Pray for Expansion – Part Two

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

Marked by pain, and yet Jabez asked God for blessing, expansion, God’s presence (guidance), and protection from “trouble and pain”.

“There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!’ And God granted him his request.” – 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT

“expand my territory” – NLT “enlarge my territory” – NIV “extend my border” – CSB “enlarge my borders” – ESV NASB RSV NETS (ancient Greek translation of Hebrew NT Church) “give me more land” – NCV

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.” – Isaiah 54:2–3 ESV

The phrase “lengthen your cords” is part of a larger passage in Isaiah 54 that also includes the promise that descendants will dispossess nations and settle in desolate cities.

Literal translation would include a bigger house so that we may bless more people.

What evidence do we have that New Testament era Jesus-followers followed this principle?

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:42-47 ESV

Jesus teaches prayer that brings us into alignment with God’s passionate purpose, not selfishness. – Luke 11:1-10

“I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” – Genesis 12:2-3

Good News context for “blessed to be a blessing”. Thank you God for salvation through faith in Jesus. I am blessed to be a blessing to others. Abba Father God in Heaven: love gives (life of identity, value, purpose relationship character stewardship reproduction), Provider, Protector, Redeemer (Adam & Eve), Covenant Committed Love (Abraham “blessed to be a blessing” multiplication), New Covenant spiritual life cleansing freedom purpose Jesus Movement, Relationship interaction via the Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:1-4 “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,” agape love includes gracious humility and stewardship for generosity, meeting the needs of others Luke 11:5-10. Increase our Gospel-centered influence, “Jesus Movement”, expanding the reach of God’s love expressed thru Jesus to more and more people, in more and more places.

What should we do?

1. List your current areas of stewardship.

2. Pray asking God for wisdom about your circles of influence and possible expansion.