The God of Increase - Part 2

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 11th January 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

The God of Increase – Part 2

As we step into a new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on God’s purposes and promises for our lives. One powerful truth we often overlook is that God is a God of increase—He delights in blessing His people, both spiritually and practically.

But what does it really mean to be blessed?

The Power of Names in the Bible

In everyday life, names may feel random or chosen simply because they sound nice. But in the Bible, names carry deep meaning. They often reflect a person’s destiny, character, or divine calling.

• Abraham was renamed from Abram, meaning exalted father, to Abraham, meaning father of many nations—even before he had a child.
• Barnabas meant son of encouragement, and he truly lived up to his name by uplifting others.
• Jacob, meaning deceiver, was later renamed Israel after encountering God, marking a complete transformation.

Names in Scripture show us that God has the power to redefine our identity and future.

Jabez: Rising Above His Name

Hidden among hundreds of names in 1 Chronicles is a man called Jabez. His name literally meant pain or sorrow. Perhaps his mother experienced hardship during his birth, but Jabez refused to let his name define his destiny.

Instead, he prayed:

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!
Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm…”
(1 Chronicles 4:10)

And the Bible tells us—God granted his request.

Jabez teaches us that our past, circumstances, or labels do not limit God’s plans for our future.

We Are Spiritually Blessed

If you are a follower of Christ, you are already richly blessed. The Bible says:

“He has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
(Ephesians 1:3)

Some of these spiritual blessings include:

• Salvation – Eternal life through Jesus
• Forgiveness – Our sins wiped clean
• Justification – Declared righteous before God
• Adoption – We become children of God
• The Holy Spirit – God dwelling within us
• Access to God – Boldly approaching His throne
• Peace with God
• Authority in Christ
• Spiritual gifts
• Eternal inheritance
• Guidance and transformation

Many believers live in spiritual poverty—not because they lack blessings, but because they are unaware of what they already possess.

God Also Blesses Materially

Some hesitate to talk about material blessings, but Scripture is clear:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
(James 1:17)

God provided Abraham with wealth, livestock, and resources—and He was blessed in everything. These blessings are not meant to replace God in our hearts but to help us serve others.

God blesses us so we can be a blessing.

When blessings flow through us—like water through a clear pipe—they increase. But when we hoard them, the flow stops.

The Paradox: Grace and Obedience

Blessing involves both God’s grace and our obedience.

We cannot earn blessings by keeping the law perfectly—Jesus fulfilled that for us. He became a curse on the cross so we could receive the blessing of Abraham.

At the same time, Scripture teaches that obedience invites God’s favor:

• “Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord…” (Psalm 1)
• “Meditate on God’s Word… and you will prosper.” (Joshua 1:8)

God tests us with blessings. How we manage what we already have determines what He entrusts to us next.

Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

Sometimes it seems like those who don’t follow God prosper more than believers. Psalm 73 addresses this struggle. The psalmist admits he envied the wicked—until he entered God’s presence and realized their eternal destiny.

Earthly wealth is temporary. True riches are found in Christ.

Living as Channels of Blessing

Prosperity isn’t about luxury—it’s simply having more than you need, so you can help others.

God calls us to:

• Be generous
• Support His work
• Serve others
• Store up heavenly treasure

Even the poor can bless the destitute. Everyone has something to give.

Final Thoughts

We are:

• Spiritually blessed
• Materially blessed
• Deeply loved by God

But there is no formula. Blessing ultimately rests in God’s hands. Our role is to walk in faith, obedience, and generosity.

Let us pray boldly like Jabez:

“Lord, bless me—so I can be a blessing.”

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.