sunday and connect it to a passage of scripture. This approach helps us see that the songs we sing are more than just words; they are infused with God's truth and highlight His character, nature, and principles found in scripture.
We started today with a song by Brooke Ligertwood called "Bless God." Many of us come to church expecting to be blessed by God, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, part of our role as His children is to bless God in return. When we are blessed by God, we are to bless Him back. This is not just about receiving but also about giving back to God through our praise, worship, and thanksgiving.
In Deuteronomy 8:10, it says, "When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you." This verse teaches us that when we are blessed, our response should be to bless God back. This idea of blessing God is tied to praise, singing, worship, adoration, and acknowledging with thankful hearts. We bless God by our thankfulness, gratitude, worship, and praise.
King David knew how to bless God, as seen in the book of Psalms. Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name." David emphasizes the importance of thankfulness when we come into God's presence. Psalm 103:2 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits." David lists some of these benefits, such as forgiveness of sins, healing, redemption, and satisfaction.
We also bless God by displaying reverent fear and awe of Him, praising Him for how He loves us, and obeying His voice. Gathering with other believers to worship Him, thanking Him for who He is and what He has done, and bringing our tithes and offerings are other ways we bless God. When we bring our offerings, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him, and we express our gratitude.
In Genesis 14, Abram blessed God by giving a tenth of all the plunder he had received after a victorious battle. This act of giving was a way for Abram to express his gratitude and bless God. Similarly, we are encouraged to bring our offerings and tithes as a way to bless God.
As we continue to worship, let's remember that blessing God is not about where we are in life but about who He is. Whether we are in the sanctuary, in the fields of plenty, or walking through the darkest valley, we are to bless God for who He is. Let's lift our voices, bring our offerings, and bless God with our praise and worship.
### Key Takeaways
1. Blessing God in Return: When we are blessed by God, our response should be to bless Him back. This is not just about receiving but also about giving back to God through our praise, worship, and thanksgiving. Deuteronomy 8:10 teaches us that when we are satisfied and full, we should bless the Lord for the good He has given us. This act of blessing God is tied to our gratitude and acknowledgment of His blessings. [32:09]
2. The Importance of Thankfulness: King David emphasized the importance of thankfulness in our relationship with God. Psalm 100:4 and Psalm 103:2 remind us to enter God's presence with thanksgiving and to remember all His benefits. These benefits include forgiveness of sins, healing, redemption, and satisfaction. By being thankful, we bless God and acknowledge His goodness in our lives. [35:55]
3. Ways to Bless God: We bless God by displaying reverent fear and awe of Him, praising Him for how He loves us, and obeying His voice. Gathering with other believers to worship Him, thanking Him for who He is and what He has done, and bringing our tithes and offerings are other ways we bless God. These acts of worship and obedience show our gratitude and honor towards God. [41:30]
4. Bringing Our Offerings: In Genesis 14, Abram blessed God by giving a tenth of all the plunder he had received after a victorious battle. This act of giving was a way for Abram to express his gratitude and bless God. Similarly, we are encouraged to bring our offerings and tithes as a way to bless God. By doing so, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him and express our gratitude. [54:44]
5. Blessing God in All Circumstances: Blessing God is not about where we are in life but about who He is. Whether we are in the sanctuary, in the fields of plenty, or walking through the darkest valley, we are to bless God for who He is. Our circumstances should not dictate our praise; instead, we should bless God for His unchanging nature and faithfulness. [56:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:14] - Opening Prayer and Tithes
[18:29] - Acknowledging Service Members
[21:40] - Introduction to Summer Playlist Series
[25:06] - Introduction to "Bless God" Song
[29:34] - How Do We Bless God?
[32:09] - Blessing God in Return
[35:55] - The Importance of Thankfulness
[41:30] - Ways to Bless God
[46:52] - Bringing Our Offerings
[54:44] - Abram's Example of Blessing God
[56:43] - Blessing God in All Circumstances
[01:03:02] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 8:10: "When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you."
