How to be Blessed?
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INTRODUCTION:
INTRODUCTION:
1. Blessings are misunderstood!
1. Blessings are misunderstood!
A. There are two major types of blessings.
A. There are two major types of blessings.
1. Spiritual blessings
1. Spiritual blessings
A. These are the blessings endowed only on those people who are in Christ.
A. These are the blessings endowed only on those people who are in Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Eph
1. These blessings can be misunderstood as being only those things which bring physical happiness.
1. These blessings can be misunderstood as being only those things which bring physical happiness.
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
2. One can only have faith tested if that one has faith to begin with.
2. One can only have faith tested if that one has faith to begin with.
B. We as children of God need to be careful that when hard times roll around, we do not consider ourselves not blessed.
B. We as children of God need to be careful that when hard times roll around, we do not consider ourselves not blessed.
1. Hard times bless just as much as good times.
1. Hard times bless just as much as good times.
11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
2. Physical blessings
2. Physical blessings
A. These are blessings that are endowed on all, whether they serve God or not.
A. These are blessings that are endowed on all, whether they serve God or not.
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
1. These blessings can be misunderstood by believing that just because you recieved these blessings, you are in good standing with God.
1. These blessings can be misunderstood by believing that just because you recieved these blessings, you are in good standing with God.
26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
A. Rain falls on the just and the unjust, as well as the sun rises on the evil and on the good.
30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
BODY:
BODY:
1. BE GODLY!
1. BE GODLY!
B. Faithful or not the same principal applies no one can add anything to his stature by worrying.
A. The best way to make sure you are blessed is to be Godly.
A. The best way to make sure you are blessed is to be Godly.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
1. God takes care of His children.
1. God takes care of His children.
Matt 6.24-
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
A. If we look further back in the context of the Scripture that we just read, we will find that this principle does not apply to those who are not God’s children.
A. If we look further back in the context of the Scripture that we just read, we will find that this principle does not apply to those who are not God’s children.
1. If treasure is not laid up in heaven, it will be destroyed by moths, rust, and thieves (Verse 19-21).
1. If treasure is not laid up in heaven, it will be destroyed by moths, rust, and thieves (Verse 19-21).
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matt 6:
2. If your eye is bad, you will be full of darkness (Verses 22-23).
2. If your eye is bad, you will be full of darkness (Verses 22-23).
Matt 6:
22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
3. Matthew goes on to record the impossibility of serving two masters (Verse 24).
3. Matthew goes on to record the impossibility of serving two masters (Verse 24).
24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
B. Then, verse 25 starts with the word “Therefore” and when you see a therefore, you must look back to see what it is THERE FOR.
B. Then, verse 25 starts with the word “Therefore” and when you see a therefore, you must look back to see what it is THERE FOR.
1. You lay up your treasures in heaven.
1. You lay up your treasures in heaven.
2. The lamp of your body is good and full of light.
2. The lamp of your body is good and full of light.
3. And you serve one master—God.
3. And you serve one master—God.
4. Therefore, you do not have to worry about your life, because you will be blessed.
4. Therefore, you do not have to worry about your life, because you will be blessed.
2. Did this mean that just because they were blessed, their life was going to be a cakewalk?
2. Did this mean that just because they were blessed, their life was going to be a cakewalk?
A. Verse 25 says that they were not to worry about their life, what they would eat, drink or wear but is that easy—of course not!
A. Verse 25 says that they were not to worry about their life, what they would eat, drink or wear but is that easy—of course not!
1. Did this mean they were to stop working and providing for their families—of course not!
1. Did this mean they were to stop working and providing for their families—of course not!
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
2. Paul would explain in Second Thessalonians that if a man does not work, neither shall he eat.
2. Paul would explain in Second Thessalonians that if a man does not work, neither shall he eat.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
3. We all have families we have to provide for but the moment something takes precedence in our lives and we begin to worry, we need to stop and reevaluate our lives, because we truly are blessed.
3. We all have families we have to provide for but the moment something takes precedence in our lives and we begin to worry, we need to stop and reevaluate our lives, because we truly are blessed.
A. Is life not more than food and drink (verse 25)?
A. Is life not more than food and drink (verse 25)?
B. Are you not of more value than birds (verse 26)?
B. Are you not of more value than birds (verse 26)?
C. Does not God cloth the lilies of the field (verse 29-30)?
C. Does not God cloth the lilies of the field (verse 29-30)?
D. Oh you of little faith (verse 30).
D. Oh you of little faith (verse 30).
4. Then in verse 31, there is another “therefore” and we know what that means!
4. Then in verse 31, there is another “therefore” and we know what that means!
A. If you believe that you are more important than the birds or the lilies of the field, you won’t worry about what you eat, drink, or wear because you will have faith that God is going to provide.
