Embracing God's Blessings: A Call to Contentment

 

Summary

Reflecting on the journey of faith, we are reminded of the profound truth that God has blessed us hitherto. This acknowledgment is not merely a statement of past blessings but a call to recognize the continuous and abundant grace that God bestows upon us. Just as Joshua divided the land among the tribes with divine wisdom, we too must accept our lot in life with gratitude and contentment. The dissatisfaction that often plagues humanity is a reflection of our inability to see the divine hand in our circumstances. We are called to rejoice in the portion God has given us, understanding that it is shaped by His sovereign will.

The blessings we receive are not arbitrary but are part of a divine orchestration. Each of us, like the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, has a unique inheritance and a special place in God's plan. We are encouraged to make the most of what we have, to clear the forests and drive out the Canaanites in our lives, symbolizing the obstacles and challenges we face. By doing so, we can fully enjoy the deep river of delights that God has prepared for us.

Moreover, the blessings we have received are not just for our enjoyment but are a testament to God's faithfulness. They serve as a foundation for future blessings, as God's love and grace are unchanging. The continuity and consistency of His blessings assure us that He will continue to bless us in the future. This realization should inspire us to engage in new endeavors for His glory, knowing that He who has blessed us thus far will continue to do so.

As a church, we have witnessed God's hand in our growth and success. From humble beginnings, we have seen His favor multiply our efforts. This is not a time to rest on our laurels but to press forward with renewed vigor. The world is in need of light, and we are called to be that light, to feed the hungry and educate the ignorant. Let us not be content with what we have achieved but strive for more, trusting in the Lord's continued blessing.

Key Takeaways:

- Contentment in Divine Providence: We must learn to be content with the portion God has given us, recognizing that it is shaped by His sovereign will. Our dissatisfaction often stems from a lack of trust in God's plan. By embracing our circumstances, we can find joy and fulfillment. [01:39]

- Unique Inheritance and Special Blessings: Each believer has a unique inheritance and special blessings from God. Like the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, we are called to make the most of our lot, clearing obstacles and embracing the fullness of God's provision. [10:16]

- Continuity of God's Blessings: God's blessings are continuous and consistent, assuring us of His unchanging love and grace. This continuity should inspire us to trust in His future provision and engage in new endeavors for His glory. [16:41]

- Gratitude and Holy Wonder: We should be filled with gratitude and holy wonder at the great loving-kindness of the Lord. Recognizing the magnitude of His blessings should lead us to a deeper appreciation and trust in His goodness. [22:55]

- Pressing Forward in Faith: As a church and as individuals, we are called to press forward in faith, engaging in new projects and endeavors for the Kingdom. The Lord's past blessings are a foundation for future success, and we must not rest but continue to strive for more. [28:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Introduction and Context
- [00:37] - The Challenge of Contentment
- [01:09] - Embracing Our Inheritance
- [02:11] - Divine Predestination
- [03:04] - Enjoying God's Provision
- [04:11] - Confession of Blessings
- [06:06] - Covenant Blessings
- [08:41] - Special Blessings for Each Tribe
- [10:16] - Unique Grace for Each Believer
- [12:47] - Actual Blessings Received
- [14:09] - Source of All Blessings
- [16:41] - Continuity and Consistency of Blessings
- [20:30] - Argument for Future Blessings
- [26:56] - Engaging in New Enterprises
- [28:52] - Pressing Forward as a Church

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 17:4 - "For as much as the Lord hath blessed me hitherto."
2. 2 Samuel 7:18 - "Then went King David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?"

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Observation Questions:

1. How did Joshua demonstrate divine wisdom in dividing the land among the tribes, and what challenges did he face in doing so? [00:17]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of human dissatisfaction with their circumstances? [00:53]

3. How are the blessings received by Ephraim and Manasseh described in the sermon, and what do they symbolize for believers today? [08:41]

4. What is the significance of the phrase "the Lord hath blessed me hitherto" in the context of the sermon? [04:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that contentment is linked to recognizing God's sovereign will in our lives? [01:39]

2. How does the sermon interpret the unique inheritance of Ephraim and Manasseh as a metaphor for the special blessings each believer receives? [10:16]

3. What does the sermon imply about the continuity and consistency of God's blessings, and how should this influence a believer's trust in future provision? [16:41]

4. How does the sermon encourage believers to respond to God's past blessings in terms of future endeavors and projects for His glory? [28:52]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with contentment in your life. How can you begin to see your circumstances as part of God's sovereign plan? [01:39]

2. Identify a "Canaanite" or obstacle in your life that you need to drive out to fully enjoy God's blessings. What steps can you take this week to address it? [03:04]

3. How can you cultivate a sense of gratitude and holy wonder for the blessings you have received, even in challenging times? [22:55]

4. Consider a new project or endeavor you feel called to pursue for God's glory. What practical steps can you take to begin this journey, trusting in His continued blessing? [28:52]

5. How can you actively participate in your church's mission to be a light in the world, feeding the hungry and educating the ignorant? What specific actions can you take this month? [28:52]

6. Reflect on the special blessings you have received in your life. How can you use these blessings to serve others and glorify God? [10:16]

7. In what ways can you remind yourself of God's continuous blessings in your life, especially during times of doubt or fear? [16:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Divine Contentment
In our journey of faith, we are called to embrace the portion God has given us with gratitude and contentment. This involves recognizing that our circumstances are shaped by His sovereign will. Often, dissatisfaction arises from our inability to trust in God's plan, leading us to overlook the blessings He has already provided. By accepting our lot in life, we can find joy and fulfillment, knowing that each moment is part of a divine orchestration. This perspective encourages us to see beyond our immediate desires and appreciate the continuous grace that God bestows upon us. [01:39]

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." (Philippians 4:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with contentment? How can you begin to trust God's plan for you in this area today?


