Preparing for God's Blessings: Faith in Action

 

Summary

In the narrative from 2 Kings 3:16-18, we find a profound lesson on human dependence on God and the necessity of spiritual preparation. The story of the three kings and their armies, who found themselves in a dire situation due to a lack of water, serves as a powerful reminder of human frailty and the limits of human strength. Despite their military prowess, they were rendered helpless by a simple need for water, illustrating how easily God can humble human wisdom and power. This situation led them to seek divine intervention, highlighting how trials can drive us closer to God, transforming affliction into a blessing.

The prophet Elisha's instruction to "make this valley full of ditches" is a call to prepare for God's blessings. It emphasizes the importance of faith and action in anticipation of divine provision. Just as the kings were instructed to dig ditches in preparation for the water God promised, we too must prepare our hearts and lives to receive the Holy Spirit's work. This preparation involves enlarging our desires, engaging in fervent prayer, and actively participating in God's work. It is a call to be proactive in our faith, expecting God to fulfill His promises.

The story also underscores the sovereignty and sufficiency of God's operations. God provided water in a way that defied human expectations, without wind or rain, reminding us that His methods are beyond our understanding. His blessings are not only sovereign but also sufficient, meeting the needs of all. This teaches us to trust in God's timing and methods, knowing that He will provide abundantly for those who prepare in faith.

Finally, the narrative encourages us to expect greater things from God. The promise of victory over the Moabites signifies that God has more in store for us than just meeting our immediate needs. As a church, we are called to be a force against sin and to rely on God's power rather than human institutions. By preparing for God's blessings and trusting in His power, we can expect to see His kingdom advance in mighty ways.

Key Takeaways:

1. Human Frailty and Divine Dependence: The story of the three kings illustrates how human strength and wisdom can be easily humbled by God. In times of need, we are reminded of our dependence on divine intervention, which can transform our trials into blessings. [01:09]

2. Preparation for Divine Blessing: Elisha's command to dig ditches teaches us the importance of preparing for God's blessings. We must actively enlarge our desires, engage in fervent prayer, and participate in God's work, expecting Him to fulfill His promises. [15:23]

3. Sovereignty and Sufficiency of God: God's provision of water without wind or rain highlights His sovereign and sufficient nature. His methods are beyond our understanding, and His blessings meet all our needs, teaching us to trust in His timing and ways. [36:01]

4. Expecting Greater Things: The promise of victory over the Moabites signifies that God has more in store for us than just meeting immediate needs. As a church, we are called to rely on God's power to advance His kingdom and overcome sin. [43:00]

5. Faith and Action in Anticipation: We are encouraged to act in faith, preparing for God's blessings with confidence. By trusting in His promises and engaging in His work, we can expect to see His kingdom advance in mighty ways. [18:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Narrative
- [00:44] - Human Frailty and Divine Dependence
- [01:56] - Blaming Providence
- [03:12] - Tribulation Driving Us to God
- [04:00] - Elisha's Encounter with the Kings
- [06:12] - Elisha's Prophetic Command
- [07:25] - Our Position and Dependence
- [08:42] - The Necessity of the Holy Spirit
- [10:45] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [15:11] - Preparing for God's Blessing
- [18:34] - Acting in Faith and Expectation
- [24:43] - Digging Ditches: A Call to Action
- [35:29] - Sovereignty of God's Operations
- [43:00] - Expecting Greater Things

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Kings 3:16-18

Observation Questions:
1. What specific instruction did Elisha give to the three kings in their time of need? [00:10]
2. How did the lack of water demonstrate the frailty of human strength and wisdom? [01:09]
3. What was the reaction of the king of Israel to their predicament, and how did it reflect human tendencies in times of trouble? [02:10]
4. How did Elisha prepare himself to deliver God's message to the kings? [05:12]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Elisha's command to "make this valley full of ditches" symbolize in terms of spiritual preparation and faith? [15:11]
2. How does the story illustrate the concept of divine sovereignty and sufficiency in God's provision? [36:01]
3. In what ways does the narrative encourage believers to expect greater things from God beyond immediate needs? [43:00]
4. How does the sermon suggest that trials and afflictions can be transformed into blessings through divine intervention? [03:12]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt helpless. How did you respond, and what role did faith play in your response? [01:09]
2. Elisha instructed the kings to prepare for God's blessing by digging ditches. What practical steps can you take to prepare your heart and life for God's work? [15:23]
3. Consider a time when you relied on your own strength rather than seeking God's help. How can you cultivate a habit of turning to God first in times of need? [02:10]
4. The sermon emphasizes expecting greater things from God. What is one area in your life where you need to trust God for more than just the immediate solution? [43:00]
5. How can you actively participate in God's work in your community, and what specific actions can you take this week to engage in this work? [18:34]
6. Reflect on the concept of God's sovereignty and sufficiency. How can this understanding change the way you approach challenges and uncertainties in your life? [36:01]
7. The sermon encourages believers to act in faith and anticipation. What is one promise of God that you need to hold onto and act upon this week? [18:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Human Frailty and Divine Dependence
In the story of the three kings from 2 Kings 3:16-18, we see a vivid illustration of human frailty and the necessity of divine dependence. Despite their military strength, the kings and their armies were brought to a standstill by a simple lack of water. This situation serves as a powerful reminder of how easily human wisdom and power can be humbled by God. It is in these moments of need that we are driven to seek divine intervention, transforming our trials into blessings. The narrative encourages us to recognize our limitations and turn to God, who is always ready to provide for us in ways beyond our understanding. [01:09]

Jeremiah 17:5-7 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of seeking God's help? How can you begin to shift your dependence towards Him today?


