INTRODUCTION

1. Biblical Theology of God’s Blessings

Two main categories may be noted:

a) Material Blessings

b) Spiritual Blessings

2. Biblical Theology to be complete must consider Appropriate Response

a) We must learn what it means to “Bless the LORD”

b) We must seek to practise blessing the LORD properly

 

ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDING

1. When we speak of God blessing us

a) He has the authority to bless

b) He has the power to bless

c) His blessing will affect our life significantly

d) His blessing will affect our life eternally

2. When we speak of blessing God

a) The above does not apply

b) We cannot affect God in any way

3. One important idea behind the concept of blessing God

a) The word “blessing” in Hebrew is drawn from the word “knee”

b) When we speak of “blessing God”

i) We are acknowledging God

ii) We are bowing the knee to God

iii) We are to practise true humility before a great and mighty God!

4. Another important idea of blessing God

a) It is to give high praise to God

b) It is to ascribe all praise to the LORD

c) Forms of giving praise to God

i) Giving of thanks

ii) Singing

iii) Dancing before the LORD

iv) Offering of sacrifices

 

EXPRESSIONS OF BLESSING THE LORD

(Psalm 34)

1. Bless

I will bless the LORD at all times   Psalm 34:1a

2. Praise

His praise shall continually be in my mouth   Psalm 34:1

3. Boast

My soul shall make its boast in the LORD  Psalm 34:2a

4. Magnify/Exalt

Oh, magnify the LORD with me

And let us exalt His name together   Psalm 34:3

 

REASONS FOR BLESSING THE LORD

(Three reasons may be highlighted)

1. Hearing our prayers

a) I sought the LORD and He heard me   Psalm 34:4a

b) This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him   Psalm 34:6a

2. Deliverance

And delivered me from all my fears     Psalm 34:4b

3. Protection by angels

The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,

And delivers them.    Psalm 34:7

 

CONCLUSION

1. Let us bow the knee to God

2. Let us bless (high praise) the LORD