PROVOKING THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

Title: PROVOKING THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

By Rev Samuel Arimoro 

Main Text: Genesis 12:1-3 – "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'"

INTRODUCTION
The blessing of the Lord is a divine empowerment that brings about spiritual, physical, and material prosperity in the life of a believer. It is a tangible manifestation of God’s favour and goodness, bringing increase, protection, and supernatural supply. However, to enjoy the fullness of God's blessings, it is essential to understand how to provoke or activate them. The Bible reveals that God’s blessings are often conditional, requiring an act of faith, obedience, and a deeper relationship with Him. This sermon will explore the concept of provoking the blessing of the Lord and outline practical steps on how we can activate these blessings in our lives.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

a) What is the Blessing?
The blessing is God’s divine favour and power that enables a person to succeed and prosper in all aspects of life. It is more than material wealth; it includes peace, joy, divine health, protection, and fulfilment of the purpose (Proverbs 10:22). The blessing sets a person apart and makes them a conduit of God's favour to others.

b) God’s Promise of Blessing to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3)
God promised to bless Abraham, make his name great, and make him a blessing to others. Abraham's blessing was not just for himself but also for his descendants and the entire world. This shows that the blessing is generational and transformative, impacting lives beyond our immediate reach.

c) The Contrast Between Blessings and Curses (Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15) 
The Bible contrasts blessings with curses. While blessings are tied to obedience to God's commands, curses result from disobedience. Obedience is a key factor in provoking and maintaining the blessing of the Lord.

2. HOW TO PROVOKE THE BLESSING OF THE LORD 

a) Obedience to God's Word (Deuteronomy 28:1-2) 
The Bible is clear that obedience is crucial in accessing the blessings of God. God’s promise to bless is often predicated on our willingness to follow His instructions. Abraham's obedience to leave his homeland and follow God's direction was the trigger for his blessing (Genesis 12:4). Similarly, when we live in obedience, we align ourselves with God's will, and His blessings flow naturally in our lives.

b) Sacrificial Giving (Genesis 22:16-18; Malachi 3:10) 
Sacrificial giving provokes the blessing of the Lord. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac opened the door to unprecedented blessings. When we give sacrificially, whether in tithes, offerings, or supporting God's work, we create an opportunity for God to pour out His blessings abundantly upon us. Malachi 3:10 emphasizes that God will "open the windows of heaven" when we faithfully tithe.

c) Faith and Trust in God (Hebrews 11:6; Galatians 3:9) 
Faith is fundamental in provoking God's blessing. Hebrews 11:6 states, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God." When we trust God, we step into a dimension where His blessings are manifested. Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). We must learn to trust God's promises and walk by faith, not by sight, to provoke His blessings.

d) Prayer and Fasting (1 Chronicles 4:9-10; Isaiah 58:6-11)
Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that can provoke God's blessing. Jabez, for example, cried out to God to bless him and enlarge his territory, and God granted his request (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). Fasting and prayer demonstrate our dependence on God and our desire for His intervention and blessings in our lives.

e) Serving God and His Kingdom (Exodus 23:25-26; Matthew 6:33) 
Serving God with our time, talents, and resources is another way to provoke His blessing. Exodus 23:25-26 promises that when we serve the Lord, He will bless our bread and water, and take sickness away from us. When we prioritize God’s kingdom, all other things we need will be added to us (Matthew 6:33).

f) Speaking the Blessing (Proverbs 18:21; Numbers 6:24-26)
There is power in the spoken word. Speaking words of blessings over our lives and situations can provoke the manifestation of God’s blessings. The priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 is an example of how declarations can bring about God's favour and peace.

g) Diligence and Hard Work (Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 22:29)
While the blessing of the Lord makes rich, it does not encourage laziness. Hard work and diligence are necessary to see the full manifestation of God’s blessings. Proverbs 10:4 tells us, "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." Therefore, we must combine God's blessing with hard work to experience supernatural success.

