THE POWER OF REVELATION IN ACCESSING KINGDOM BLESSINGS

THE POWER OF REVELATION IN ACCESSING KINGDOM BLESSINGS
(Delivered at the Emmanuel Ajayi Dahunsi Baptist Association Quarterly Meeting Held at Golden Gate Baptist Church, Seme on February 2, 2008
- Rev. Simon A. Kolawole, Ph.D.

INTRODUCTION
We give thanks to God for the grace to witness another year. Let us rededicate ourselves to the Lord so that we can enjoy more of His blessings. I thank the Association for this invitation and I pray that the Lord will take the Association to greater heights.
Our topic, “The Power of Revelation in Accessing Kingdom Blessings,” focuses on how revelation can help us to access kingdom blessings. Revelation is taken primarily as the word of God and secondarily as some other messages the Lord may give us from time to time. The topic is very relevant not only because it is closely related to our Convention theme for the year but also because whereas God’s blessings are inexhaustible many Christians are rather impoverished and our lives do not commensurate with the glorious riches of God which are ours in Christ Jesus. Therefore through the topic, we shall be able to access kingdom blessings more than we have done hitherto. May this be our portion in Jesus’ name.

THE POWER OF REVELATION IN ACCESSING KINGDOM BLESSINGS
1. Revelation Assures Us of Kingdom Blessings
We need assurance in accessing kingdom blessings and revelation gives this assurance. Through revelation we know for sure that kingdom blessings are real and they are meant for us. Thus we are encouraged in seeking them because we know we shall not be disappointed in so doing (Heb. 11:6; 2 Cor. 1:20; Heb. 10:23). The assurance we have in God’s promises is grounded on God who is ever faithful (I Cor. 1:9; Num. 23:19; Tit. 1:3).
2. Revelation Shows Us Conditions for Kingdom Blessings
Revelation also helps us to know what we must do to enjoy God’s blessings. Whereas God’s blessings are inexhaustible, there are conditions to be met before they can become ours. Thereby we can prepare ourselves to receive the blessings. As we remove the barriers to God’s blessings, they flow unhindered to us. By implication, we determine how much of the blessings we shall enjoy as individuals. Fulfill God’s conditions and enjoy His blessings (Is. 1:19-20; John 2:5; 2 Cor. 9:6-8).

3. Revelation Gives Us Confidence to Claim Kingdom Blessings
In addition to being assured of Kingdom blessings revelation makes us confident to claim them. Through revelation we have boldness to lay hold on kingdom blessings because we know that He who promised is faithful. A great challenge to us is appropriating the blessings of God. Through revelation we can possess our possessions and enjoy our blessings more. This is God’s intention and a means of demonstrating His gory in the world (Heb.4: 14-16; 10:35-36; 2 Cor. 4:13).

4. Revelation Shows Examples of Those Who Accessed Kingdom Blessings
The scripture declares: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4, NKJV). To further strengthen our faith to lay hold on God’s unchanging promises, the Scriptures provide examples for us of those who accessed kingdom blessings (Rom.4:19-21; James 5:17-18; Hebrews 11:32-35). So both in confirming the reality of the blessings and in exemplifying receiving them, the Biblical characters provide patterns for us. Thus they challenge us to follow their examples and enjoy the blessings meant for us (cf. Rom. 8:19).

5. Revelation Sensitizes Us to Specific Blessings
Even today God can reveal some specific blessings to us believing which we can claim them for ourselves or for others. This can be through dream, revelations, prophecy, etc. We should remember that what God has done before He can do again (Heb. 13:8). Therefore, let us be more open to God’s revelation in our situations for our good and/or for the sake of others.

6. Revelation Exposes Hindrances to Accessing Kingdom Blessings
Sometimes kingdom blessings are obstructed by the forces of darkness. God reveals such hindrances so that we confront the enemy, gain victory over him and obtain our blessings (Dan. 10:12-14; Luke 11:20-21). It is significant to stress that this is one area we should turn our searchlight more than we have done. Many blessings are being blocked by Satan and his agents and we must be ready to confront them before we can obtain such blessings (Matt. 11:12).

CONCLUSION
God, the El Shaddai wants us to have life in its fullness (John 10:10; 2 Pet. 1:2-4). Appropriate God’s blessings to have an enriched life and be a greater channel of blessings to others. You are a special person chosen to manifest God in the world.