Increase - Free Indeed - Ep. 41

Summary

Barry Bennett argues that increase—not merely “getting by”—reflects God’s heart for people. He grounds this message in Psalm 115:14–15, which asks God to give increase “more and more” to people and their children. In Bennett’s view, growth and multiplication are built into creation and remain part of God’s nature, even in a world affected by sin, suffering, sickness, poverty, and loss.

He contrasts God’s desire to bless with what he describes as the work of “the thief”—Satan, who steals, kills, and destroys. He says difficult circumstances do not have to determine a person’s outcome; people’s beliefs and responses to God’s Word matter. A central barrier, he says, is a mindset shaped by fear, scarcity, and the assumption that believers should expect only to scrape by. He encourages listeners to renew their minds and expect God’s goodness.

Bennett presents increase broadly: more love, joy, peace, patience, faith, health, resources, opportunities, and capacity to bless others. He says resources are not meant simply for personal comfort but can enable people to give to family and support good works. He also suggests that visible blessing can point others toward God.

Practices for Cultivating an Expectation of Increase

• Take in and meditate on Scripture. Bennett says God’s Word carries God’s nature and is intended to “prosper” in the purpose for which it is sent. He encourages regular attention to biblical promises so they can renew a person’s thinking and build faith.
• Renew the mind. Drawing on Romans 12:2, he urges listeners to challenge scarcity-focused assumptions and align their expectations with what he believes Scripture says about God’s intentions.
• Practice praise and gratitude. He interprets Psalm 67:5–6 as teaching that praise and recognition of God as one’s source are connected with increase. He cautions against habitual complaining and criticism.
• Seek God diligently. Citing Hebrews 11:6 and Matthew 6:33, he says faith involves believing that God rewards those who seek Him and that seeking God’s kingdom leads to provision.
• Pray and ask with expectation. He points to John 16:24, emphasizing the promise to ask and receive, with the result that joy may be full.
• Give generously. Drawing on 2 Corinthians 9:8 and 9:11, he says God provides sufficiency and abundance so people can do good works and bless others.
• Expect God’s provision beyond a single source. Bennett says a job need not be viewed as a person’s only possible source of provision and encourages listeners to expect God to provide in ways they may not anticipate.

He supports the message with Romans 8:32 and Ephesians 3:20, arguing that God’s gift of Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s work in believers demonstrate God’s willingness and power to provide beyond what people ask or imagine. He closes by praying for listeners to receive a renewed vision, attitude, and expectation of growth and blessing.

Speakers and Sources

• Barry Bennett — Host and teacher of the episode; the only speaker heard.
• Biblical passages quoted or referenced by Bennett: Psalm 115:14–15; Isaiah 55:10–11; Psalm 67:5–6; Romans 12:2; Romans 8:32; Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Romans 10:17; John 16:24; 2 Corinthians 9:8 and 9:11; Matthew 6:33; and John 10:10.
• Andrew — Mentioned in the closing promotion as the author of a booklet or larger book about blessings in Christ; the subtitles do not provide a full name.