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Benediction Addiction, Part 3 (The Legacy of Blessing Others)
by Alex M. Lindsay
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Reference: I Peter 3:8-18

To live for the purpose of blessing others in this world is to accept the ministry that God has given us (II Corinthians 5:18-20). This kind of ministry spans back at least as far as Abraham - probably farther (Genesis 12:2-3). God has blessed us. Therefore, we bless others.

In our Scripture reading, Peter gives us incentives and directives about a life dedicated to blessing others. Often, we bless while experiencing the contrary from men. Our focus on God will create the environment that we need to maintain the strength and desire to bless others.

Positive Input to a Negative World

  • I Peter 3:8 - We need "one mind" in Christ in order to operate with love, compassion, mercy / pity, and courtesy (Philippians 2:1-21; Romans 15:1-7; Ephesians 5:1-2).

  • I Peter 3:9 - We must not react to evil with our natural impulses. We must respond to evil with blessing. A life of blessing is our calling / our ministry from God. It is also the way to receive a greater inheritance / reward from God in the future. See Matthew 5:3,5,44; Romans 12:12,14,17-18

  • I Peter 3:10-12 - To invoke more of God's blessing now, in this life, we must be mindful of the Lord's presence. We serve / don't serve God by the way that we treat others (Matthew 5:4,7-9; Luke 18:1-8; I Corinthians 10:31-33; Colossians 3:17; James 5:7-11).

  • I Peter 3:13-14 - To be able to live a life of blessing others, you must overcome fear with faith and love (I Peter 4:7-19; I John 4:1 - 5:5; Galatians 5:5-6; I Corinthians 13:1-8). Fear and torment hinder ministry. Our Lord was filled with love and confidence in the will of His Father. Though facing the horrors of crucifixion and God's wrath against our sins, He was able to focus on blessing his disciples (John 13:1-17; Hebrews 12:2-3).

  • I Peter 3:15-17 - The heart must be maintained as a place of gratefulness to the Lord and worship of the Lord - surrendering to the will of the Lord. This keeps us prepared to answer people well, when they inquire about our hope and faith. The heart that is occupied with worship will affect our conduct, so that people are attracted and want to ask about our hope and faith. See Matthew 5:13-16; I Thessalonians 5:15-24.

  • I Peter 3:18 - Follow the example and teaching of Christ. His submission to the Father and His gentleness towards His enemies made it possible for us to be brought to God. We too can hopefully lead others to Christ by blessing, instead of cursing those who sin against us. God's Spirit will give us power to do this. See I Peter 2:15-25; Matthew 5:43-48; 26:50-54; Luke 23:34; John 18:36-37; II Timothy 2:8-10,24-26; Philippians 3:10; 4:13.

Pass It On

We need to draw from the Treasury of Blessings that we have from God (Ephesians 1:3). We have received so much mercy and grace! Shall we not pass that on to our fellow man? See I Peter 4:10; Romans 12:3-10. Ours is the opportunity to share and distribute our benefits to others who need them so much. This was the promise the LORD gave to Abraham, "… I will bless you… I will make you a blessing." See Genesis 12:1-3.

Here are some passages that were primarily directed to material giving, but why not apply them to many other forms of blessing? See Acts 20:35; Luke 6:38.

Let us go into the world in the spirit of Matthew 10:7-8. "… Freely you have received, freely give." cp. I Corinthians 2:12-13; Titus 3:2-7; Acts 26:9-18; I Timothy 1:12-17.

We don't have to be clever. We only have to share what we have been given.
Don't say, "I can't do it." Rather say, "By the Grace of God, I'll be a conduit."

Originally delivered September 22, 2019
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