The Heart Not the Head

The Heart Not the Head       

(Romans 2:25-29)

A true believer does the will of God from the heart by the Spirit

 I.  It’s Not What You Know but What You Do (vv.25-27)

The word circumcision in the Greek means “the act or rite of circumcision which is removal of the foreskin as a sign of covenant relationship by God with Abraham; they of the circumcision referring to the Jews by ethnicity and nationality. In metaphor, circumcision describes Christians separated from the unclean multitude and truly consecrated to God; the extinction of passions and the removal of spiritual impurity, peritome (4061).

Uncircumcision in the Greek means “having the foreskin, uncircumcised, a Gentile; a condition in which the corrupt desires rooted in the flesh were not extinct, akrobystia (203) this word is also used to describe the entire non- Jewish world including Christian believers depending on context.

Being a believer is has benefit if you do what you know (v.25)

• Fear of the Lord brings prosperity (Psalms 25:12, 13)
• Blessing overtakes the obedient (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)

If you transgress the Law your belief has become unbelief (v.25b)

• The unfaithful will have a place with the unbelievers (Luke 12:42-46)
• Not all who call on the Lord will enter the Kingdom (Matthew 7:21-23)

An unbeliever who keeps the Law he will be regarded as a believer (v.26)

• What matters is keeping God’s commands (John 15:14)
• The friends of God obey his commands (1 John 2:3, 4)

The obedient unbeliever will judge the believer who transgresses the Law (v.27)

• God has revealed himself to all and leaves no excuse (Romans 1:19, 20)
• When the law is followed instinctively it is written on the heart (Romans 2:14-15)

 II.  Actions Speak Louder Than Words (vv.28, 29)

Being a believer is not outward in the flesh (v.28)

• Righteousness is not for appearing religious or pious (Matthew 23:25-28)
• Belief is more than talk (Titus 1:16)

Being a believer is inward from the heart (v.29a, 29b)

• God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
• The tree is known by the fruit it bears (Luke 6:43-45)

         By the Spirit

• We await the hope of righteousness (Galatians 5:5, 6)
• The Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:4-7)

         Not the letter

• Our righteousness must surpass the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 6:1)
• We gain Christ through faith (Philippians 3:7-9)

A true believer receives his praise from Go and not men (v.29c)

• The one commended by God is approved (2 Corinthians 10:18)
• Christ is the reward giver (Revelation 22:12)

Practice over Pretense

Practice over Pretense

(Romans 2: 17-24)

 God is shamed when believers live in hypocrisy

I.  Practice What You Preach (vv.17-23)

Practice- a usual or customary action or proceeding; repetition or exercise of an activity in order to achieve mastery and fluency; the condition of having mastery of a skill or activity through repetition; the act of doing something.

Do not get caught up in being religious (vv.17, 18)

• God is worshipped in vain when lead by tradition (Matthew 15:8, 9; Mark 7:6-8)
• God is worshiped in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)
• Present your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1, 2)

Avoid the impulse for self righteousness (vv.19, 20)

• All have sinned there is no place for self righteousness (1 John1:8-10)
• There is no one good but God (Mark 10:18; Psalms 14:2, 3; 53:2 ,3)
• Do not practice your righteousness before men (Matthew 6:1)
• Your righteousness must surpass the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20; Romans 2:28, 29)

Be sure to practice what you preach (vv.21-23)

• Live by what you teach (Matthew 23:2, 3)
• Be about the Master’s business (Luke 12:42-48)
• Believers are expected to live sensibly (Titus 2:1-8)
• Understanding and application are inseparable (2 Peter 1:1-11)
• Live with the aim of winning the race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Ephesians 5:1)

 II.  God is blasphemed by pretense (v.24)

Blasphemy- impious utterance or action concerning God; in the sense of speaking evil of God (Psalms 74:18; Isaiah 52:5; Romans 2:24; Revelation 13:1, 6; 16:9, 11, 21)

Pretense- pretending or feigning; a false show of something; the act of pretending or alleging falsely.

