Stewarding God's Blessings: Gratitude and Generosity
Summary
Blessings come in many forms—spiritual, material, relational, and eternal—and each is a gift from God meant not only for our benefit but also to be shared with others. Genesis 12:2 reminds us, “I will bless you, and you will be a blessing.” This is a call to recognize that God’s blessings are not for us to hoard, but to steward and extend to those around us. Spiritual blessings, such as salvation, peace, joy, and the fruit of the Spirit, are given to us through our relationship with God. Yet, these blessings are not automatically permanent; as seen in the story of King Saul, we have a responsibility to nurture and maintain them through faithful living and repentance.
Material blessings are not to be shunned or idolized, but used wisely. Wealth and possessions are not inherently wrong, but they must never come between us and God. Instead, we are called to use what we have for good, to meet needs, and to further God’s purposes. Relational blessings—family, friends, and community—are some of the most precious gifts we receive. True friends and loving relationships are to be cherished, never abused or taken for granted, as they reflect God’s love and faithfulness to us.
Eternal blessings, the promise of life with God forever, are secure for those who remain in Him. Once we are with God in eternity, nothing can take that away. Our response to all these blessings should be gratitude, stewardship, and generosity. We are to give thanks in all circumstances, recognizing that even in hardship, God’s presence and gifts remain. Stewardship means caring for what God has entrusted to us, and generosity means sharing our time, resources, and love with others—not just money, but also kindness, attention, and support.
Ultimately, the call is to count our blessings, recognize their source, and respond by living lives marked by thankfulness and open-handedness. God’s grace is evident in every good thing we have, and our lives should reflect that grace to the world.
Key Takeaways
- Blessings are Multifaceted and Purposeful
God’s blessings come in spiritual, material, relational, and eternal forms. Each is given not just for personal enjoyment, but so that we might be a blessing to others. Recognizing the diversity and purpose of these blessings helps us live with intentional gratitude and outward focus. [02:29]
- Spiritual Blessings Require Stewardship
Spiritual gifts and blessings are not guaranteed to remain with us if we neglect or misuse them. Like King Saul, we can lose what God has given if we turn away or fail to repent, but restoration is possible through humility and renewed faithfulness. Our ongoing relationship with God is essential to maintaining these blessings. [06:31]
- Material Wealth is a Tool, Not a Treasure
Possessions and wealth are not inherently evil, but they become problematic when they separate us from God or become our primary pursuit. The true test is how we use what we have—whether we allow it to serve God’s purposes and bless others, or let it become an idol. [23:55]
- Relational Blessings Reflect God’s Heart
Relationships—family, friends, and community—are among the greatest blessings we receive. They require care, respect, and selflessness, and should never be abused or taken for granted. Investing in these relationships honors God and brings His love into tangible expression. [29:03]
- Gratitude and Generosity are the Right Responses
Our response to God’s blessings should be continual gratitude, faithful stewardship, and practical generosity. This means giving thanks in all circumstances, caring well for what we’ve been given, and seeking ways to bless others—whether through resources, time, or simple acts of kindness. In doing so, we reflect God’s character and fulfill our calling. [41:56]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - Remembering God’s Promise: Genesis 12:2
[02:29] - Four Types of Blessings
[03:30] - Are Spiritual Blessings Eternal?
[06:31] - The Story of Saul: Losing and Regaining Blessings
[13:09] - Our Obligation to Use God’s Gifts
[14:39] - The Purpose of Blessings: To Bless Others
[17:59] - Spiritual Blessings and the Fruit of the Spirit
[19:21] - Joy and the Holy Spirit’s Help
[21:50] - Material Blessings and Their Purpose
[23:55] - Wealth, Idolatry, and God’s Intent
[24:56] - Relational Blessings: Family and Friends
[29:03] - Cherishing and Not Abusing Relationships
[30:50] - Eternal Blessings: Security in Heaven
[33:40] - Responding with Gratitude
[40:37] - Stewardship: Caring for God’s Gifts
[41:56] - Generosity: Being a Blessing to Others
[43:04] - Worship and Thankfulness
[44:45] - Life Application: Counting Your Blessings
[46:13] - A Prayer of Gratitude
[47:53] - Testimony: God’s Faithfulness
[49:18] - Invitation to Accept God’s Blessings
[49:52] - Closing and Questions
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Blessed to Be a Blessing”
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 12:2 (ESV)
> “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)
> “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
> “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 12:2, what is the purpose of God blessing Abraham? ([00:58])
