LIVING A LIFE THAT GOD WILL BLESS
Text: Proverbs 3:5 – 10
Introduction:
· Title
· Bless doesn’t always mean health and wealth
· Bless doesn’t mean name it and claim it
· Bless doesn’t mean no problems
· Bless means that God will approve and bestow His favor upon you
· Some people think that people who live well are just lucky
· 3 principles for securing God’s blessings
Body:
A. Trust in the Lord (v. 5)
· Don’t hold anything back (v. 5)
· Your understanding is incomplete (v. 5)
· Diligence is necessary (v. 6)
· Result: God will guide you in your decision making (v. 6)
· Paul and Barnabas 1st missionary journey (Acts 13:1 – 4)
· Preparing a sermon = “Trust God as if everything depends on Him but work as if everything depends on me”
B. Fear the Lord (v. 7)
· It doesn’t matter what you think (v. 7)
· Do what He says (v. 7)
· Result: God will give you physical and spiritual health (v. 8)
· Daniel and 3 Hebrew children would not eat king’s meat (Daniel 1:14 – 16)
· Avoid alcohol = no brain damage, cirrhosis, accidents
C. Honor the Lord (v. 9)
· Everything you have was given to you to use for the Lord (v. 9)
· God deserves the first and best of what you have to offer (v. 9)
· Result: God will prosper you and provide what you need (v. 10)
· Widow of Zarephath and Elijah (1 Kings 17:15, 16)
· Stories of giving last dollar for the Lord’s work, and receiving check in the mail, enough to pay bills or buy food
Conclusion:
· Want God to bless your life?
· God blesses those who trust Him, fear Him, and honor Him
