Which other scriptures highlight God's role in expanding His people's influence? Anchor Verse: God Enlarges His People “You have enlarged the nation, O LORD; You have gained glory for Yourself; You have extended all the borders of the land.” (Isaiah 26:15) Foundations in Genesis: Divine Increase Begins • Genesis 12:2 — “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” • Genesis 26:22 — “At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.” • Genesis 28:14 — “Your offspring will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east, to the north and south.” Law and History: Borders Stretched by God’s Hand • Exodus 34:24 — “For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders.” • Deuteronomy 12:20 — “When the LORD your God enlarges your territory as He has promised you…” • Deuteronomy 19:8 — “If the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as He swore to your fathers…” • 1 Chronicles 4:10 — “Jabez cried out… ‘Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory!’ … And God granted his request.” • 2 Samuel 5:10 — “David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.” Songs of Enlargement: Praise for Spacious Places • Psalm 18:36 — “You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way.” • Psalm 115:14 — “May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children.” • Psalm 118:5 — “Out of my distress I called to the LORD; He answered me and set me free [literally, ‘in a broad place’].” Prophetic Promises: Vision of Wider Influence • Isaiah 54:2-3 — “Enlarge the place of your tent… you will spread out to the right and to the left.” • Zechariah 2:4 — “Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the multitude of men and livestock within it.” • Jeremiah 30:19 — “I will multiply them, and they will not be diminished; I will glorify them, and they will not be small.” The New Covenant: Gospel Expansion • Matthew 28:18-20 — “Go and make disciples of all nations…” • Acts 2:47 — “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” • Acts 9:31 — “The church… increased in numbers.” • 2 Corinthians 10:15-16 — “As your faith increases, our area of influence… will greatly increase.” • Colossians 1:6 — “The gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world.” • 1 Thessalonians 3:12 — “May the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love…” • Ephesians 3:20 — “He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Living in the Flow of God’s Enlargement Today • Scripture shows a consistent pattern: God initiates growth, widens borders, multiplies people, and amplifies influence so His glory is seen. • Whether territory, impact, or spiritual fruit, the increase serves His purposes, not mere human ambition. • Standing on Isaiah 26:15, we can trust the same God to open doors, broaden platforms, and deepen reach as we walk in obedience and faith. |
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