Day 2: Recognizing Our Unique Inheritance
Each believer has a unique inheritance and special blessings from God, much like the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. We are encouraged to make the most of our lot, clearing obstacles and embracing the fullness of God's provision. This involves actively engaging with the challenges we face, symbolized by the forests and Canaanites in our lives, and trusting that God has equipped us with the resources we need to overcome them. By doing so, we can fully enjoy the deep river of delights that God has prepared for us, recognizing our special place in His plan. [10:16]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: What unique gifts or opportunities has God given you? How can you use them to overcome a specific challenge you are facing right now?


Day 3: Trusting in the Continuity of God's Blessings
God's blessings are continuous and consistent, assuring us of His unchanging love and grace. This continuity should inspire us to trust in His future provision and engage in new endeavors for His glory. The blessings we have received are not just for our enjoyment but serve as a foundation for future blessings. By recognizing the consistency of God's faithfulness, we can confidently step into new projects and opportunities, knowing that He who has blessed us thus far will continue to do so. [16:41]

"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." (James 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: What new endeavor or project is God calling you to pursue? How can you trust in His continuous provision as you take the first step?


Day 4: Cultivating Gratitude and Holy Wonder
We should be filled with gratitude and holy wonder at the great loving-kindness of the Lord. Recognizing the magnitude of His blessings should lead us to a deeper appreciation and trust in His goodness. This involves taking time to reflect on the ways God has been faithful in our lives and allowing that reflection to inspire a sense of awe and gratitude. By doing so, we can cultivate a heart that is attuned to His presence and open to the ways He continues to work in and through us. [22:55]

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" (Psalm 34:8, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to list three specific blessings in your life. How can you express gratitude to God for these blessings today?


Day 5: Pressing Forward in Faith
As a church and as individuals, we are called to press forward in faith, engaging in new projects and endeavors for the Kingdom. The Lord's past blessings are a foundation for future success, and we must not rest but continue to strive for more. This involves recognizing the needs around us and responding with action, trusting that God will multiply our efforts as we seek to be a light in the world. By pressing forward with renewed vigor, we can participate in the unfolding of God's plan and witness His continued blessing in our lives and communities. [28:52]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can actively contribute to your church or community this week? How can you rely on God's strength as you take this step of faith?

Quotes


It is not an easy task to divide the land amongst different claimants. Joshua divided Canaan with strict impartiality. He was a man of God and he was also shrewdly wise, as you may gather from many of his speeches. But for all that, he could not satisfy everybody. He who would please all attempts the impossible. God himself is quarreled with. [00:00:22]

Contentment should be natural to those who are born of the spirit of God. Yay, we ought to go beyond contentment and cry, blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits. Brethren, the best advice that I can give to each man among you is that he should endeavor to make the best of the portion which God has given him. [00:01:37]

Let us fall back upon predestination and accept the grand truth that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. An all-wise God disposes his people according to his sovereign will. Let us not seek to alter our destiny, but let us try to make the best of our circumstances. [00:02:39]

Oh sir, if we would but thoroughly enjoy what God has freely given us, we should be happy to the full and even anticipate the joys of heaven. We have a deep river of delights in the Covenant of Grace, yet we are content to paddle about its shores. We are only up to our ankles, the most of us. [00:03:01]

He has blessed you with those blessings which are common to all the house of Israel. Ephraim and Manasseh had received a blessing when God blessed Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, seeing they were in the loins of Abraham. You and I who are in Christ are partakers of all covenant blessings in Christ Jesus. [00:06:13]

The Lord says to each believer, son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. Ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's, and therefore all things are yours. Can you not say the Lord hath blessed me hitherto? Has he ever denied you one of the blessings common to the covenanted family? [00:07:20]

I believe that every flower in a garden which is tended by a wise gardener could tell of some particular care that the gardener takes of it. He does for the daisy what he does not for the sunflower. Somewhat is wanted by the rose that is not required by the lily. [00:10:32]

The Lord hath blessed me hitherto. I think besides this that these two tribes which made up the house of Joseph also meant to say that not only had God blessed them with the common blessings of Israel and the special blessing of their tribe, but also with actual blessings. [00:12:47]

All the blessings that we have received have come from God. Do not let us trace any blessing to ourselves or to our fellow men. For though the minister of God may be as a conduit pipe to bring us refreshing streams, yet all our fresh springs are in God and not in men. [00:14:09]

God has not blessed us and then paused, but he has blessed us hitherto. One silver thread of blessings extends from the cradle to the grave. He hath blessed us hitherto when we have provoked him, when we have backslidden from him, when we have been making an ill use of his blessings. [00:16:41]

The Lord hath blessed me hitherto, and this is cause for holy wonder and amazement. Why should the Lord have blessed me? Pause, my soul, adore and wonder. Ask, oh why such love to me? Grace hath put me in the number of the Savior's family. Hallelujah, hallelujah, thanks, eternal thanks to thee. [00:22:55]

If the Lord has blessed us hitherto, let us go a little further. When certain brethren raise a stone of Ebenezer, they sit down on it. That is not what the stone is meant for. I have a commission to put spikes on the top of those stones. You must not dream of sitting down upon hitherto hath the Lord helped us. [00:28:52]

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Transcript
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