What does it mean when someone says "Have a blessed day"? In this message, we will consider what the Bible means by the term blessed. There are lots of promises in the Scriptures that expressly convey blessing upon God's people - but it seems many of us struggle to put words to what precisely that means. It is clearly meant to be an incredible promise that brings practical encouragement, but how can it encourage us if we aren't really sure what "blessing" means? So, if you'll forgive the twist on the famous title: "Love in a Time of Cholera", let's talk about "Blessing in a Time of COVID".
Discussion Questions
When you hear the word "blessing", what comes to mind? What does the average Angeleno think it means to be "blessed"?
definition
What is being promised in v.3? What does it mean to be "blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing..."? If verses 3-14 contain a list of blessings, which one is most meaningful to you? Which one is easily forgotten or least appreciated by you?
The Greek and Latin for blessing give us "eulogy” and "benediction". What images do those words invoke? When has someone spoken a 'good word' over you that really had a significant impact? Have you ever done this for someone, beyond normal encouragement? Do you have a good word for someone in your life now that they haven’t heard yet?
biblical examples
How is the call of Abram a blessing in Genesis 12:1-3? Why might it not seem like Abram is being 'blessed'? Talk about a blessing you might feel is a curse at times. Talk about a blessing that came your way that you weren’t expecting, didn’t ask for, or know you needed – yet you are so grateful for it and wouldn’t change a thing!
Isaac’s broken family dynamic (Genesis 27:30-38) shows that God does not require perfection in order for us to receive His blessings. Do you resist God’s blessings, or try to make up for them in some way? Do you think you deserve more than you have? Confess specific ways you have felt both unworthy and deprived of blessings.
essence vs. benefits
In Ephesus people would go to the Temple of Artemis to sleep with the temple prostitutes in order to receive Artemis' blessings, like fertility for their crops, families, etc. Religion is an exchange of goods & services. How is Christianity different? How can Christians reduce faith to this sort of understanding? What do we settle for, while missing the life-giving relationship with Jesus that we truly want and need?
CS Lewis said, "Put first things first and we get second things thrown in. Put second things first and you lose both first things and second things." How is that true in our relationship with Christ?
Can you bless someone else if you merely find them useful? What happens when they cease to be useful to you? How can the relationship itself become the blessing?
GOSPEL: How does Jesus bring us his blessing according to Galatians 3:13-14? What is the trade? If that is how he loves us, then how does he call us to love others? God's love does not wait on your usefulness. How might that change the way you approach loving others?
Tim Keller said: It often takes an experience of crippling weakness for us to finally discover God's blessing. That is why many of the most God-blessed people limp as they dance for joy. Have you found that to be true? How can we lead the South Bay to dance with a limp?
