We Are Blessed To Bless Others

January 05, 2013            Gen 10–12, Matt 5:1–20, Ps 4:3–8, Prov 1:10–12

“We must imitate Christ’s life and his ways if we are to be truly enlightened and set free from the darkness of our own hearts. Let it be the most important thing we do.” Thomas à Kempis

We often use the expression what would Jesus do? The simple fact is if we do not know what He taught and what He did we can have no real idea what He would do in our situation. Today we will begin the Sermon on the Mount. This is no doubt not only the greatest sermon ever preached, but also the greatest document you will ever read on how to live. However, we will begin today in Genesis 10-12. Genesis 12 is a turning point in the history of humanity. Abraham lived by faith and thus was blessed by God.

Genesis 10-12

Chapter 10 gives us a bit of history. What is the purpose and value of this information?

Nimrod’s name means, “let us revolt.” Please don’t name your child this. In what ways had humanity revolted against God to this point? In what ways does humanity still revolt against God? In what ways have you revolted against God? Are you now?

Chapter 11 begins with the tower of Babel. What made the building of the tower and the motives behind it wrong?

In Acts 2 we see on the Day of Pentecost the reversal of this action. God brought unity through the Spirit.

Descendants of each of Noah’s sons are brought to the Lord in Acts. A descendant of Ham, the Ethiopian eunuch, was saved in Acts 8. Paul, a descendant of Shem, in Acts 9 and gentiles, the descendants of Japheth, are saved in Acts 10. When we share the Gospel we are helping to reunite the world that torn apart by sin.

Chapter 12

What set Abram apart from all others that God would show grace upon him?

In about 2092 BC Abram turned from idolatry (Josh. 24:2) to the one true God when the glory of the Lord appeared to him (Acts 7:2). Faith come by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). What truths from God Word bring you faith?

How do we know if you we have real faith? We obey. Abram is told to leave and go to a land that is not his own and he does (Heb. 11:8). God tells him that he will be blessed and the whole world would be blessed through his family. This is fulfilled in Christ according to Galatians 3:8, 16. James teaches us that faith without works is dead. Judging by your works how is your faith doing?

Notice the contrast between the people at Babel and Abraham. The people at Babel wanted to make a name for themselves and failed. Abraham walked by faith and God made a name for him and his descendants. God through his offspring would give the world the Bible and the Christ.

The chapter ends with Abraham’s faith being tested. He failed this test, but God’s grace was not done with him. It would appear that Abraham made his bad decisions out of fear rather than faith. Never forget that faith casts out fear. Abraham had been blessed to bless others and he forgot that for a time. We too must be careful not to forget we are called to bless others.

Matthew 5

We are citizens in the Kingdom of God, how then should we live? Look at the contrast between what the Pharisees taught through their actions and what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount and his actions.

Sermon on the Mount		Pharisees
1. Righteousness is first inward, then outward (5:1–16)		1. Righteousness a matter of outward acts (Matt. 23:23–28; Luke 11:37–41)
2. Sin is a matter of the heart, not only the actions (5:17–48)		2. Sin is mainly in outward actions only (Luke 18:9–14; Mark 2:13–28)
3. Righteousness is for God to see, not for men to praise (6:1–18)		3. Want to be seen of men (Matt. 23:2–12)
4. God first; money second (6:19–31)		4. Covetous (Luke 16:14ff)
5. Not to judge (7:1–12)		5. Harsh in judging (Luke 18:9ff; Matt. 12:22ff)

What does it mean to be poor in spirit? (See Isa. 57:15 and Luke 18:9-14)

Meekness is not weakness, Jesus was far from weak, but He was week. Meekness is power under control.

Each of these characteristics are worthy of great consideration, time and space does not allow me to say much about it here. Overall we must be clear that God is concerned about our character and we should be as well.

Jesus uses salt and light to teach about character. Why are these good examples?

Remember that both salt and light are needed for life; both are useless if they are not seen and used.

In what ways did Jesus fulfill the Law?

Psalm 4:3-8

David wrote this Psalm when a war was going on around him. He had the wisdom to know that he could not control the war; such things are in the hands of God. However, he could control the war within his own soul.

He says that he will not lie in his bed and dwell on his anger; rather he will meditate on the Lord. He says we are to be angry and sin not. We can do this when our eyes and minds are upon the Lord. James teaches us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. If we can do this we will stay out of many kinds of trouble.

He ends the Psalm saying he can lay down in peace and sleep because God is his protector. Can you say the same? What keeps you up at night?

Proverbs 1:10-12

We must be very cautious that we surround ourselves with those that will lift us up and help us to be who God has called us to be. Bad company corrupts good morals Paul teaches us. When you look at your friend circle is it what it should be? Are you leading others to righteousness or sin?

As we look at these texts remember we are blessed to bless others.

Pray today that God will open a door of opportunity for you to bless other today.

Also please pray for the so many that are sick right now. Between the flu, stomach virus, colds, cancer, and so many other issues there is much to pray about.

I have been battling a stomach virus the last day so I may well have a typo or two above, show me some grace please.