Materialism And The Prosperity Pressure Series

MATERIALISM AND THE PROSPERITY PRESSURE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:19-24, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Proverbs 23:4-5, Hebrews 13:5, Mark 8:36

INTRODUCTION:

In our increasingly materialistic world, the pressure to accumulate wealth, flaunt success, and measure worth by possessions has intensified. Social media, celebrity culture, and worldly standards have created an unhealthy atmosphere of comparison and competition, even within the Church. Many believers are tempted to prioritise prosperity over purity, wealth over wisdom, and riches over righteousness.

Materialism is not just about owning things—it’s about being owned by things. Jesus warns that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. Yet, many are driven by the fear of poverty or the desire to be seen as “successful” by others. This has led some into debt, compromise, fraud, and spiritual dryness.

The prosperity pressure is real, but God calls us to contentment, stewardship, and eternal focus. In this message, we will learn how to resist materialism and live free from the bondage of mammon, trusting in God’s faithful provision and eternal rewards.

1. MATERIALISM DISTORTS TRUE VALUE

Materialism leads people to pursue things that don’t last while neglecting what truly matters.

a) Life Is More Than Possessions (Luke 12:15)

Jesus warns against covetousness—abundance of things does not define a meaningful life.

b) The Love of Money Is a Root of Evil (1 Timothy 6:10)

When wealth becomes a god, it opens the door to destruction.

c) Riches Are Deceptive and Fleeting (Proverbs 23:4–5)

Money promises satisfaction but often delivers emptiness.

d) Contentment Is Greater Than Riches (1 Timothy 6:6)

Godliness with contentment is true gain—not flashy success.

Biblical Example: Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, fell into destruction because of greed and material pursuit (2 Kings 5:20–27).

2. MATERIALISM COMPETES WITH GOD FOR WORSHIP

You cannot serve both God and money.

a) You Cannot Serve God and Mammon (Matthew 6:24)

Materialism demands loyalty, making it a rival to God.

b) Where Your Treasure Is, Your Heart Will Be (Matthew 6:21)

What we value most reveals who or what we worship.

c) Love of Possessions Breeds Discontentment (Hebrews 13:5)

God commands us to be content because He is our sufficiency.

d) True Prosperity Comes from Trusting in the Lord (Proverbs 10:22)

God blesses without sorrow when He is the source.

Biblical Example: The rich young ruler could not follow Jesus because his heart was bound to his wealth (Mark 10:17–22).

3. MATERIALISM DESTROYS ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE

Pursuing wealth at the expense of righteousness endangers your soul.

a) Lay Up Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19–20)

Eternal riches are secure; earthly ones can perish.

b) What Shall It Profit a Man? (Mark 8:36)

Worldly gain at the cost of your soul is the worst trade.

c) Seek First the Kingdom, Not Things (Matthew 6:33)

Kingdom priorities guarantee both spiritual and physical blessings.

d) Materialism Can Lead to Apostasy (1 Timothy 6:9)

Some, desiring wealth, stray from the faith.

Biblical Example: Demas forsook Paul and the faith because he loved the present world (2 Timothy 4:10).

CONCLUSION:

Materialism and prosperity pressure are silent threats that rob many of peace, purity, and purpose. As believers, we are not called to be poor, but we are called to be content and spiritually minded. God is not against prosperity, but He is against covetousness and misplaced priorities. When wealth becomes a god, we lose sight of eternity.

The cure for materialism is a heart rooted in contentment, trust in God’s provision, and a life focused on eternal values. Break free from the chains of mammon and let your heart treasure Christ above all.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, deliver me from the spirit of covetousness and greed.

2. Father, teach me the secret of godly contentment.

3. Help me to seek Your Kingdom above worldly riches.

4. Expose and uproot every materialistic mindset in my life.

5. Let my heart treasure eternal things more than temporary wealth.