Jabez's Prayer: A Model for Seeking God's Blessings (1 Chronicles 4:10)
Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 4:10
Introduction:
In the midst of genealogies, a brief but powerful prayer emerges: the prayer of Jabez. This prayer, though short, encapsulates the heart's desire for God's blessings, protection, and purpose. Today, we will unpack Jabez's prayer, learning how to approach God with our own requests and desires.
I. “Oh, That You Would Bless Me Indeed…”
A. It Is Right to Pray for God’s Blessing (Psalm 67:1; Genesis 32:26):
We are encouraged to seek God's blessings, recognizing that all good things come from Him.
Just as Jacob wrestled with God for a blessing, we can boldly approach Him with our requests.
B. We Receive From Him, Not Our Own Strength (James 1:17):
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights…"
We acknowledge that our blessings are not earned but graciously given by God.
C. God Sent His Son to Bless Us (Acts 3:26):
"To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."
The ultimate blessing is salvation through Jesus Christ.
D. Spiritual Blessings Matter Most (Ephesians 1:3):
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."
We should prioritize spiritual blessings, which have eternal significance.
Sin hampers these blessings.
II. “…And Enlarge My Territory…”
A. Protection From Enemies (Psalm 31:8; 118:5):
Jabez prayed for God to expand his influence and protect him from those who sought to harm him.
We can pray for God to create space for us to serve Him effectively.
III. “…That Your Hand Would Be With Me…”
A. We Should Pray for God’s Help (Psalm 119:173):
"Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts."
We need God's hand to guide and strengthen us.
B. God’s Hand Guards Us (Isaiah 41:10-14; Ephesians 6:10-18; Hebrews 13:6):
God's hand protects us from spiritual and physical enemies.
C. God’s Hand Guides Us Through Trials (2 Corinthians 12:9):
God's grace is sufficient to sustain us in our weaknesses.
D. God’s Hand Unifies Us (2 Chronicles 30:12):
God's hand brings unity and obedience to His people.
IV. “…That You Would Keep Me From Evil…”
A. Deliverance From Evil (Matthew 6:13; John 17:15):
We should pray for God's protection from the evil one and his schemes.
B. “Evil” Is Not Always Gruesome (1 Corinthians 10:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; Psalm 52:3; Job 15:16):
Evil can be subtle, tempting us with seemingly harmless desires.
C. Abhor Evil (Romans 12:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:22):
We must reject every form of evil and cling to what is good.
D. Avoiding Participation in Evil (2 John 11; Revelation 18:4):
We must avoid fellowship and support of those who practice evil.
E. Examples of Evil Things:
- Evil alliances (2 Chronicles 20:35; Psalm 83:5)
- Evil associations (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 4:14; 13:20; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11)
- Evil choices (Matthew 27:18, 21)
- Evil schemes (Psalm 37:7-9, 12, 13; Proverbs 6:14; 12:2, 3, 5; 2 Timothy 4:14)
Rewarding evil for good (Psalm 35:12; 38:20; 109:5; 2 Corinthians 12:15-21; Proverbs 17:13)
V. “…That I May Not Cause Pain!”
A. Jabez’s Name (Sorrow, Affliction):
Jabez wanted to break the cycle of pain associated with his name.
B. Not Removing All Pain (2 Corinthians 4:17; Psalm 119:67):
Jabez understood that trials and pain are part of life, but he desired to avoid causing unnecessary pain.
C. Avoiding Pain Through Sin (Ephesians 4:30):
Jabez sought to live a life that would not grieve the Holy Spirit or cause pain to others.
VI. “So God Granted Him What He Requested.”
A. God Answers Prayer (Psalm 66:20; James 5:16; John 14:14):
God hears and answers the prayers of His people.
We must pray in accordance to his will.
Jabez prayed with a heart that aligned with God’s will, and God answered.
- Preaching on If You Abide in My Word John 8:30-32
- Preaching on Simplicity of a Christian Life (1 Peter 5:5-7)
- Preaching on I Stand at the Door and Knock Revelation 3:14-22
Conclusion:
Jabez’s prayer is a powerful example of how we can approach God with our needs and desires. Let us pray for God’s blessings, protection, and guidance. Let us seek to live lives that honor Him and avoid causing pain to others. And let us trust that God, in His perfect wisdom and love, will hear and answer our prayers. Amen.
