In Kent Clark's sermon titled "Bless God," he explores the profound theological concept of blessing God as a response to His overwhelming grace and goodness. Using Ephesians 1:3 as the foundational text, the preacher emphasizes that the act of blessing God is not about giving Him something from ourselves but rather acknowledging and celebrating His inherent blessedness and the abundance of blessings He has lavished upon us through Christ. Key theological themes include the doctrines of election and predestination, illustrating that God has chosen believers before the foundation of the world and called them to holiness (Ephesians 1:4-5). The practical significance of the sermon lies in encouraging believers to express heartfelt gratitude, signifying that true acknowledgment of God’s grace leads to a spontaneous outpouring of praise. The message motivates listeners to embrace their identity in Christ and respond to His love with worship and appreciation.
Key Quotes
“Sometimes totally overcome, we only know to say this, bless God! Oh, bless God!”
“The gospel is made up of blessing, right? It’s all about blessing.”
“We bless Him for all the blessedness that is in Him and for Him to take our amen to His own blessedness.”
“The doctrine of election and predestination is a God thing. So, bless God.”
The Bible teaches that we bless God by praising Him for His goodness and grace.
In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of blessing God for His countless spiritual blessings. To bless God means to speak well of Him, to express gratitude for His love and grace, and to acknowledge the joy that He brings into our lives. We see this illustrated through Paul's continuous praise throughout Ephesians, reminding us that it is through our awareness of God’s blessings that we reach a point of joyous gratitude, compelling us to exclaim, 'Bless God!'
Ephesians 1:3-6, Psalm 103:1
Election is affirmed in Scripture as God’s sovereign choice before time began.
The doctrine of election is a core tenet of Reformed theology, rooted in the assertion that God chooses individuals for salvation according to His will. Ephesians 1:4 states that God 'chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,' solidifying the belief that our salvation is not based on our merit but is a gracious act of God. This choice emphasizes God's sovereignty and the assurance that those whom He has elected are secure in His grace, reinforcing the understanding that salvation is entirely God's work.
Ephesians 1:4, Romans 9:11-16
Grace is the foundation of salvation and daily Christian living.
Grace is crucial for Christians because it is by grace that we are saved through faith, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8. This unmerited favor of God allows sinners to be reconciled to Him despite their wretchedness. Understanding grace deepens a believer’s awareness of their reliance on God's mercy, transforming their relationship with Him from one of fear to one of love and gratitude. The acknowledgment of grace should evoke a heartfelt praise toward God, leading to a life that reflects His love and holiness.
Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Predestination refers to God's sovereignty in determining who will be saved.
Predestination is the biblical teaching that God, in His sovereignty, has chosen certain individuals for salvation before the creation of the world. Ephesians 1:5 emphasizes that we have been predestined for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, highlighting God’s initiative in our salvation. This doctrine assures believers of their security in Christ, as it is based on God’s unchanging plan rather than human effort or decision. Recognizing this foundational truth instills profound gratitude and humility in a Christian’s heart.
Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:29-30
God’s love is the source of all blessings and should lead us to bless Him in return.
The theme of God's love is central to understanding why we bless Him. As expressed in 1 John 4:19, we love Him because He first loved us. This profound love manifests in our lives as spiritual blessings, prompting a natural response of gratitude and praise. By recognizing His unconditional love and the blessings it yields, Christians are inspired to bless God in acknowledgment of His goodness, thus fostering a deeper relationship with Him. Our blessings are a reflection of the blessings we have received from Him.
1 John 4:19, Ephesians 1:3
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