What a Blessing
We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ, and our response should be to be thankful and use these blessings to bless others.
Lewis Gregory preaches on the concept of seeking God's blessings while overlooking the fact that God has already blessed us abundantly through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that all spiritual blessings are already ours in Christ and that we have access to heavenly resources. The key is to receive these blessings by faith and understand that we are blessed to be a blessing to others.
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"Oh, if only God would bless me!" And so we pray, "God bless me . . . with wisdom, with patience, in this decision, in my job, as I teach . . ." and the list goes on. Yet, with all our sincere seeking and praying, we miss the blessing. Why?
One day as I was frantically searching through the house, my wife asked, "What are you looking for?" "My keys." "What is that in your hand?" Much to my amazement, I discovered I had picked up the keys without realizing it.
What is that in your hand? Just consider what God has given you in Christ. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). It states that God has already blessed us with all the blessings. He has blessed us, past tense. But what have we been blessed with? Everything! We have been blessed with the blessing of Christ Himself. And because we have Christ, we have all the spiritual blessings of heaven. Through Christ, all the heavenly resources are at our disposal. You are blessed!
The blessing comes to us through Jesus Christ, and is received by faith (Galatians 3:14). "Knowing that you are thereunto called, that you might inherit a blessing" (1 Peter 3:9). The blessing is your inheritance. Therefore, possess your possessions! Simply accept, by faith, God's bountiful provisions for your new life in Christ. Take it, it's yours.
Why? It is certainly not to consume them upon your own lusts. God has blessed you, so that you might be able to render a blessing. What God told Abraham applies to you as well. "I will bless you and you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). Yes, God has blessed you in Christ, and now you can be a blessing to others!
Therefore, be thankful to God for all your blessings both great and small. You are blessed! So be who you are . . . a blessing!
Sermon Outline
- The Misunderstanding of Blessings
- We pray for blessings, but often miss them
- Why do we miss the blessing?
Key Quotes
“What is that in your hand?” — Lewis Gregory
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” — Lewis Gregory
“I will bless you and you will be a blessing” — Lewis Gregory
Application Points
- Be thankful to God for all your blessings, both great and small.
- Use your blessings to bless others, as God has blessed you to be a blessing.
- Possess your possessions and use them to render a blessing to others.