Message - Trusting in God The Way to True Blessing

 

Trusting in God – The Way to True Blessing

Life is full of choices—where to place our trust, what foundation to build upon, and what hope to hold onto. The passages today reveal the contrast between trusting in human strength and trusting in God, between perishable and eternal hope, and between earthly and heavenly blessings.

1. Trusting in Man vs. Trusting in God

Jeremiah 17:5-10

A. The Curse of Trusting in Man (Jeremiah 17:5-6)

• “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD.” (v.5)
• Trusting in human strength alone leads to dryness and spiritual barrenness, like a shrub in the desert (v.6).
• No matter how capable or strong we feel, human wisdom and power are limited.

B. The Blessing of Trusting in God (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

• “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.” (v.7)
• A person who trusts in God is like a tree planted by water, always nourished, bearing fruit even in tough seasons.
• This mirrors Psalm 1, where the righteous are like a tree planted by streams of water.

C. The Deceitfulness of the Heart (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

• “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (v.9)
• We often deceive ourselves, thinking we can manage life without God.
• But God examines our hearts and rewards each person accordingly (v.10).

 

2. The Foundation of Our Faith – Christ’s Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

A. The Importance of Resurrection (1 Cor 15:12-14)

• Some in Corinth denied the resurrection of the dead. Paul argues that if the dead are not raised, then Christ is not risen!
• If Christ is not risen:
• Preaching is useless.
• Faith is empty.
• We are still in sin.

B. The Hope We Have in Christ (1 Cor 15:15-20)

• Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of our resurrection.
• Because He lives, we will also live (John 11:25).
• Without the resurrection, Christianity has no foundation.

 

3. The True Measure of Blessing

Luke 6:17-26

A. The Beatitudes – Blessings of the Kingdom (Luke 6:20-23)

• Jesus turns the world’s values upside down:
• The poor are blessed because they inherit God’s kingdom.
• The hungry will be filled.
• Those who weep will laugh.
• Those hated for Christ will be rewarded in heaven.
• These are not just future blessings, but realities that begin now in a life surrendered to God.

B. The Woes – Warnings of False Security (Luke 6:24-26)

• Jesus warns those who trust in wealth, satisfaction, and human approval:
• The rich will lose their comfort.
• The full will hunger.
• Those who seek only worldly approval will face judgment.
• Earthly success is not the true measure of blessing—eternal security in Christ is.

 

4. The Way of the Righteous vs. the Wicked

 Psalm 1

A. The Righteous Are Blessed (Psalm 1:1-3)

• The blessed person:
• Avoids the path of sin (v.1).
• Delights in God’s Word (v.2).
• Is like a tree planted by streams of water—always fruitful and thriving.

B. The Wicked Will Perish (Psalm 1:4-6)

• The wicked are like chaff—weightless, blown away by the wind.
• Their path leads to destruction, but the Lord watches over the righteous.

 

Where Do We Stand?

1. Where is our trust? – In man or in God? (Jeremiah 17:5-10)
2. What is our foundation? – The resurrection of Christ or temporary life? (1 Cor 15:12-20)
3. What blessings are we pursuing? – Worldly comfort or eternal reward? (Luke 6:17-26)
4. Which path are we on? – The way of the righteous or the wicked? (Psalm 1)

The true blessing is found in trusting in God, anchoring our hope in Christ’s resurrection, living by kingdom values, and delighting in His Word.

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

 Blessed are you who weep now,

For you shall laugh.

(Luke 6: 21)

Promise Verse

 Cast all your anxiety on Him because 

He cares for you

(1 Peter 5:7)

Promise Verse

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, 

that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life

(John 3: 16)

Promise Verse

 Do not be afraid. 

Stand firm and you will see the deliverance 

the Lord will bring you today

(Exodus 14:13)

Bible Study - Repentance

 

Repentance – A Call to Turn Back to God

Repentance is a foundational theme in the Bible, calling people to turn away from sin and return to God. It is not just feeling sorry but involves a complete transformation of heart, mind, and actions.

Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

The Bible uses two primary words for repentance:

Hebrew (Old Testament): Shuv – Meaning "to turn back" or "return." (Ezekiel 18:30)

Greek (New Testament): Metanoia – Meaning "a change of mind" that leads to a change in behavior. (Matthew 3:8)

True Repentance is Genuine sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:10), A complete turning from sin to God (Acts 26:20) and it Leads to transformation (Romans 12:2)

False Repentance is Feeling guilty but not changing (Matthew 27:3-5 - Judas) and Regret due to consequences, not love for God (Exodus 9:27-30 - Pharaoh)

It is Commanded by God

• Mark 1:15 – “Repent and believe the gospel.”
• Acts 17:30 – “God commands all people everywhere to repent.”

It is required for Salvation

• Luke 13:3 – “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
• 2 Peter 3:9 – “God is patient… not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Steps to True Repentance

A. Recognizing Sin

• Psalm 51:3 – “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.”
• Acknowledging our sin before God is the first step.

B. Feeling Godly Sorrow

• 2 Corinthians 7:10 – “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.”
• Genuine repentance comes from a broken heart. (Psalm 51:17)

C. Confession of Sin

• 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.”
• Confession must be sincere and specific.

D. Turning from Sin & Changing Behavior

• Isaiah 55:7 – “Let the wicked forsake his ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.”
• Acts 26:20 – “Repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with repentance.”

Biblical Examples of Repentance

A. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

• He recognized his sin (v. 17).
• He confessed to his father (v. 18-19).
• He returned home and changed his ways (v. 20).
• The father welcomed and restored him (v. 22-24).

B. King David (Psalm 51)

• After his sin with Bathsheba, David repented sincerely.
• He prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10).

C. Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10)

• The people repented after Jonah’s warning.
• God showed mercy and spared them.

The Blessings of Repentance

1. Forgiveness of sins (Acts 3:19)
2. Restoration of relationship with God (Luke 15:22-24)
3. Spiritual renewal and joy (Psalm 51:12)
4. Freedom from sin’s power (Romans 6:6)

 

A Daily Life of Repentance

Repentance is not just a one-time event; it’s a daily practice.

🔹 Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

🔹 1 Corinthians 10:12 – “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

Practical Steps:

Examine your heart daily (Psalm 139:23-24)
Confess sins immediately (1 John 1:9)
Live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

God’s grace is available to all who turn to Him. Will you repent today and follow Jesus with all your heart?

🔹 Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

Promise Verse

 As for God, his way is perfect: 

The Lord’s word is flawless;

He shields all who take refuge in him

(2 Samuel 22:31)