A. If you believe that you are more important than the birds or the lilies of the field, you won’t worry about what you eat, drink, or wear because you will have faith that God is going to provide.
1. Why?—Because this is what the Gentiles worry about, being the people who don’t have God (Verse 32)
1. Why?—Because this is what the Gentiles worry about, being the people who don’t have God (Verse 32)
32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
2. If you will simply be Godly, you will be blessed (Verse 33).
2. If you will simply be Godly, you will be blessed (Verse 33).
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
2. REALIZE WHERE BLESSINGS COME FROM!
2. REALIZE WHERE BLESSINGS COME FROM!
A. All blessings come from God!
A. All blessings come from God!
43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.
1. Nothing that is evil can bless; it can have the appearance of a blessing, but it cannot bless.
1. Nothing that is evil can bless; it can have the appearance of a blessing, but it cannot bless.
12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
2 Cor 11-12-
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
2 Cor 11.14-
B. Spiritual blessings are from being in Christ.
B. Spiritual blessings are from being in Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
1. No one can be blessed spiritually unless they are in Christ.
1. No one can be blessed spiritually unless they are in Christ.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
A. Salvation is a spiritual blessing, and it cannot be obtained unless you are in Christ.
A. Salvation is a spiritual blessing, and it cannot be obtained unless you are in Christ.
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Mark
B. The Spirit of God is a blessing that cannot be obtained unless you are in Christ.
B. The Spirit of God is a blessing that cannot be obtained unless you are in Christ.
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
C. Forgiveness of sins is a spiritual blessing that cannot be obtained unless you are in Christ.
C. Forgiveness of sins is a spiritual blessing that cannot be obtained unless you are in Christ.
16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
D. The fruit of the Spirit is a spiritual blessing that cannot be obtained unless you are in Christ.
D. The fruit of the Spirit is a spiritual blessing that cannot be obtained unless you are in Christ.
Gal 5.16-
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
C. Physical blessings are from God and everyone can receive them.
C. Physical blessings are from God and everyone can receive them.
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
1. Job was greatly blessed by God.
1. Job was greatly blessed by God.
A. Job’s friend, Eliphaz, told Job he was being punished because he had sinned.
A. Job’s friend, Eliphaz, told Job he was being punished because he had sinned.
Job 4.1-
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: 2 “If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking? 3 Surely you have instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands. 4 Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees; 5 But now it comes upon you, and you are weary; It touches you, and you are troubled. 6 Is not your reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope? 7 “Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? 8 Even as I have seen, Those who plow iniquity And sow trouble reap the same. 9 By the blast of God they perish, And by the breath of His anger they are consumed. 10 The roaring of the lion, The voice of the fierce lion, And the teeth of the young lions are broken. 11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey, And the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
B. Job’s friend, Bildad, said Job needed to repent.
B. Job’s friend, Bildad, said Job needed to repent.
1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: 2 “How long will you speak these things, And the words of your mouth be like a strong wind? 3 Does God subvert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice? 4 If your sons have sinned against Him, He has cast them away for their transgression. 5 If you would earnestly seek God And make your supplication to the Almighty, 6 If you were pure and upright, Surely now He would awake for you, And prosper your rightful dwelling place. 7 Though your beginning was small, Yet your latter end would increase abundantly.
C. Job’s friend, Zophar, urged Job to repent.
C. Job’s friend, Zophar, urged Job to repent.
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said: 2 “Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated? 3 Should your empty talk make men hold their peace? And when you mock, should no one rebuke you? 4 For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.’ 5 But oh, that God would speak, And open His lips against you, 6 That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you Less than your iniquity deserves. 7 “Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? 8 They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? 9 Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea. 10 “If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, Then who can hinder Him? 11 For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it? 12 For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man. 13 “If you would prepare your heart, And stretch out your hands toward Him; 14 If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents; 15 Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;
D. But God inspired the writer of Job to tell us at the beginning of all of this that Job was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
D. But God inspired the writer of Job to tell us at the beginning of all of this that Job was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
E. When the devil took a second shot at Job, God once again said Job was blameless and upright, one who fears God and shuns evil; He also added that Job was destroyed without cause.
E. When the devil took a second shot at Job, God once again said Job was blameless and upright, one who fears God and shuns evil; He also added that Job was destroyed without cause.
