Disguised Blessings
God's blessings can be disguised as opportunities to help the poor, and investing in them can lead to great rewards.
E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of helping the poor and needy, revealing that by blessing them, we are actually paving a path to greatness and abundance. He highlights how God promises blessings to those who assist the less fortunate, including deliverance in times of trouble, protection, and support in times of need. Adeboye urges listeners to invest in both the physically and spiritually poor around them to access these blessings and to ask God for guidance in recognizing opportunities to help others.
Text
MEMORISE: 'Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.' (Prov 21:13)
READ: Psalm 41:1-3
God works in several ways that are still alien to us. For instance, when God asked us to assist the poor, people often fear they will become impoverished. They would rather keep their substance for themselves.
The passage in today's reading reveals a simple secret to us. When you set out to bless the poor and needy, you are actually following a hidden path to greatness and abundance.
Each good deed shown from your heart to the needy is held in store for you, waiting for your day of need. On that day, it will speak in your favour and your need will be taken care of.
In the parable of the sheep and the goats, which speaks about the judgement of the nations (Matt 25:31-46), our Lord Jesus Christ revealed that some people who had asked to see him actually saw him, but did not recognize him, and therefore treated him badly - all because he came as a needy one.
Jesus further categorized certain characteristics of the poor: they are thirsty for the Word of God; they are hungry and cannot make ends meet; they are naked, sick and imprisoned; they need your attention. God promises seven blessings listed in our reading to the one who will satisfy the needs of the poor: deliverance in times of trouble, protection, sustained alive, openly identified as a blessed person; deliverance from all enemies; support in sickness or sorrow and recovery in weakness.
If you desire such blessings, why not invest in the physically and spiritually poor around you today? You can access these favours through helping the needy. Start today! Don't look too far. They are very near you.
ACTION POINT
Ask God's help to recognize all hidden avenues for blessings
And help you to respond the way he wants you to.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction
- A. God works in several ways that are still alien to us
- B. The passage in today's reading reveals a simple secret to us
- II. The Secret to Blessings
- A. Each good deed shown from your heart to the needy is held in store for you
- B. It will speak in your favour and your need will be taken care of
- III. The Importance of Recognizing the Poor
- A. They are thirsty for the Word of God
- B. They are hungry and cannot make ends meet
- C. They are naked, sick and imprisoned
- IV. The Blessings of Helping the Poor
- A. Deliverance in times of trouble
- B. Protection
- C. Sustained alive
- D. Openly identified as a blessed person
- E. Deliverance from all enemies
- F. Support in sickness or sorrow and recovery in weakness
Key Quotes
“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” — E.A. Adeboye
“Each good deed shown from your heart to the needy is held in store for you, waiting for your day of need.” — E.A. Adeboye
“If you desire such blessings, why not invest in the physically and spiritually poor around you today?” — E.A. Adeboye
Application Points
- Invest in the physically and spiritually poor around you today to access God's favours.
- Start helping the needy without looking too far, as they are very near you.
- Ask God's help to recognize all hidden avenues for blessings and respond the way he wants you to.