Day 2: Preparation for Divine Blessing
Elisha's command to "make this valley full of ditches" is a profound lesson on preparing for God's blessings. The kings were instructed to dig ditches in anticipation of the water God promised, teaching us the importance of faith and action. This preparation involves enlarging our desires, engaging in fervent prayer, and actively participating in God's work. It is a call to be proactive in our faith, expecting God to fulfill His promises. By preparing our hearts and lives, we open ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit's work and the abundant blessings God has in store for us. [15:23]

Isaiah 54:2-3 (ESV): "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to prepare your heart and life for God's blessings? How can you actively engage in His work with expectation and faith?


Day 3: Sovereignty and Sufficiency of God
The provision of water without wind or rain in the story of the three kings highlights the sovereignty and sufficiency of God's operations. God's methods often defy human expectations, reminding us that His ways are beyond our understanding. His blessings are not only sovereign but also sufficient, meeting the needs of all who trust in Him. This teaches us to rely on God's timing and methods, knowing that He will provide abundantly for those who prepare in faith. Trusting in God's sovereignty allows us to rest in His promises, confident that He will meet our needs in His perfect way. [36:01]

Job 37:5-6 (ESV): "God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend. For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and methods, especially in areas where you feel uncertain or anxious? What does it mean for you to rest in His sovereignty today?


Day 4: Expecting Greater Things
The promise of victory over the Moabites signifies that God has more in store for us than just meeting our immediate needs. As a church, we are called to be a force against sin and to rely on God's power rather than human institutions. By preparing for God's blessings and trusting in His power, we can expect to see His kingdom advance in mighty ways. This narrative encourages us to expect greater things from God, knowing that He desires to do more than we can ask or imagine. It is a call to align our expectations with God's promises and to participate in His mission with confidence. [43:00]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What are some specific areas where you can expect greater things from God? How can you align your expectations with His promises and participate in His mission today?


Day 5: Faith and Action in Anticipation
We are encouraged to act in faith, preparing for God's blessings with confidence. Just as the kings were instructed to dig ditches in anticipation of the water God promised, we too must prepare our hearts and lives to receive His work. This involves actively engaging in God's work, trusting in His promises, and expecting to see His kingdom advance in mighty ways. By taking steps of faith and action, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and open ourselves to the abundant blessings He has in store for us. [18:34]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your faith in God's promises? How can you actively prepare for His blessings in your life?

Quotes



Three kings with three armies well skilled in war were gathered to subdue Moab, and lo the whole of the leagued hosts were brought to a deadlock and a standstill by the simple circumstance that there was a want of water. How easily can God non-plus and checkmate all the wisdom and the strength of mankind. [00:00:50]

When tribulation drives us to the Lord, it is an unspeakable blessing and makes affliction prove to us one of our greatest verses. It is a good wave that washes the mariner onto the rock. It is a blessed trouble which wafts the Christian nearer to his God. [00:03:16]

The armies of these kings were in a position of abject dependence; they were dying of thirst; they could not supply their need; they must have from God the help required or they must perish. My brethren, this is just the position of every Christian church. [00:07:47]

If we expect to obtain the Holy Spirit's blessing, we must prepare for his reception. Make this valley full of trenches is an order which has given me this morning for the members of this church. Make ready for the Holy Ghost power. Be prepared to receive that which he is about to give. [00:15:38]

Act not on the mere strength of what you have, but in expectation of that which you have asked. Act for God on the faith of which he will give, rather than on the faith of what you have as yet obtained. Count God's notes of hand as cash. [00:18:36]

Expect great things from a great God. Make this valley full of ditches. Have a holy covetousness of the divine blessing. Never be satisfied with what God is doing in the conversion of souls. Be grateful but hunger after more. If he gives ten souls, ask for a hundred. [00:19:32]

If we are to have a blessing from God, we are every one of us to have a trench ready to receive it. Well, how shall I have mine ready, one says. My answer is, have large desires for a blessing; that is one trench you can all dig. [00:24:48]

Observe my brethren how sovereign the operations of God are. When Elijah wanted rain, there was a cloud seen, and he heard a sound as of abundance of rain, and by and by the water descended in floods. But when God would send the water to Elisha, he heard no sound of rain nor did it drop descend. [00:35:37]

God blesses often by the open ministry and frequently by the personal and more secret action of his people. He can bless as he wills, and he will bless as he wills. Let us not dictate to God. Many a blessing has been lost by Christians not believing it to be a blessing. [00:36:50]

The Lord made his servant tell them that not only should there be water, but he said this is but a light thing in the sight of God. He will deliver the Moabites also into your hand. Greater things are behind and are to be expected. [00:42:55]

There is no way of putting down sin except by getting the Church of God revived. I am ashamed of some Christians because they have so much dependence upon Parliament and the law of the land. Much good may Parliament ever do to true religion, except by mistake. [00:45:10]

Oh for more dependence upon the Living God and less reliance upon an arm of flesh, and we shall see yet greater victories won by King Jesus. So my brethren, let us dig the trenches and continue to ask God to send us the water. [00:46:48]

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Transcript
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