2. Psalm 100:4: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name."
3. Genesis 14:19-20: "And he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Deuteronomy 8:10, what should our response be when we are satisfied and full? How does this relate to the concept of blessing God? [32:09]
2. In Psalm 100:4, what are the two actions mentioned that we should do when entering God's presence? How do these actions bless God? [35:55]
3. What did Abram do in Genesis 14:19-20 to bless God after his victory? Why was this significant? [54:44]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between receiving blessings from God and blessing Him in return? [26:37]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to bless God when we are satisfied and full, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:10? How does this practice affect our relationship with God? [32:09]
2. How does entering God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, as described in Psalm 100:4, change our attitude and perspective during worship? [35:55]
3. What does Abram's act of giving a tenth of everything in Genesis 14:19-20 teach us about expressing gratitude to God? How can this be applied in our lives today? [54:44]
4. The sermon mentions that blessing God is not about where we are in life but about who He is. How can this perspective help us maintain a consistent attitude of worship and gratitude? [56:43]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt blessed by God. How did you respond? What are some practical ways you can bless God in return this week? [26:37]
2. Think about your usual approach to worship. Do you enter God's presence with thanksgiving and praise? What changes can you make to ensure your worship is more aligned with Psalm 100:4? [35:55]
3. Abram gave a tenth of everything he had as an act of gratitude. What are some ways you can incorporate giving into your worship as a means to bless God? [54:44]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of thankfulness. How can you cultivate a habit of thankfulness in your daily life? What specific steps will you take to remember and acknowledge God's benefits? [35:55]
5. How do you handle worship and gratitude during difficult times? What can you learn from the idea that blessing God is about who He is, not where you are in life? [56:43]
6. The sermon mentioned various ways to bless God, including gathering with other believers and obeying His voice. Which of these practices do you find most challenging, and how can you work on improving in that area? [41:30]
7. Consider your current approach to tithing and offerings. How does your giving reflect your gratitude and desire to bless God? What changes, if any, do you feel led to make in this area? [47:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Blessing God in Return
When we are blessed by God, our response should be to bless Him back. This is not just about receiving but also about giving back to God through our praise, worship, and thanksgiving. Deuteronomy 8:10 teaches us that when we are satisfied and full, we should bless the Lord for the good He has given us. This act of blessing God is tied to our gratitude and acknowledgment of His blessings.
In our daily lives, it is easy to focus on what we need or want from God. However, it is equally important to recognize the blessings we have already received and respond with gratitude. This gratitude can be expressed through our words, actions, and attitudes. By blessing God in return, we acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. This reciprocal relationship deepens our connection with Him and helps us to live a life of thankfulness and praise.
Deuteronomy 8:10 (ESV): "And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you."
Reflection: Think of a recent blessing you have received from God. How can you intentionally bless Him back today through your words, actions, or attitudes? [32:09]
Day 2: The Importance of Thankfulness
King David emphasized the importance of thankfulness in our relationship with God. Psalm 100:4 and Psalm 103:2 remind us to enter God's presence with thanksgiving and to remember all His benefits. These benefits include forgiveness of sins, healing, redemption, and satisfaction. By being thankful, we bless God and acknowledge His goodness in our lives.
Thankfulness is a powerful practice that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It helps us to see God's hand in every aspect of our lives and to appreciate His constant presence and provision. When we cultivate a heart of thankfulness, we are more likely to experience joy and contentment, regardless of our circumstances. This attitude of gratitude not only blesses God but also transforms our own hearts and minds.
Psalm 100:4 (ESV): "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!"
Reflection: Take a moment to list three specific things you are thankful for today. How can you express your gratitude to God for these blessings? [35:55]
Day 3: Ways to Bless God
We bless God by displaying reverent fear and awe of Him, praising Him for how He loves us, and obeying His voice. Gathering with other believers to worship Him, thanking Him for who He is and what He has done, and bringing our tithes and offerings are other ways we bless God. These acts of worship and obedience show our gratitude and honor towards God.
