The Multiplication Blessing | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, September 8
Scriptures
Genesis 1:11-12, Genesis 1:21-22, 2 Kings 4:1-4, Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 21:18-22, Genesis 39:10-13, 41:42, 41:51-52, Exodus 1:12, Nehemiah 8:10, 1 Samuel 30:6, Psalm 37:25.
Introduction
In Genesis 1:21-22, God speaks a powerful word of blessing over His creation, commanding it to "be fruitful and multiply." This divine call to multiplication is echoed throughout Scripture, showing us that God’s design is not for His blessings to remain stagnant but to grow and expand.
This concept becomes even more vivid in Acts 2:1-4. On the day of Pentecost, 120 believers gathered in the upper room were filled with the Holy Spirit. What could have remained a personal encounter turned into the birth of the global Church when they took what God did and poured it out into the streets of Jerusalem. They didn’t keep the blessing to themselves; they stepped into the multiplication blessing, and as a result, 3,000 souls were added to the Church that day. Just like the early believers, God calls us to take what we’ve been given and let it multiply beyond ourselves.
- What sticks out to you about the message, “The Multiplication Blessing”?
Pour It Out, Don't Hoard It
In 2 Kings 4:1-4, a widow was in debt, and her two sons were going to be taken away as slaves by her creditors. She sought counsel and was obedient to what the Prophet Elisha told her to do. From this story, we learn that a little becomes much when you put it in God's hands:
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.”
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.”
Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 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.”
2 Kings 4:1-4
Take note of what the widow did in 2 Kings 4:1-4: She approached Elisha for help and responded in obedience with a bold step of faith. Consequently, God multiplied what she had, blessing and delivering her family!
In mathematics, 5 x 0 is 0 and 1,000 x 0 is 0. To multiply you must start with something.
When we employ what God has given us for His glory, He multiplies it abundantly and blessings follow.
Start with what you have, pour it out like the widow did, and it will keep flowing until every vessel is filled. Don't hoard your talents or resources, no matter how small they seem.
Ask God today to use what's inside you to bless others. Remember, little becomes much when God is involved. Keep giving, keep trying.
Practical Steps to Bear More Fruit:
1. Identify and Use Your Talents: Assess your skills or resources, no matter how small, and find ways to use them in service, whether it's volunteering, mentoring, or simply helping a neighbor.
2. Share Your Faith and Experiences: Regularly share your faith or life lessons with others. This could be through conversations, writing, or social media, encouraging and inspiring those around you.
- The widow in the story took a significant step of faith even when it might have seemed illogical. How can we identify when God is asking us to take a bold step of faith in our lives?
- Elisha asked the widow, "What do you have in your house?" reflecting the importance of starting with what we have. How can this perspective change the way we view our resources, no matter how limited they may seem?
- How does the story of the widow challenge our expectations of God’s provision?
Third Coat Season
Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.” And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Genesis 41:50 (Berean Standard Bible)
In biblical times parents named their children with a meaning in mind. Matthew Henry writes in his commentary: “In the names of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph owned the Divine providence. 1. He was made to forget his misery. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. The seven plenteous years came, and were ended. We ought to look forward to the end of the days, both of our prosperity and of our opportunity. We must not be secure in prosperity, nor slothful in making good use of opportunity. Years of plenty will end…”
Two sons were born to Joseph during the seven years of plenty, before the great famine. Remember, Joseph had come from pain and suffering to end up in the Pharoah’s service, at the age of 30. And Joseph had not seen the fulfillment of his dream nor restoration with his family yet.
He named his firstborn Manasseh, expressing that Joseph had not forgotten his father nor his past, but he had chosen to focus on God and to have faith in His Goodness.
The second son, Ephraim, was named to signify God's blessing of fruitfulness even in the land of his affliction.
When we look to God and not through the eyes of our past, we will be looking at a whole picture – a picture of completion - and not just viewing our current circumstances.
Contentment in current circumstances is the knowledge that God’s seed is still in us and will be multiplied if sown.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Contentment is not, "Oh well, I guess this is as good as it gets," but rather, contentment is, "Whatever I still have within me as a believer (Galatians 5:22, Fruits of the Spirit), this is what God will use to multiply, and it will be enough!"
- What has been your "coat of many colors" that you felt was taken away from you? Another words, what personal symbols of identity, favor, or promise have been lost or taken?
- How can your current resources or situations be seen as seeds for future growth or blessings?
Joseph’s brothers took the coat his father gave him, Potiphar’s wife took the coat when she accused him of rape, but Pharaoh put a coat a favor on Joseph. People can take your coat on the outside, but they can’t take the God who gave it to you! God is your source.
Living Out the Fruit
The passage from Galatians 5:22-23 highlights the "fruit of the Spirit," which are virtues that reflect God's character and should naturally emerge in the lives of those who follow Jesus. God’s Spirit helps to grow and develop these “fruits” in believers.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23
In practical life, the fruits of the Spirit reflect spiritual maturity.
Love means choosing to care for others unconditionally, even in tough times. Joy involves finding contentment in all circumstances, not just when life is good. Peace fosters a calm demeanor, while patience helps us face challenges with grace. Kindness and goodness are expressed through small actions that build community and trust. Faithfulness, shown through loyalty and dependability, strengthens relationships. Gentleness softens conflicts, promoting reconciliation, and self-control helps us resist temptation and make wise choices that align with our values.
When actively practiced, these fruits bring harmony and purpose to our everyday lives. They transform not only us but also the people around us. The fruits of the Spirit serve as timeless virtues that transcend personal or cultural differences. They guide us toward a life of fulfillment and Godly influence.
- Review the nine fruits of the Spirit. Which fruit needs more attention and development in your walk with Christ?
- What challenges or circumstances make it difficult for me to live out the fruit of the Spirit? How can I overcome these obstacles?
Fruits vs Gifts
It’s important to remember that the fruit of the Spirit is different from the gifts of the Spirit. When we are born again, we possess all the fruit, just as we have all the muscles in our bodies at birth. However, as physical muscles need development, so too do the fruits of the Spirit. Which fruits are you strongest in, and which ones need development?
Your spiritual growth is like a workout—just as you strengthen your body in the gym, you must strengthen your spiritual fruit in your “spiritual gym.”
Action Step: This week, reflect on Galatians 5:22-23, identify areas for growth, and memorize the Fruits of the Spirit. Cultivating these virtues daily will enable God to work through you powerfully, trusting in His abundant blessings.
- Considering the analogy of a "spiritual gym," what daily exercises or practices can you incorporate into your life to develop the fruits of the Spirit? Discuss any routines or habits that have helped you grow spiritually in the past.
- How does strengthening your spiritual fruits affect your relationships and interactions within your church, family, and community?
Conclusion
Pastor Jentezen’s message on the multiplication blessing reminds us that God’s desire is to multiply the blessings in our lives when we sow seeds of faith, love, and kindness. We hold the seed of blessing within us, and God wants to increase it as we pour out what’s on the inside—love, joy, peace, and kindness. These blessings are not determined by our circumstances but by our faithfulness in sowing. God is preparing us for a "third coat season," a time of increased favor and blessing, but it begins with us releasing what we’ve received.
Business Professional Declaration:
May God Bless Me to Be:
Resources
YouTube
Audio Podcast