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The sermon explores the distinction between proximate and ultimate causes regarding God's blessing of the godly, using Psalm 18 as the primary text. It establishes that while God generally rewards righteous behavior, this is a secondary principle rather than the foundational reason for His grace. The preacher clarifies that human obedience is never perfectly blameless and cannot earn salvation or blessing on its own merit. Instead, the ultimate cause of all divine favor is the perfect obedience and substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, who serves as the covenant head for believers. Consequently, believers are motivated to live righteously not by earning God's love, but by responding to the immense grace already provided through Christ.

The sermon explores the spiritual blessing of divine acceptance found exclusively in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that this status is rooted entirely in God's unmerited grace rather than human merit. It contrasts the inherent sinfulness and unworthiness of humanity with the perfect righteousness imputed to believers through Christ's sacrificial death. The message highlights that God's favor is unconditional and eternal, secured by the finished work of the cross and received solely through faith. By anchoring identity in being 'in the Beloved,' believers are assured of their permanent standing before God, independent of their own performance. The exposition concludes with an urgent call to trust in Christ for salvation, as acceptance is available only to those united with Him.

The sermon challenges believers to offer complete, undivided devotion to God by examining the life of Abraham. It highlights three key tests Abraham faced: leaving his home, waiting on God's timing for a promise, and sacrificing his most precious possession. These examples illustrate that true faith requires trusting God fully without holding anything back. The preacher urges the audience to examine their own lives for areas where they might be withholding control or resources from the Lord. Ultimately, the message calls for total surrender as a reasonable response to Christ's sacrifice and a prerequisite for spiritual blessing.

All seek happiness, few want blessing. All expect prosperity while robbing God. Generational antinomianism

(AI Generated Summary) The sermon examines the corruption of the Levitical priests in Malachi, highlighting their failure to honor God through polluted sacrifices and partial instruction. It contrasts their disobedience with the faithful example of Aaron, emphasizing that true ministry requires a fear of God and adherence to His Word. The preacher argues that human priesthood is inherently flawed and unable to provide perfect intercession or lasting blessing for the people. By referencing Hebrews 7, the message shifts to Jesus Christ as the superior High Priest from the order of Melchizedek who offers a better covenant. Ultimately, believers find hope and access to God not through imperfect religious leaders, but through the eternal and perfect mediation of Christ.

In this sermon, Pastor Linehan considers the use of the biblical benediction as a part of reformed liturgy.

Do you have ears to hear the call to come bless your Lord for His wonderful works of grace and mercy to you in Christ even more in praise and prayer tonight? May you be more mindful to do so as you remember and reflect on His goodness in your salvation. May you do so even as you look back on trials and suffering, recognizing and proclaiming God's work and good purposes in and through them. Then may you be ever more faithful to keep your vows, and obedient in worship and service to Christ. He is the God who blesses you and works by His Spirit in you to testify of His grace and mercy to others.