God is mocked when believers do not practice what they preach (v.24)

• God will not allow His character to be assassinated (Ezekiel 36:16-23)
• We are rebuked when our actions gave opportunity to blaspheme God (2 Samuel 12:1-14)
• Those unwilling to do God’s will have no right to speak of it (Psalms 50:16, 17)
• Avoid those who live in unrighteousness (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
• Nothing is pure to the defiled and unbelieving (Titus 1:15-16)
• Hypocrites will hinder your spiritual growth (Matthew 23:13)
• Woe to those who cause others to stumble (Matthew 18:7)

The Righteous Judge (Part 2)

The Righteous Judge (Part 2)

(Romans 2:12-16)

 God alone is judge discerning the secrets of the heart  

I.  God Punishes the Sinner (v.12)

• Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4)
• The word law in the Greek means “the rule of action prescribed by reason; of the Mosaic law, and referring, according to the context either to the volume of the law or to its contents” Nomos (3551) this word is used to describe a general principle of law derived by reason or depending on the context the entire law given by Moses or a specific part of the law.
• Two types of sinner identified: Ignorant and Defiant (Romans 2:12)

The Ignorant Sinner

• Those who sin without knowledge of the Mosaic Law perish without its judgment (v.12a)
• Where there is no law there is no transgression of it (Romans 4:15)
• Unintentional sin required an offering (Numbers 15:27-29)

The Defiant Sinner

• Those who sin with knowledge of the Mosaic Law will be judged by the Law (v.12b)
• The defiant sinner blasphemes God (Numbers 15:30, 31)
• Those who practice unrighteousness will suffer God’s wrath (Romans 1:18)
• Christ was punished for all of our sins (Isaiah 53:5, 10, 11; Hebrews 10:11; Romans 8:3)

II.  God Justifies the Righteous (v.13-16)

• The word just in the Greek means “approved of or acceptable of God” dikaios (1342) this word is used to describe our standing with God righteous.
• The word justified in the Greek means “to deem to be right” dikaioo (1344) this highlights the conduct and actions of the righteous.

There is only one acceptable response to the Law (v.13)

• Those who do the will of God will enter the kingdom (Matthew 7:21-23)
• Hearing and not doing is like looking in the mirror then forgetting your reflection (James 1:22-25)
• Only those who practice righteousness are righteous (1 John 3:4-10)
• The Mosaic Law can be divided into three parts, the moral law, the ceremonial law, and the civil law; although the Jews believed that there was no distinction and the whole law should be kept reverently and obediently the New Testament frequently points to the moral requirements alone.

Those living by the Law not having the Law demonstrate its essential requirements made evident through the conscience and thoughts (vv.14, 15)

• The greatest command is to love (Mark 12:30-33)
• The Law is summed up in Love (Galatians 5:14)
• Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:8, 13)
• Love and the conscience is clear (1 John 3:18-22)

God judges the secrets of men through Christ (v.16)

• God alone is Judge (James 4:12)
• God will judge the all things hidden and concealed (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
• God will judge through Christ Jesus (Acts 17:30, 31; John 5:22, 23)

The Righteous Judge

The Righteous Judge

(Romans 2: 1-11)

God alone is judge rewarding everyone according to their deeds

I.  God Is Judge (vv.1, 2)

Those who pass judgment yet practice unrighteousness condemn themselves (v.1)

• The word Judgment in the Greek means “to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong; to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one’s case may be examined and judgment passed upon it; to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure; of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others” Krino (2919) in the text this word is used to describe discernment pronouncing an opinion concerning right and wrong.
• Change starts with you first (Matthew 7:3-5)
• We cannot pass judgment (Luke 6:37)

Judgment rightly falls on those who practice unrighteousness (v.2)

• The word Judgment here in the text means “a decree, judgments; condemnation of wrong, the decision (whether severe or mild) which one passes on the faults of others; in a forensic sense; the sentence of a judge; the punishment with which one is sentenced; condemnatory sentence, penal judgment, sentence; a matter to be judicially decided, a lawsuit, a case in court” Krima (2917) this is a different type of judgment a decree of condemnation.
• The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)
• Those who do not believe are condemned (John 3:18)

II.  God Is Longsuffering (vv.3-5)

Those who pass judgment and practice unrighteousness will not escape judgment (v.3)

• Evildoers will be punished (Proverbs 11:21)
• The wicked will not stand in judgment (Psalms 1:5)

The Love of God leads to repentance (v.4)