2. What are the four types of blessings described in the sermon? ([02:29])
3. In Ephesians 1:3, what kind of blessings does Paul say we have received in Christ?
4. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 say about how we should respond to our circumstances? ([33:40])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “God blesses us, not for us to keep. He blesses us for us to bless others.” What does this mean for how we view the things we have? ([00:58])
2. The story of King Saul was used to show that spiritual blessings can be lost if not cared for. What does this teach about our responsibility in our relationship with God? ([06:31])
3. The sermon mentions that material blessings are not bad, but can become a problem if they come between us and God. How can someone tell if their possessions are becoming an idol? ([23:55])
4. Why is gratitude, even in hard times, an important response to God’s blessings? ([35:08])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to “count our blessings.” What is one blessing in your life that you often overlook? How can you become more aware of it this week? ([44:45])
2. Think about the spiritual blessings you have received (like peace, joy, or the fruit of the Spirit). Is there one you feel you have neglected? What is one step you can take to nurture it? ([17:59])
3. When it comes to material blessings, is there something you own or desire that might be coming between you and God? What would it look like to use that thing to serve God or others instead? ([23:55])
4. Who is one person in your life that you consider a relational blessing? How can you show them this week that you value and appreciate them? ([27:54])
5. The sermon says generosity is not just about money, but also about time, kindness, and support. What is one practical way you can be generous to someone this week? ([41:56])
6. When was the last time you gave thanks to God in a difficult situation? What helped you do that, or what made it hard? ([35:08])
7. The story of King Saul shows that blessings can be lost if we turn away from God. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent or return to God to restore a blessing? ([06:31])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
“God, thank you for every blessing you have given us—spiritual, material, relational, and eternal. Help us to see them, care for them, and share them with others. Give us grateful hearts and generous hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Devotional
Day 1: Blessed to Be a Blessing
God’s blessings are not meant to be hoarded but shared; we are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. This means that every gift, whether spiritual, material, relational, or eternal, is entrusted to us with the purpose of passing it on—through acts of kindness, generosity, and love. When we recognize that our blessings are not just for our own benefit, but for the good of those around us, we begin to live out God’s intention for our lives. Whether it’s giving someone your time, a smile, or even your seat on the bus, these are all ways to reflect God’s heart and fulfill the calling to be a blessing. [00:58]
Genesis 12:2 (ESV)
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally bless this week—through your time, encouragement, or resources—and how will you do it?
Day 2: The Nature of Spiritual Blessings
Spiritual blessings are invisible, eternal gifts we receive through our relationship with God, such as salvation, peace, joy, and the Holy Spirit. These blessings are not always automatically permanent; they require our ongoing response, faithfulness, and stewardship. Just as Saul lost his spiritual blessing due to disobedience and lack of repentance, we are reminded that we must nurture and use the gifts God gives us. Spiritual blessings are meant to be cherished, cultivated, and shared, not neglected or taken for granted. [13:09]
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
Reflection: What spiritual blessing have you received that you may be neglecting, and how can you begin to nurture or use it more faithfully?
Day 3: The Fruit of the Spirit in Everyday Life
The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are evidence of God’s work in us and are meant to shape how we live and interact with others. These qualities are not dependent on our circumstances but are sustained by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to respond with joy and love even when life is difficult. We are called to embody all aspects of the fruit, not just the ones that come easily, and to rely on God’s Spirit for the strength to do so. [21:04]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Reflection: Which aspect of the fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging right now, and what is one practical way you can invite the Holy Spirit to help you grow in that area today?
Day 4: Responding to Blessings with Gratitude and Stewardship
Our response to God’s blessings should be continual gratitude and faithful stewardship, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him. Gratitude means giving thanks in all circumstances, not just when things are easy, and stewardship means taking care of what God has entrusted to us—whether it’s our time, talents, relationships, or resources. We are called to be thankful for every blessing, big or small, and to use what we have to honor God and serve others, knowing that to whom much is given, much is required. [35:08]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Reflection: What is one overlooked blessing in your life that you can thank God for today, and how might you steward it more intentionally?
Day 5: The Assurance of Eternal Blessings
Eternal blessings are the promises of God that cannot be taken away—our reward in heaven, our place in God’s family, and the security of His love forever. Once we are with God, these blessings are ours eternally, and nothing can separate us from His presence or His promises. This assurance gives us hope and confidence to persevere, knowing that our ultimate reward is not in this world but in the life to come, where every blessing is made complete in Christ. [30:50]
Matthew 5:12 (ESV)
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal blessings shape your perspective on the challenges and blessings you experience today?
Quotes
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