THE GATEWAY TO GOD’S BLESSINGS 1

THE GATEWAY TO GOD’S BLESSINGS (1)

Main text: Genesis 12: 1-3; Deuteronomy 28: 1- 13

Introduction:  You are already blessed because you are the seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise.  Galatians 3: 29. However, James said faith without works (appropriate planning and actions) is dead (ineffective and unproductive) James 2: 17. It will not produce any fruits. Many people are blessed and yet are living in abject poverty. This is a paradox of life; poverty in the miss of plenty. If someone sends you money from abroad through a bank, you know the money will not jump into your hands. Yes, the money is yours, no doubt but there are things you must know and do before you can take delivery of the money. You need to go to the bank, give them a code or answer a secret question, sign your name etc. provide proofs before you can withdraw the money. In the same, before God’s blessings can yours you have to fulfill all the requirements.

Covenant requirements

1.       Tithe Lev. 27: 30; mal. 3: 8- 12; Matthew 23: 23

2.       Offering Deut. 16: 16- 17; Luke 21 1- 4; 2 Cor. 9: 6- 8

3.       Giving to the poor Lev. 19: 9- 10; Prov. 19: 17; 21: 13; Galatia 6: 10; Matthew 19: 21; John 13: 27- 29

4.       Sacrificial offering Exodus 25: 1-3, 8; Genesis 22: 12, 16- 18; Psalm 126: 1-2, 5-6

5.       Prophet offerings 2 Chronicle. 20: 20; 2 Kings 4: 8- 17; Luke 8: 1;Philippians 4: 14- 19

6.       Defraud no man – Integrity in business. Deut. 24: 14- 15; Lev. 19: 13; Jer. 22:13

Discussions

From our study today;

1.       Is tithe payment still relevant in the New Testament? To whom should we pay our tithe; to church, to Pastor, to the poor, our parent or to other ministries? How does God want us to pay our tithe?

2.       Is offering collection still relevant and commanded for the New Testament church? How are we to give our offering?

3.       Briefly explain, ‘you right hand must not know what your left hand doeth’ in terms of offering in church and giving to the poor

4.       Is giving to the prophet/ pastor relevant and commanded for us today? Share our blessing a servant of God has blessed your life

5.       Explain Jeremiah 22: 13 in your way.

Conclusion

It is not enough to know and sing Abraham’s blessings are mine. We must do the works and obedience of Abraham before we can take the delivery of the blessings.