Blessing God is not limited to our words; it is also demonstrated through our actions and attitudes. When we live in a way that honors God, we reflect His character and bring glory to His name. This includes how we treat others, how we use our resources, and how we respond to His guidance. By living a life that blesses God, we become a testimony of His love and grace to those around us.
Psalm 29:2 (ESV): "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness."
Reflection: Consider one specific way you can bless God through your actions today. How can you demonstrate your reverence, praise, or obedience to Him in a tangible way? [41:30]
Day 4: Bringing Our Offerings
In Genesis 14, Abram blessed God by giving a tenth of all the plunder he had received after a victorious battle. This act of giving was a way for Abram to express his gratitude and bless God. Similarly, we are encouraged to bring our offerings and tithes as a way to bless God. By doing so, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him and express our gratitude.
Giving is an act of worship that reflects our trust in God's provision and our recognition of His sovereignty over our lives. When we bring our offerings, we are not only supporting the work of the church but also declaring our dependence on God. This act of generosity is a tangible way to bless God and to participate in His mission on earth. It is a reminder that all we have is a gift from Him, and we are stewards of His resources.
Genesis 14:20 (ESV): "And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand! And Abram gave him a tenth of everything."
Reflection: Reflect on your current giving habits. How can you intentionally use your resources to bless God and support His work? [54:44]
Day 5: Blessing God in All Circumstances
Blessing God is not about where we are in life but about who He is. Whether we are in the sanctuary, in the fields of plenty, or walking through the darkest valley, we are to bless God for who He is. Our circumstances should not dictate our praise; instead, we should bless God for His unchanging nature and faithfulness.
Life is full of ups and downs, but God's character remains constant. By choosing to bless God in all circumstances, we demonstrate our trust in His goodness and sovereignty. This unwavering praise is a powerful testimony of our faith and can inspire others to seek God in their own lives. It is a reminder that our relationship with God is not based on our circumstances but on His unchanging love and faithfulness.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you choose to bless God and praise Him despite your circumstances? [56:43]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "John Romans chapter 10, 13 says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. If you're here this morning, whether you recognize it or not, you're here this morning because you have been blessed by God. And if you've not surrendered your life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior, let me just say that's your first step. There is a God in heaven who loves you, who's for you, who sent his son Jesus. He's the one who's going to take the cross, who's going to take the punishment for your sins and my sins. And right now he's extending his grace and his mercy towards you. And that if you were to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and if you were to believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." [01:03:57]
2. "When is the last time you thanked God for something? For some of you, it might be, well, JT, I thanked him this morning when I woke up. For some of you, you might say, well, I thanked him last night before I went to church. Well, I went to bed and prayed. For some of you, you might think, I don't, I can't remember the last time I thanked God. it's one of the ways that we bless him, when we acknowledge who he is and what he's done." [35:55]
3. "Blessing God is not about where you are in life, what circumstance you find yourself in. Am I on the mountain or in the valley? Are my hands full or are they empty? Have I been satisfied or dissatisfied? Am I encouraged or discouraged? It does not matter where you are at. The reason why we bless God is simply because of who he is." [57:26]
4. "When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord, your God, for the good land which he has given you. In fact, this is where I got the bottom line that I just shared with you, that when God blesses us, we are to bless God back. That idea came from this verse, because this is what the verse is saying. Man, when you have been blessed, you are to bless God back. When you have been blessed, when you have eaten and are satisfied and you're full, your response should be to bless the Lord, your God, for the good land which he has given you." [32:51]