• God is ready to forgive (Psalm 86:5)
• Because of God’s Love we are saved (Ephesians 2:4-7)
• God’s patience is for our benefit (2 Peter 3:9)

An unrepentant heart leads to wrath and right judgment (v.5)

• The unrepentant brings judgment upon their house (Exodus 34:6, 7)
• Those who refuse to repent will be broken (Proverbs 29:1)

III.  God Is Impartial (vv.6-11)

God will reward to each person according to their deeds (v.6)

• Everything will be brought into account (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
• Everyone will be rewarded according to their work (Revelation 22:12)
• God gives you what you deserve (Isaiah 3:10, 11)

Perseverance in righteousness leads to eternal life (v.7, 10)

• Perseverance- steady in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
• Don’t grow weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9)
• Stay steadfast in the work of the lord (1 Corinthians 15:58)
• Eternal life is promised to the believer (1 John 2:25)

Persistence in unrighteousness results in wrath and indignation (v.8, 9)

• Wrath- stern or fierce anger; vengeance or punishment as the consequence of anger.
• Indignation- strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base; righteous anger.
• Persistence in wrong doing brings distress (Proverbs 1:24-31)
• What gain is worth the soul (Matthew 16:26)
• The soul that sins will die (Ezekiel 18:4)

There is no respect of person with God (v.11)

• There is no partiality with God (Deuteronomy 10:17; Job 34:19; Colossians 3:25)
• God judges equality (Psalms 11:5-7)
• You reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7,8)

The Good New

The Good News

(Romans 1)

The Gospel reveals God for the purpose of salvation and obedience

I.  We are called to share the Gospel while living obediently by faith (vv.1-6)

The Good News is Jesus Christ (vv. 2-4)

• Jesus is the solution to the sin problem (John 3:14, 15; Matthew 5:17)
• Jesus is the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12)

Every Believer must share the Good News (v.1)

• Being a servant of Christ will cost you we must consider the cost of following Him (Luke 14:25-33)
• Understanding the role of a servant is essential in doing the will of the Master (Matthew 16:24; Luke 14:34, 35; Mark 10:44, 45)

Through Christ we receive favor and foundation for obedience by faith (v.5, 6)

• The Gospel is a gift (Romans 3:23; John 3:16, 17; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; 1Timothy 2:5; 1Peter 3:18)
• True faith is accompanied by corresponding action (James 2:17)

II.  The Gospel is salvation by the power of God through faith (v. 16, 17) 

The Gospel makes us fearless (v.16)

• We are not given a spirit of fear (2Timothy 1:7; Mathew 10:32, 33)
• Salvation is deliverance and defense of the believer (Psalms 23; Romans 8:9-11; John 3:16; Psalms 56:11-13; Ephesians 6:10, 11; 2Peter 1:3, 4)

The Gospel makes us faultless (v.17)

• Faith is the foundation of all believers (Hebrews 11:1, 2)
• We live by faith knowing we are right with God (Romans 4:1-8; Psalms 32:1, 2)

III.  God reveals Himself to all refusing to accept Him brings ruin (vv.18-32)

The inner man is darkened when God is not honored (vv.18-23)

• The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23; Psalms 1:4-6)
• The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalms 19:1)
• All things were created through Christ (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16)
• God desires acknowledgment (Hosea 6:6)
• There is a way that seems right but is not (Proverbs 14:15)

Refusal brings impure desires, unnatural affection, and depravity (vv.24-32)

• What proceeds from a person’s heart defiles them (Matthew 15:18, 19)
• The unrepentant brings judgment upon their house (Exodus 34:6, 7)
• To the unbelieving nothing is pure (Titus 1:15)

Refusal Brings Ruin

Refusal Brings Ruin

(Romans 1:18-32) 

God reveals Himself to everyone and refusing to acknowledge Him results in ruin. 

