The Steps To True Prosperity Part 2 Series

Introduction

• Last week we discussed some of the first steps that are necessary to obtain true prosperity.

o True prosperity is the ability to meet the needs of others at any given time.

o The Bible teaches us that we can be successful in every aspect of life.

o Money is a tool to get kingdom business done.

o Learning to operate in the kingdom of God, positions us to have true prosperity.

• Now let’s continue on with the steps to true prosperity.

• True prosperity is developed in the love of God. The kingdom of God is a kingdom of love.

• As Believer’s we must develop the character of love in order to prosper in God’s ways.

• Let us look to the Word this week as we learn more about true prosperity – God’s way.

A. All of the laws that govern prosperity hang on the law of love

(NKJV) Matthew 22 37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

1. We must develop the character of love. We need to take Jesus’ example and work it daily.

2. We must always make decisions that line up with love in order to develop the character of love.

3. When you meet the requirements of love, you become a mature Christian in God's kingdom. We must understand, think and speak love in order to be considered a mature Christian.

B. Kingdom prosperity will always be insulated, protected & shielded by love.

(NKJV) 1 Corinthians 13 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1. When you lack in being mature in the love of God, you think, speak and act as a child.

2. God is not going to put financial wealth, supernatural power and increase into the life of a selfish person or one that acts like a child. (Inheritance is given at 18 or 21yrs of age)

3. God will not give you more than you can handle. If you are not mature in love, then things will control you.

a. Example: A person that is given great wealth when their love walk is not right, will squander it on selfish and ridiculous things. (Prodigal Son)

b. Like too much alcohol, money is an amplifier of the inner person. If you are immature in love, then your behavior will be of one that is selfish

c. Money is a tool to be used for loving God and people and not to be squandered on selfish lusts.

4. It is “traditional thinking” to believe that God does not want you to be wealthy; however He cannot trust you with wealth if you are selfish.

5. God desires that all Believers be successful in every area of life such as health, relationships, finances and careers.

6. Jesus perfected the character of love. As a result, He became the most prosperous man to ever live. We are joint heirs with Him!

7. We must not seek to be rich, but to seek the one who can give us the riches (God).

a. The wrong relationship with money is the root of evil.

(NKJV) 1 Timothy 6 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

b. If your relationship is right with God, money will come.

C. You must love God with all your strength in order to walk in true prosperity.

(NKJV) Luke 10 27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”

1. Loving God with all your strength, is loving God with your possessions, abilities, anointing, influence, power and money—whatever you have that can make a difference in another person’s life.

(AMP) Proverbs 18 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.;

2. The rich young ruler did not love God with all his strength and, as a result, missed an opportunity to prosper.

(NKJV) Mark 10 17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” 20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.