5. "By exalting him above all else, that we should never put anything in front of the name of Jesus. No idol. No person. No image. By obeying his voice, Deuteronomy 27, 10. When we obey God's word, when we know God's word, when we're in God's word, when we're studying God's word, when we're trying to live our lives according to God's word, man, it's blessing him to see his children honoring his word and his command." [43:07]
### Quotes for Members
1. "not because of our own goodness and our own righteousness. The only reason why I have holy hands is because of the blood of Jesus on my life. Because he has made me clean when he forgave me of my sins. And the only reason I can stand righteous before a holy God is because of what Jesus did for me on the cross. And that's called grace. The only reason why you're in a right standing with God, made righteous, because God's grace was on you. His mercy was on you. His love was on you. His compassion was for you. And he extended that grace and that act of forgiveness towards all mankind. And some of us were smart enough to receive it. And now, because we've been blessed, we are to bless God by bringing him an offering." [46:52]
2. "We bless God by displaying, reverent fear in all of him, right? When we just kind of respect the majesty and the glory and the splendor of God. When we pray like Jesus taught, right, hallowed be thy name, and we get ourselves to that point of who God is, then it's easy to bless him for who he is. Another way is by praising him for how he loves us. First John 4, 9 says that God loves us, but he loves us first. When I think about that, right, while yet I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. While I was still a young, broken man, a young, messed up man, a young man out there living for the world and for the pleasures of this world, man, Christ died for me." [42:21]
3. "if we were to bless God, like, what does that mean? Like, how do we bless God? I mean, we, we understand what it means when God blesses us. Like, when God blesses us, we're encouraged. When God blesses us, many times we're strengthened. When God blesses us, many times we're better off than we were before. But when we bless God, I mean, he's God. How many of you guys have a relative that's so hard to shop for? Right? Like, birthdays and Christmas. You just have that one relative that they're just so hard to shop for. For me, it's my dad. My dad is the hardest guy to shop for on his birthdays, on Father's Day, on Christmas. Jenny and I, we always think, like, what are we going to get your dad this year for his birthday? His birthday just passed. It was on, in May 16th. And it was, we were out of town. We were in Virginia. So we FaceTimed with him. Happy birthday, dad. But when we landed, you know, it's like, hey, we got to get my dad a gift. And we just like, what are we going to get my dad? I don't I mean, he's the hardest guy to shop for. My dad is, he's kind of a simple man. And my dad already, he already has everything that he needs. There's nothing that he needs. In fact, my dad every year tells us, like, hey, don't buy me anything. Because, you know, sometimes Jenny tells me, like, oh, don't get me anything. And then I don't. And then I'm on the couch that night. I'm like, what happened? You told me not to get you anything. But my dad's not like that. When he says don't get him anything, he really means don't get me anything." [30:03]
4. "And I started serving. And in that process of serving, our next core value takes place. Hope builds community. You start building friendships and accountability and relationships with other brothers and sisters who are headed in the right direction. The same direction that you're headed. And then the last thing, hope gives extravagantly. Like that last thing that the Lord gets a hold of is your money, is your tithe. That's why we didn't go, hope finds people. And then the second core value, hope gives extravagantly. Because all of you would be like, say what? Oh, I understand it takes a process. But I just want to encourage someone here today or even a few of you watching online that if you're not giving the Lord an offering, a tithe, you're neglecting one of the ways, right? I listed lots of different ways. But you're neglecting one of the ways of how we bless God." [50:21]
5. "I mean, let's do a little soul inspection. When is the last time you thanked God for something? For some of you, it might be, well, JT, I thanked him this morning when I woke up. For some of you, you might say, well, I thanked him last night before I went to church. Well, I went to bed and prayed. For some of you, you might think, I don't, I can't remember the last time I thanked God. it's one of the ways that we bless him, when we acknowledge who he is and what he's done. And if anyone in scripture knew how to bless God, it was King David. In fact, the book of Psalms is all full of songs of David crying out to God, some in worship, some in anguish. It was just David taking what was in his heart and he's expressing it to God. And when we do that, I'm telling you, it blesses the Lord God." [35:55]
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