**h) Honoring Spiritual Authority (Hebrews 13:17; 2 Chronicles 20:20)** 
Honouring spiritual authority and heeding the counsel of God-ordained leaders can provoke blessings. In 2 Chronicles 20:20, Jehoshaphat told the people to believe in God and His prophets, and they would prosper. Receiving blessings from spiritual fathers can lead to breakthroughs and divine upliftment.

3. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO PROVOKED THE BLESSING OF THE LORD 

a) Abraham: Obedience and Sacrifice (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:16-18)
Abraham's obedience and willingness to sacrifice Isaac provoked a covenant blessing from God. His actions became a reference point for God’s blessings upon all nations.

b) Jacob: Wrestled with God in Prayer (Genesis 32:24-28) 
Jacob's persistence in prayer and wrestling with the angel provoked a transformation in his life. He received a new name, Israel, and God blessed him immensely.

c) Solomon: Sacrificial Offering (1 Kings 3:4-14) 
Solomon's extravagant sacrifice at Gibeon prompted God to bless him with wisdom, riches, and honour. His act of giving opened the door for unprecedented favour and prosperity.

d) Ruth: Loyalty and Service (Ruth 2:11-12; Ruth 4:13-17) 
Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and her decision to serve the God of Israel resulted in a divine blessing that changed her destiny. She became the great-grandmother of King David and is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

4. MAINTAINING THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

a) Walk in Humility (James 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6) 
Humility is key to sustaining the blessing of the Lord. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. When we recognize that every blessing comes from God, we remain in a position to receive more.

b) Stay in Fellowship with God (Psalm 91:1; John 15:4-5)
The blessing is found in God's presence. Continual fellowship with God through prayer, worship, and studying the Word is essential for maintaining His blessing.

c) Be a Blessing to Others (Genesis 12:2; Acts 20:35)
We are blessed to be a blessing. By generously giving and helping others, we align ourselves with God’s principle of giving and receiving. The more we bless others, the more we are blessed.

CONCLUSION
Provoking the blessing of the Lord is not a passive act but an intentional pursuit of God through obedience, faith, sacrificial giving, prayer, service, and humility. God's blessings are available to all His children, but it requires a conscious effort to activate and maintain them. May we all learn to provoke the blessing of the Lord in our lives and experience His supernatural favour, provision, and protection.

PRAYER POINTS

1. "Lord, grant me the grace to walk in obedience and provoke Your blessings in my life." 

2. "Father, help me to give sacrificially and open the windows of heaven over me." 

3. "O God, increase my faith to trust in Your promises and walk in Your blessings." 

4. "Lord, empower me to serve You with all my heart and provoke Your blessings." 

5. "Father, teach me to speak words of blessings over my life and family." 

6. "O God, give me the wisdom to honour spiritual authority and receive their blessings." 

7. "Lord, bless the work of my hands and make me diligent in all I do." 

8. "Father, surround me with Your favour and divine protection as I walk in Your blessing." 

9. "O God, let my life be a channel of blessing to others." 

10. "Lord, keep me humble and dependent on You as the source of all my blessings."

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that the blessings of the Lord are overtaking you, bringing increase and abundance into every area of your life.

2. I decree that doors of favour are opening for you, and you shall be blessed beyond measure in Jesus' name.

3. I proclaim that you are a recipient of God’s divine protection, and no weapon formed against you shall prosper.

4. I declare that your hands are blessed, and everything you touch shall prosper and multiply exceedingly.

5. I decree that every curse against your life is broken, and you are walking in the fullness of God’s blessings and purpose.

6. I declare that you are the head and not the tail; you shall be above only and never beneath, in the name of Jesus.

7. I proclaim that you are stepping into a season of divine breakthroughs, and every obstacle before you is turning into a stepping stone for your promotion.

8. I declare that you shall be a blessing to nations, and through you, many will encounter the goodness and mercy of the Lord.

9. I decree that your destiny helpers are locating you, and your path is aligned with divine opportunities and favour.

10. I declare that the blessings of the Lord that make rich without sorrow are your portion, now and forevermore, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen!