Blessed

James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Genesis 22:1 - Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"—but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

2 Timothy 4:8 - Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Conclusions:

• Abraham was tested, not tempted, for God does not tempt
• Satan tempts us in order to make us fall; God tests us in order to confirm our faith or prove our commitment
• Abraham answered with a response of a servant, as did Moses and Samuel when God called them by name
• What God has prepared is probably not to be limited to either present or future blessing; both are involved
• Theirs is the kingdom of heaven is a present reality as well as a future hope
• Psalm 1:1 speaks progressively of association with the ungodly and participation in their ungodly ways
• Blessed is the happy condition of those who revere the Lord and do His will, who put their trust in Him, and so are blessed by God
• The Psalter begins by proclaiming the blessedness of the godly and ends by calling all living things to praise God in His earthly and heavenly sanctuaries
• Counsel is deliberations and advice
• Sinners are those for whom evil is habitual; for whom wickedness is a way of life
• Mockers are those who ridicule God and defiantly reject His law
• Paul uses the metaphor of the wreath given to the winner of a race
• Paul could be referring to (1) a crown given as a reward for a righteous life, (2) a crown consisting of righteousness or (3) a crown given righteously by the righteous Judge
• That day is the day of Christ’s second coming

Application:

• Do you answer with the response of a servant?
• Do you love God?
• Are you persecuted because of righteousness?
• Do you revere the Lord, do His will, and put your trust in Him?
• Do you long for Christ's appearing?

All Scripture verses from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible