Unlocking Blessings Through Obedience and Generosity
Summary
The discourse on blessings delves into the concept that blessings from God are not merely handed out but are a result of one's dedication and pursuit of God's commandments. It emphasizes that blessings are conditional upon one's obedience and active engagement with God's word. The idea is presented that blessings are not a guarantee of salvation but rather a deeper engagement with the spiritual realm, which requires a diligent and earnest seeking of God.
The discussion highlights the importance of not allowing oneself to be blinded by Satan or one's own shortcomings, such as laziness or mediocrity. Instead, individuals are encouraged to pursue 'god-sized dreams' and to understand the principles of sowing and reaping, as well as the promises of God. The concept of spiritual authority is introduced, suggesting that individuals should be aware of their spiritual headship within their homes and their authority as believers.
The narrative also touches on the topic of money and the spirit of Mammon, which is described as being in opposition to God. It is suggested that money can have a voice that influences people to trust in it rather than in God, and that this is a trap to be avoided. The importance of generosity is underscored, with the assertion that God does not bless giving per se, but rather giving that is done with the right heart.
The text further explores the idea that God is actively looking for opportunities to fulfill His promises and that individuals should not trust in man but in God to seize these opportunities. The concept of diligently seeking God is reiterated, with the notion that erratic or inconsistent behavior will not lead to the fulfillment of God's will in one's life.
The discussion concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to examine their hearts and ask themselves if they are living in accordance with God's promises, if they are generous, and if they are actively pursuing the dreams and opportunities that God has for them. The importance of knowing Jesus as one's personal savior is also mentioned, with an invitation for individuals to seek prayer and breakthrough.
Key Takeaways:
- Blessings are not automatic; they are contingent upon one's obedience and active pursuit of God's commandments. This pursuit involves a consistent and determined effort to align one's life with God's will, which in turn opens the door to blessings that are both spiritual and material in nature. [15:55]
- The concept of spiritual blindness is a significant barrier to recognizing and seizing the opportunities God presents. It is crucial to be vigilant against the distractions and deceptions that can lead to a mundane existence, and instead, strive to live a life filled with purpose and divine promise. [09:53]
- Generosity is a key principle in the realm of blessings. It is not the act of giving itself that God blesses, but the heart behind the giving. A generous spirit reflects a trust in God over material wealth and aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping. [39:02]
- The importance of spiritual authority and understanding one's role as the spiritual head of the household is emphasized. This knowledge empowers individuals to take ownership of their faith journey and to resist the influences that can detract from living out God's promises. [18:01]
- The pursuit of 'god-sized dreams' and the desire for a 'double portion' of God's spirit requires a readiness to embrace challenges and make sacrifices. This pursuit is not for the faint of heart but for those willing to commit fully to following God's lead, regardless of the circumstances. [05:02]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 2:9-10 - "When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?' 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied. 'You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah said, 'yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.'"
2. Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
3. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Elisha ask from Elijah before Elijah was taken up to heaven? (2 Kings 2:9-10)
2. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is necessary to please God and receive His rewards?