3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”
Job
F. Even Job’s wife said to Job, “Curse God and die!”
F. Even Job’s wife said to Job, “Curse God and die!”
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”
G. But Job would not.
G. But Job would not.
10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
1 “My soul loathes my life; I will give free course to my complaint, I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me; Show me why You contend with me. 3 Does it seem good to You that You should oppress, That You should despise the work of Your hands, And smile on the counsel of the wicked? 4 Do You have eyes of flesh? Or do You see as man sees? 5 Are Your days like the days of a mortal man? Are Your years like the days of a mighty man, 6 That You should seek for my iniquity And search out my sin, 7 Although You know that I am not wicked, And there is no one who can deliver from Your hand? 8 ‘Your hands have made me and fashioned me, An intricate unity; Yet You would destroy me. 9 Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay. And will You turn me into dust again? 10 Did You not pour me out like milk, And curdle me like cheese, 11 Clothe me with skin and flesh, And knit me together with bones and sinews? 12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit. 13 ‘And these things You have hidden in Your heart; I know that this was with You: 14 If I sin, then You mark me, And will not acquit me of my iniquity. 15 If I am wicked, woe to me; Even if I am righteous, I cannot lift up my head. I am full of disgrace; See my misery! 16 If my head is exalted, You hunt me like a fierce lion, And again You show Yourself awesome against me. 17 You renew Your witnesses against me, And increase Your indignation toward me; Changes and war are ever with me. 18 ‘Why then have You brought me out of the womb? Oh, that I had perished and no eye had seen me! 19 I would have been as though I had not been. I would have been carried from the womb to the grave. 20 Are not my days few? Cease! Leave me alone, that I may take a little comfort, 21 Before I go to the place from which I shall not return, To the land of darkness and the shadow of death, 22 A land as dark as darkness itself, As the shadow of death, without any order, Where even the light is like darkness.’ ”
H. After all of this, Job would be restored twice as much.
H. After all of this, Job would be restored twice as much.
Job
10 And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Job 42.
2. There is another example of a man who was richly blessed with physical blessings.
2. There is another example of a man who was richly blessed with physical blessings.
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matt 19.16-
A. This man came to Jesus and asked, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life” (Verse 16)?
A. This man came to Jesus and asked, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life” (Verse 16)?
B. Jesus answered, ‘Keep the commandments’ (Verse 17).
B. Jesus answered, ‘Keep the commandments’ (Verse 17).
C. This was not enough for the rich young ruler so he asked, “What do I still lack” (Verse 20)?
C. This was not enough for the rich young ruler so he asked, “What do I still lack” (Verse 20)?
D. Jesus answered him, “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me” (Verse 21).
D. Jesus answered him, “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me” (Verse 21).
E. The young rich ruler “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Verse 22).
E. The young rich ruler “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Verse 22).
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
2. Job was willing to give up his physical blessings in order to receive a spiritual blessing.
2. Job was willing to give up his physical blessings in order to receive a spiritual blessing.
Matt
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
3. The young rich ruler was unwilling to give up his physical blessings to receive a spiritual blessing.
3. The young rich ruler was unwilling to give up his physical blessings to receive a spiritual blessing.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
3. UNDERSTAND WHAT A BLESSING IS!
3. UNDERSTAND WHAT A BLESSING IS!
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
A. A blessing is something that is intended to do us good; whether we see it as good or not, it turns out for the benefit of the one who received it.
A. A blessing is something that is intended to do us good; whether we see it as good or not, it turns out for the benefit of the one who received it.
1. When Jeremiah penned this statement, the children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon.
1. When Jeremiah penned this statement, the children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon.
1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remainder of the elders who were carried away captive—to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This happened after Jeconiah the king, the queen mother, the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the smiths had departed from Jerusalem.) 3 The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, saying, 4 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:
1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remainder of the elders who were carried away captive—to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Jer 29.1-
2. God would tell the Israelites they were cursed by this action.
2. God would tell the Israelites they were cursed by this action.
4 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:
J
Jer 29:
3. Even amidst this horrible time, God was still going to bless them in Babylon.
3. Even amidst this horrible time, God was still going to bless them in Babylon.
Jer 29.
6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished.
Jer
6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.
A. This curse was actually not a curse but a punishment for not being Godly, and this punishment was meant to change their behavior, which made it a blessing.
A. This curse was actually not a curse but a punishment for not being Godly, and this punishment was meant to change their behavior, which made it a blessing.
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
Heb 12:6-
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
1. God’s Word is how He accomplishes this in the New Testament.
1. God’s Word is how He accomplishes this in the New Testament.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 4.
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
2. Like the Israelites, we can still be in bondage today.
2. Like the Israelites, we can still be in bondage today.
17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
4. Why were the Israelites taken into captivity? Because they listened to false prophets.
4. Why were the Israelites taken into captivity? Because they listened to false prophets.
8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord. 10 For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.
