“Don’t Block the Blessing” | Steve DeFrain

“DON’T BLOCK THE BLESSING”

Memorizing wisdom makes you smart. Applying it makes you strong.

Proverbs 3… ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  ⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. ⁸ This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3…⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; ¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Proverbs 11… ²⁴ One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. ²⁵ A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

2 Kings 4… ¹ The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” ² Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” ³ Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. ⁴ Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” ⁵ She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. ⁶ When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. ⁷ She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

3 PRINCIPLES

(POINT ONE) YOUR GREATEST OBSTACLE TO PROSPERITY IS A “POVERTY” MINDSET

(POINT TWO) IF YOU’LL CONTINUALLY EMPTY, YOU’LL SEE THAT GOD HAS PLENTY

2 Corinthians 9…⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Luke 6…  ³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

(POINT THREE) WHAT YOU GIVE TO GOD ALWAYS MULTIPLIES

2 Corinthians 9…⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Galatians 6:7…Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Malachi 3… ¹⁰ Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.¹¹ I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 

Here’s a Group discussion guide:

Small Group Guide: “Don’t Block the Blessing”

Opening Question: What’s your initial reaction when you hear a sermon about money and generosity?

Key Takeaways:

1. Money is the most talked about topic in the Bible, mentioned over 2,000 times.
2. Generosity is not about subtracting from your life, but about circulation and inviting God’s involvement.
3. What you give to God always multiplies.

Discussion Questions:

1. The pastor mentioned that money is the hardest area to trust God with. Why do you think that is? How have you experienced this in your own life?
2. Reflect on the story of the widow and Elisha (2 Kings 4). What stands out to you about her faith and obedience? How might God be asking you to step out in faith?
3. The sermon highlighted the “poverty mindset.” How have you seen this mindset manifest in your own life or in others around you?
4. Discuss the principle: “If you will continually empty, you’ll see that God has plenty.” What does this mean to you practically?
5. The pastor shared a personal story about giving as a child. Share a time when you experienced God’s multiplication after giving sacrificially.
6. How does the idea that “your heart follows your treasure” challenge or encourage you?

Practical Applications:

1. Take the “90-day tithe challenge” mentioned in the sermon. Commit to tithing for the next three months and observe how God works in your life.
2. Identify one area where you can be more generous this week (time, talents, or treasures). Share your plan with the group.
3. Memorize and meditate on Proverbs 3:5-10 this week. Journal about how these verses speak to you regarding trust and generosity.
4. As a group, brainstorm ways you can cultivate a culture of generosity in your families, workplaces, or community.

Closing Prayer: Close by praying for each group member to grow in trust and generosity, asking God to reveal areas where they might be “blocking the blessing” and for courage to step out in faith.