I.  The inner man is darkened when God is not honored (vv.18-23)

God’s punishment is revealed to all who suppress the truth in wrongdoing (v.18)

• The word wrath in the Greek means “anger exhibited in punishment, hence used for punishment itself” orge (3709) this word in the text is used to describe the punishment or penalty God assigned by God.
• The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)
• Those who don’t walk in unrighteousness are blessed (Psalms 1:1-3)
• Those who suppress the truth will not prosper (Psalms 1:4-6)

All are without excuse because creation reveals God (v.19-20)

• God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)
• All things were created through Christ (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16)
• The heavens declared the glory of God (Psalms 19:1)

God was made known but was not honored and the inner man was darkened (v.21)

• The word heart in the Greek means “the centre and seat of spiritual life; inner man, the soul, or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors; of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence; of the will and character; of the soul so far as it is affected and stirred in a bad way or good, or of the soul as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions” kardia (2588) this word is used to identify the inner man the invisible part of us all.
• God desires acknowledgement (Hosea 6:6)
• What you think in your heart is reality to you (Proverbs 23:7)
• What proceeds from a person’s heart (inner man) defiles them (Matthew 15:18-19)

Vain and useless thoughts give way to foolishness and misplaced trust. (vv.22-23)

• The word of God is foolishness to those who don’t believe (1Corinthians 1:18)
• The fool says there is no God (Psalms 14:1)
• God is the potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8)
• There is a way that seems right but is not (Proverbs 14:12) 

II.  Refusal brings impure desires (v.24, 25)

• Because of their refusal God He gave them over to impure desires. (v.24)
• When God is not honored you have traded the truth for a lie (v.25a)
• When God is not honored the creature is honored instead of the Creator. (v.25b)

III.  Refusal brings unnatural affection (v.26, 27)

• As a result of trading the truth for a lie God gave them over to degrading passions. (v.26a)
• Unnatural affections are the result of degrading passions. (v.26b, 27a)
• When God is not honored unnatural affection and its shameful practice is the penalty. (v.27b)

IV.  Refusal brings depravity (vv.28-32)

• Because of their refusal to acknowledge God He gave them over to a depraved mind. (v.28)
• A corrupt mind results in all manner of unrighteousness. (vv.29-31)
• A corrupt mind does wickedness and also gives approval to others who practice them. (v.32)

The Power of the Gospel

The Power of the Gospel

Romans 1: 16-17 

The gospel is salvation by the power of God through faith 

 I. Gospel makes us fearless (v. 16)

Ashamed: unwilling or restrained because of fear of shame, ridicule, or disapproval

The gospel of Christ demands boldness (v.16a)

• We are not given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
• If we won’t present Christ to others; He won’t present us to the Father (Matthew 10:32, 33)

The gospel is God’s power for salvation to all who have confident trust in Him (v. 16b)

• The word power in the Greek means “inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature” Dunamis (1411) this word highlights God’s strength, force, might, and miraculous power; God’s ability to do anything that provides everything for us all.
• We are saved by the power of God (2 Timothy 1:8-10)
• The word salvation in the Greek means “deliverance, preservation, safety” Soteria (4991) This word is use to describe freedom from the penalty of sin through Christ; the understanding and assurance of all believers as saved; the future glorification and freedom from every earthly ill of all believers at the second coming of Christ Jesus.
• Salvation is deliverance and preservation for the believer (Psalms 23; Romans 8:9-11; John 3:16)
• Salvation is defense and safety for the believer (Psalms 56:11-13; Ephesians 6:10, 11; 2 Peter 1: 3, 4)

Salvation came to the Jews first and then to the rest of the world (v. 16c)

• Bring the gospel home first (Matthew 10:5-7)
• Share the gospel with everyone (Matthew 28:19, 20)

 II. Gospel makes us faultless (v. 17)

Reveal: to make known; disclose; divulge

The gospel to make known the righteousness of God from faith to faith (v.17a)

• The word in the Greek means “justice” Dikaiosune (1343) this points to the graciousness of God establishing a means of redemption and right standing in His sight.
• God’s Justice is made known apart from the Law (Romans 3:21, 22)
• Faith is the foundation of all believers (Hebrews 11:1, 2)
• God forbearance allowed all who trust in Jesus to be established and justified by faith; from their faith to our faith (Romans 3:24-26)

The scriptures declare the righteous live by faith (v.17b)

• This is a different word for righteousness in the Greek which means “approved of, faithful, or accepted by God” Pistis (4102) this word is use to describe one who justified pronounce innocent, faultless, guiltless by God.
• Right standing with God is credit on the basis of faith alone (Romans 4: 1-8; Psalms 32:1, 2)
• We live by faith knowing we are right with God (Romans 5:1, 2; Galatians 3:6-9)
• We live by faith awaiting Christ’s return (Titus 2:11-14)

The Truth Through HIP-HOP

I have always loved rap music but through the years, as I matured spiritually, I felt the need to leave it alone. I found little to no edification contained in the lyrics of my favorite rappers and the music videos, well, that’s another story for another day… A good friend introduced me to Gospel Hip Hop last week and I thought it was only fitting to mention the excellent artist who made me an instant fan, TRIP LEE. He has three albums out with, I believe, one on the way.