Jer 29:8
14 And the Lord said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart. 15 Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who prophesy in My name, whom I did not send, and who say, ‘Sword and famine shall not be in this land’—‘By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed! 16 And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; they will have no one to bury them—them nor their wives, their sons nor their daughters—for I will pour their wickedness on them.’ 17 “Therefore you shall say this word to them: ‘Let my eyes flow with tears night and day, And let them not cease; For the virgin daughter of my people Has been broken with a mighty stroke, with a very severe blow. 18 If I go out to the field, Then behold, those slain with the sword! And if I enter the city, Then behold, those sick from famine! Yes, both prophet and priest go about in a land they do not know.’ ”
Jer 14.
5. Even king Zedekiah was not exempt from this bondage and listening to God, he was told if he obeyed God, he would live but if not, he would die.
5. Even king Zedekiah was not exempt from this bondage and listening to God, he was told if he obeyed God, he would live but if not, he would die.
14 Then Zedekiah the king sent and had Jeremiah the prophet brought to him at the third entrance of the house of the Lord. And the king said to Jeremiah, “I will ask you something. Hide nothing from me.” 15 Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” 16 So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, “As the Lord lives, who made our very souls, I will not put you to death, nor will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life.” 17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘If you surely surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then your soul shall live; this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live. 18 But if you do not surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans; they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hand.’ ” 19 And Zedekiah the king said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have defected to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they abuse me.” 20 But Jeremiah said, “They shall not deliver you. Please, obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you. So it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live. 21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word that the Lord has shown me: 22 ‘Now behold, all the women who are left in the king of Judah’s house shall be surrendered to the king of Babylon’s princes, and those women shall say: “Your close friends have set upon you And prevailed against you; Your feet have sunk in the mire, And they have turned away again.” 23 ‘So they shall surrender all your wives and children to the Chaldeans. You shall not escape from their hand, but shall be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon. And you shall cause this city to be burned with fire.’ ”
14 Then Zedekiah the king sent and had Jeremiah the prophet brought to him at the third entrance of the house of the Lord. And the king said to Jeremiah, “I will ask you something. Hide nothing from me.” 15 Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” 16 So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, “As the Lord lives, who made our very souls, I will not put you to death, nor will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life.” 17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘If you surely surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then your soul shall live; this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live. 18 But if you do not surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans; they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hand.’ ”
Jer 38:14-
Jer 38:14-
6. He could have been blessed, but he disobeyed and resisted.
6. He could have been blessed, but he disobeyed and resisted.
Jer 39.1-
1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 In the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, the city was penetrated. 3 Then all the princes of the king of Babylon came in and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal-Sarezer, Rabmag, with the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon. 4 So it was, when Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, that they fled and went out of the city by night, by way of the king’s garden, by the gate between the two walls. And he went out by way of the plain.
7. Because of his disobedience, he was put to death.
7. Because of his disobedience, he was put to death.
5 But the Chaldean army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. And when they had captured him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him. 6 Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes in Riblah; the king of Babylon also killed all the nobles of Judah. 7 Moreover he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, and bound him with bronze fetters to carry him off to Babylon. 8 And the Chaldeans burned the king’s house and the houses of the people with fire, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
10 Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. And he killed all the princes of Judah in Riblah. 11 He also put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in bronze fetters, took him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.
A. This is how it works for us today as well.
A. This is how it works for us today as well.
1. We disobey God and become slaves to sin.
1. We disobey God and become slaves to sin.
Rom
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?
2. And unless we obey, we die.
2. And unless we obey, we die.
17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
8. This whole account in the book of Jeremiah was purposed to be a blessing, because God was going to restore them after the seventy years.
8. This whole account in the book of Jeremiah was purposed to be a blessing, because God was going to restore them after the seventy years.
10 For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. 15 Because you have said, “The Lord has raised up prophets for us in Babylon”—
Jer 29:10-
B. Blessings from God come in many forms, and sometimes they are hard to understand.
B. Blessings from God come in many forms, and sometimes they are hard to understand.
1. The death of a loved one.
1. The death of a loved one.
2. A child born with a disability of some sorts.
2. A child born with a disability of some sorts.
3. A life of bondage to sin before your eyes are opened that makes you realize how great God really is.
3. A life of bondage to sin before your eyes are opened that makes you realize how great God really is.
4. The loss of everything that causes you to see possessions are not the most important thing in this world.
4. The loss of everything that causes you to see possessions are not the most important thing in this world.
C. Remember Joseph.
C. Remember Joseph.
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
1. His brothers meant it for evil when they sold him, but God meant it for good.
1. His brothers meant it for evil when they sold him, but God meant it for good.
CONCLUSION:
CONCLUSION:
1. When we understand how to be bless...
1. When we understand how to be bless...
A. We will accept the blessings of God, no matter what they are.
A. We will accept the blessings of God, no matter what they are.