As We embark on a spiritual journey from belief to blessing,
we are exploring the profound connection between our faith and the abundant blessings that God promises us.
To guide us on this journey, let us turn to the Holy Scriptures.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
The Foundation of Belief and Our journey begins with belief, a fundamental element of our relationship with God.
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that salvation is a gift from God, given to us by grace through faith. Our belief in God's grace is the bedrock upon which we build our spiritual lives.
Ephesians 2:4-7— 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
If salvation was the accomplishment of man in any way, we could boast about it. But under God’s plan of salvation, God alone receives the glory.
The Challenge of Faith: Faith, however, is not always easy. At times, we may face trials, doubts, and obstacles that challenge our belief. But it is during these moments that our faith grows stronger, for it is in the trials of life that we learn to rely on God's promises.
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
The Blessing of Obedience: As our belief deepens, we understand that true blessings come from obedience to God's will.
Obedience is not a means to earn God's favor but a response to His grace.
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who, through their faith and obedience, experienced God's abundant blessings.
The Blessing of Abraham: Scripture: Genesis 22:16-18 (NIV) “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.”
The story of Abraham serves as a powerful example of how obedience to God's call led to blessings beyond imagination. Abraham's unwavering faith and obedience to God's command ultimately led to the fulfillment of this divine promise.
The Blessing of Contentment: While blessings may include material prosperity, they extend far beyond that.
True blessings encompass peace, joy, love, and contentment that can only be found in a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
The Blessing of Eternal Life: The greatest blessing of all is the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Our belief in Him and His sacrifice on the cross is the gateway to this ultimate blessing.
I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: This was how Paul could say that his thankfulness was not based upon his own need. Even though Paul was in need, he was content where he was at – even in his Roman imprisonment.
-
I have learned: Paul had to learn contentment; it isn’t natural to mankind.
-
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound: Paul reminds us that his contentment was not only theoretical. He actually lived this. Paul had been financially well-off; he had been financially in need.
-
Paul knew how to be abased. “See here the state to which God permitted his chief apostle to be reduced! And see how powerfully the grace of Christ supported him under the whole! How few of those who are called Christian ministers or Christian men have learned this important lesson! When want or affliction comes, their complaints are loud and frequent; and they are soon at the end of their patience.” (Clarke)
-
Paul also knew how to abound. “There are a great many men that know a little how to be abased, that do not know at all how to abound. When they are put down into the pit with Joseph, they look up and see the starry promise, and they hope for an escape. But when they are put on the top of a pinnacle, their heads grow dizzy, and they are ready to fall.” (Spurgeon)
-
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me: This refers to Paul’s ability to be content in all things. To achieve this contentment, he needed the strength of Jesus Christ.
-
Unfortunately, many people take this verse out of context and use it to reinforce a “triumphalist” or “super-Christian” mentality, instead of seeing that the strength of Jesus in Paul’s life was evident in his ability to be content when he did suffer need.
- We must always also put this precious statement of faith in connection with John 15:5: for without Me you can do nothing. With Jesus we can do all things, without Him we can’t do anything.
God created us to be with Him.
Our sins separate us from God
Sins cannot be removed by good deeds.
Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again.
Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life.
Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.