I left rap alone entirely because I felt there were no good gospel rappers…until now! I must admit that I stopped looking many years ago and had it not been for a friend I still wouldn’t know! So I suggest you check him out. Trip writes tight rhymes with swagger that aren’t self promoting and his lyrics are theologically sound. If you have family members who listen to rap music I am certain you would rather have them memorize Trip’s lyrics instead of Lil Wayne, Jay-Z or the rest. He’s worth a listen!

TRIP LEE:

• If They Only Knew
• 20/20
• Between Two Worlds

Gospel 101: Introduction to Gospel

 Gospel 101: Introduction to the Gospel

(Romans 1: 1-6) 

We are called to share the Gospel while living obediently by faith.  

I.  The Good News is Jesus Christ (vv. 2-4)

The word gospel in the Greek means “good news” euaggelion (2098), from this word we get evangelism, evangelical, etc. It points to the idea of sharing the good news message.

The gospel is fulfillment of a promise made by God (v.2)

• God announced redemption in the garden (Genesis 3:15)
• Jesus’ suffering was foretold long ago in the scriptures (Isaiah 53)
• Jesus is the solution to the sin problem (John 3:14, 15; Matthew 5:17)
• The scriptures testify of Jesus (John 5:39)

The gospel declares Jesus the Son of God (vv. 3, 4)

• Jesus is God and Man (John 1:1; Galatians 4:4, 5)
• Jesus is the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12)
• Through Jesus we are made right with God (Ephesians 1:3-14)

 II.  Every Believer must share the Good News (v. 1)

The word bond-servant in the Greek means “a slave” doulos (1401); this word is used to describe a slave without the idea of bondage.  In metaphor, a bond-servant is a slave who is freed by his master then being free gives up his own will to his master. The slave willing does the will of his master.

The word apostle in the Greek means “a special messenger or one sent on a mission” apostolos (652); the word apostle also refers specifically to the disciplines of Jesus Christ those who were eye witness to his earthly ministry.

Our relationship with Jesus gives birth to purpose (v. 1)

•  Being a servant of Christ will cost you and He advises us to carefully consider the cost of following Him (Luke 14:25-33)
• We have to know our role; understanding the proper place of a servant is critical to doing the will of the Master (Matthew 16:24; Luke 14:34-35; Mark 10:44, 45)
• You can’t serve two masters (Luke 16:13)
• The servants of Christ were given the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20)
• We are Salt and Light (Matthew 5: 13-16)

III.  Through Christ we receive favor and foundation to live obediently by faith (vv.5, 6)

The word grace in the Greek means “favor, benefit, blessing bestowed as a gift” charis (5485), this word is use to describe the undeserved favor and benefit given by God.

The gospel is a gift (v. 5)

• Gospel of Christ is God’s gracious gift (Romans 3:23; John 3:16, 17; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 3:18)

Those who received the gospel must live obediently by faith (v. 6)

• Salvation comes with responsibility (Philippians 3:14)
• Faith is the result of hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17)
• Obedience through faith is the duty of those called by Christ (Psalm 119:9-11)
• We must act on what we believe; there is only one way God’s Way (Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 7:13-14)
• True faith is accompanied by corresponding action (James 2:17, 18)
• Your obedience reveals who you really serve (Roman 6:16) 

What is Blessing, Part 1

There’s a story of an old jeweler who decided to take on an apprentice. He was up in years and had no children of his to take over the business. He built the jewelry store from the ground up earning the respect of his Community. He was known all over town as a good man.

 The only instructions given to his apprentice was to examine every jewel in the store, one by one. One by one and day after day his apprentice examine the jewels. Several months past by and the apprentice became visibly frustrated with his assignment; the Jeweler recognizing his frustration said “In order to become a great jeweler, you must be able to recognize value. Value is the key my boy!”