3. What conditions are outlined in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 for receiving God's blessings?
4. In the sermon, what are some barriers mentioned that can prevent us from recognizing and seizing God's opportunities? ([09:53])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit was considered a difficult thing? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual authority and commitment? (2 Kings 2:9-10)
2. How does the idea of diligently seeking God, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:6, challenge our daily spiritual practices? ([08:27])
3. What does it mean to "hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord" in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, and how does this apply to our pursuit of blessings? ([15:55])
4. The sermon discusses the spirit of Mammon and its influence. How does this concept help us understand the relationship between money and trust in God? ([20:46])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be spiritually blind or distracted, preventing you from recognizing God's opportunities? How can you address these distractions? ([09:53])
2. Elisha's request for a double portion required him to stay committed until the end. Are there areas in your spiritual journey where you need to show more commitment and perseverance? What steps can you take to strengthen your commitment? ([05:02])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of generosity with the right heart. How can you cultivate a generous spirit in your daily life? Are there specific actions you can take this week to practice generosity? ([39:02])
4. Consider the concept of spiritual authority within your household. Do you understand your role as a spiritual leader? What can you do to better fulfill this role? ([18:01])
5. The sermon encourages pursuing 'god-sized dreams.' What are some dreams or goals you believe God has placed in your heart? How can you take practical steps to pursue these dreams with faith and diligence? ([05:02])
6. How do you handle money and material possessions? Are there ways in which you might be trusting in money rather than in God? What changes can you make to align your financial practices with biblical principles? ([20:46])
7. The sermon calls for a consistent and persistent pursuit of God. What specific habits or routines can you establish to ensure you are diligently seeking God every day? ([09:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Unlocks Divine Blessings
Obedience to God's commandments is the key to unlocking His blessings. It is through a consistent and determined effort to live according to God's will that one can expect to receive both spiritual and material blessings. This pursuit is not passive but requires active engagement with the divine principles laid out in scripture. [15:55]
James 1:22-25 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."
Reflection: In what areas of your life can you improve your obedience to God's commandments to align more closely with His will?
Day 2: Vigilance Against Spiritual Blindness
Spiritual blindness can prevent one from recognizing and seizing the opportunities God presents. It is essential to remain vigilant against distractions and deceptions that can lead to a mundane existence, and instead, strive for a life filled with purpose and divine promise. [09:53]
Ephesians 5:15-17 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is."
Reflection: What distractions or deceptions are currently hindering you from living a life of purpose and how can you overcome them?
Day 3: The Heart Behind Generosity
God blesses not the act of giving itself, but the heart behind the giving. A generous spirit reflects a trust in God over material wealth and aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping. Generosity is an expression of faith and a testament to where one's trust truly lies. [39:02]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How does your current approach to giving reflect your trust in God, and what changes can you make to give more cheerfully and generously?
Day 4: Embracing Spiritual Authority
Understanding and embracing one's spiritual authority is crucial for taking ownership of one's faith journey. As the spiritual head of the household, one has the power to resist influences that detract from living out God's promises and to lead others in the path of righteousness. [18:01]
1 Timothy 3:4-5 - "He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)"
Reflection: What does spiritual authority look like in your life, and how can you better exercise it within your family and community?
Day 5: Pursuing 'God-Sized' Dreams
The pursuit of 'god-sized dreams' requires a readiness to embrace challenges and make sacrifices. This pursuit is for those willing to commit fully to following God's lead, regardless of the circumstances, and to ask for a 'double portion' of His spirit. [05:02]
Habakkuk 2:2-3 - "Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'"
Reflection: What 'god-sized dream' has God placed in your heart, and what steps can you take today to actively pursue it?
Quotes
1) "The blessing of God is not a substitute for praying like it depends on God because everything depends on God." [01:47] (Download)
2) "Success is the byproduct of sacrifice. Success is not something that just comes upon you just because; it's actually a byproduct of your willingness to sacrifice." [01:47] (Download)
3) "God doesn't bless giving; He blesses giving with the right heart." [39:02] (Download)
4) "I want every detail of my life to be in accordance with his word... I want the god-sized dreams, the spiritual blessings, the double portions, the opportunities, and I will not compromise those possibilities." [39:51] (Download)
5) "God is watching over his word to perform it... He is searching the whole world for those whose hearts are fully committed to him." [32:21] (Download)
6) "If you choose not to dream, nothing happens. If you choose not to sow, you won't reap. Period." [24:15] (Download)
7) "Being constant and consistent is always an essential quality needed to diligently pursue your god-given dream. Fickle, flighty, erratic behavior will never produce the fulfillment of God's will in your life." [28:17] (Download)
8) "I believe that everyone can pray a need, but what if we positioned ourselves to pray from knowing Him?" [26:17] (Download)
9) "The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." [32:21] (Download)
10) "I want to be a mountain taker. Elisha asked for a double portion; I want to be filled with a double portion." [40:29] (Download)
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