Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Richard H Priday - 9 months ago
    Scriptural promises and blessings

    Daniel 9:18-20 show how Daniel asked the Lord to remember the state of Jerusalem being in desolation and His promises (as seen in the book of Jeremiah) of reoccupation and return of the Jews after 70 years of exile (see Jeremiah 29:10). The sins of the people in question were something Daniel took on as a burden to himself in his prayers; fasting and supplications.

    In terms of blessings of a general sort there is that of those who find a wife ( Prov. 18:22). There is also the offspring; or fruit of the womb that is specifically stated to be a blessing ( Deut. 7:13; and several passages in Psalms). Deuteronomy lists blessings for those who obey God's statutes and cursings for those who don't in extensive passages in Deuteronomy 28. As we look at God's chosen people in Exodus; clearly the Lord showed favor in physically delivering the Jews from Egypt; but as Romans 9:6 states not everyone benefitted from it. In fact only Joshua and Caleb survived from the first generation; even Moses was unable to enter the land but saw it from afar due to an isolated sin on his part ( Deut. 3:23 and following verses).

    What we can count on in our sanctification and ultimate glorification ( Romans 8:30). All the prophetic scriptures will be fulfilled to the letter. This includes Israel being restored; the earth being renewed; Christ ruling in the Millennium; wars ending throughout the world; extended lifespans; etc.

    The blessings of financial matters is promised for those who are living by faith (we see the example of Abraham in Genesis 13:2 as the first demonstration of this in scripture although technically the text of Job may be older as an example of God's financial blessings (see Job 1:16 and subsequent verses). Satan was well aware of God's provisions and favor and therefore we can be certain that he will attempt to thwart OR substitute God's blessings with his own which end up being dead ends and illusions.

    ( 1 Peter 5:8).
  • RichFairhurst - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Genesis 13:2 is not a proof text for showing godliness leads to wealth. That verse never says that Abraham's possessions were the result of God's blessings for his faithfulness.

    In fact, the scripture tells us that Abraham's possessions came as the immediate aftermath of Abraham's deceitful plan in Genesis 12:11-13 and Pharaoh's actions in response in Genesis 12:15-16. Abraham's actions and the possessions obtained as a result were not based on his fear of God, they were based on his fear of man No one should seek riches in this manner. And was Pharoah rich because he was blessed for obedience to God? Abraham himself says Pharaoh had no fear of God. And God was forced by this entire arrangement between Abraham and Pharoah to intervene with plagues to make Pharaoh drive Abraham out of his land to stop Abraham from continuing to enrich himself on the basis of his lie. Absolutely nothing in this entire incident demonstrates that Abraham was doing God's will and being blessed by God as a result. He was clearly being shotsightedly disobedient and was foolishly putting God's real purpose of bringing about a godly seed through Abraham and Sarah in grave danger.

    In any case, do not use Genesis 13:12 as a proof text that God blesses our obedience to his calling when it only demostrates God's unearned grace and faithfulness to His purposes despite our disobedience in devising shortsighted plans for gaining wealth apart from God's will.

    God did work it out for good by letting Abraham's possessions cause strife with Lot to finally return Abraham to his original calling of separating himself from his relatives. However, Abraham didn't realize God's reason for letting him obtain and keep those possessions until God once again began revealing His plans and purposes to him immediately upon Lot's departure. So God's purposes for letting us have wealth and ours often don't line up and we need to realize earthly wealth is never God's ultimate goal for his children.



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