 As the Apprentice returned to his assignment a man pulled up and parked in front of the jewelry store. The gentleman walked in the store carrying a silk pouch. He stepped up to the counter and laid four small diamonds before them and said “I need 50,000 dollars for these diamonds.” The Jeweler and the Apprentice both examined the diamonds. Then the Jeweler told his Apprentice get the ledger so he could write out a check.

 While the man was leaving the store the Jeweler said to his Apprentice “50,000 dollars is a lot of money for these small diamonds isn’t it?” Smiling his Apprentice said “Not when they are worth much more!” “Exactly” said the Jeweler “This man just sold all his diamonds for the price of one! You must be able to recognize value!”

 Today, I want to ask a question can you recognize value? Are you able to effectively identify blessings? We live at a time where the most prominent message from the pulpit is God wants you blessed. God wants you to have the big car, the big house, the big bank account. Many believers have subscribed to this because we have failed to recognize value. We have sought to limit God to materialism and free market philosophy. Would this message fly in counties and places where running water is a luxury? Like the Apprentice we need to spend some time examining blessing. We should be able to recognize real blessing. Our ability to recognize blessing will determine how we benefit from God’s abundance. So how do we recognize blessing? Let’s look at Proverbs 10:22.

 ^“22It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich,
         And He adds no sorrow to it.” Proverbs 10:22 NASB

 This proverb offers a true to life reality of blessing and the Holy Spirit provides the answer to our question. Part one of this post will focus on the first line of the proverb “It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich”

God is the source of Blessing

 God is the source of blessing “It is the blessing of the LORD….” Blessing by definition is special favor, mercy, or benefit bestowed by God. Blessing brings happiness and peace. God uses blessing to exhibit his provisional power. He is the gracious giver of gifts, the righteous root of resources, and the benevolent bestower of blessing. God has provided all things to us through blessing. In fact after the creation of man the first thing God did was blessed them (Genesis 1: 28).

 So in order for anything to be a blessing it must first come from God! Already we may have to reclassify some things; ask yourself did God give it to you. Did He give it to you are did you have to lie, steal, or even kill for that thing. By what means did you acquire or hope to acquire the things you call blessing. Will it come at the expense of your marriage, broken fellowship with friends and family, or the delinquency of your children? If God did not give it then it is not blessing, blessing come from the Lord.

Abundance is God’s intended result

Not only does blessing come from God but blessing makes you rich. In original language of the text the Hebrew “ashar” is used, it literally means to make rich. Blessing is designed by God to bring abundance and prosperity in your life. Deuteronomy 28: 1-7 provides a snapshot of what blessing does contingent upon obedience.

 ^“1“Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.  ²“All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God:  ³“Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.  ⁴“Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock.  ⁵“Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.  ⁶“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.  ⁷“The LORD shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-7)

Blessing is a catalyst

 I read an article on the internet about the enzymes contained in our saliva. The article stated that the enzymes in our mouth function as a catalyst for digestion. The enzymes break down the food we eat and convert it into nutrients to fuel our bodies. In fact, without the enzymes at work it could take up to a month to digest one meal. Think about that for a second, without the enzymes or catalyst it could take a month to digest the breakfast you ate this morning! Well, blessing is also a catalyst. God uses blessing to take us places we would never otherwise go and do things seeming impossible. God’s blessings allow us the accomplish things that would otherwise never take place. Unexpected help when in distress, a timely promotion, a sale when money was tight, or just a kind word; no matter how big or small God uses blessing to accomplish His purpose.

Rich means abundance in all areas of life

 Many people are deceived in regards to blessing because they fail to understand what it means to be rich. The word rich simply means abundant in resources, means, and funds. Wealth is abundance and prosperity in all areas of life. There is physical and mental prosperity….health, relational prosperity….God, family and friends, and of course financial prosperity…money. However, money is most always the focus which creates an unbalanced view or perspective on blessing. We see blessing only as a bigger car or a bigger house or a bigger bank account in most cases. Consider this text:

“²Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2)

God desires for us to prosper and be healthy physically and spiritually. True blessing comes from God and will bring happiness and peace in every aspect of your life. Blessing originates with God and God alone. Take the time to examine what you already have and what God has already done in your life. Could you be blessed and don’t know it?