Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ.
Today, my message is going to delve into a topic that has generated considerable discussion and sometimes confusion within the Christian community: the concept of prosperity. Specifically, let us explore whether Jesus promised His followers material prosperity.
It is essential for us to understand what the Bible truly teaches on this matter so that we can align our expectations and our lives with God's Word.
Main Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
1. Understanding Biblical Prosperity
First, let's define what we mean by "prosperity." In today's culture, prosperity often refers to material wealth, success, and financial abundance. However, the Bible presents a broader and more profound understanding of prosperity.
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Here, "prosper" does not merely mean financial gain but encompasses overall well-being, including spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
Illustration: The Prosperous Soul
Consider the prosperous soul. A person who has a prosperous soul is rich in faith, love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This kind of prosperity is far more valuable than material wealth because it leads to eternal life and a deeper relationship with God.
Application:
Seek True Prosperity: Aim to cultivate a prosperous soul rather than just accumulating material wealth. Focus on growing in your relationship with God and developing Christ-like character.
Value Spiritual Wealth: Recognize that spiritual wealth is far more enduring and significant than material wealth.
2. Jesus' Teachings on Wealth and Possessions
When we examine Jesus' teachings, we find that He often warned against the dangers of wealth and possessions. Jesus emphasized the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth.
Scripture: Matthew 19:23-24
In Matthew 19:23-24 (NIV), Jesus says to His disciples, "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Jesus cautioned that wealth can become a significant obstacle to entering the kingdom of God if it becomes an idol or a source of pride.
Illustration: The Rich Young Ruler
The story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-27) illustrates this point. The young man wanted to follow Jesus but was unwilling to give up his great wealth. His attachment to material possessions prevented him from fully committing to Christ. Jesus' response highlights the need to prioritize our relationship with God over our earthly possessions.
Application:
Guard Against Idolatry: Ensure that your wealth and possessions do not become idols. Keep your focus on God and His kingdom.
Prioritize Generosity: Use your resources to bless others and further God's work. Be generous and willing to share with those in need.
3. The Promise of Provision, Not Wealth
While Jesus did not promise material wealth, He did promise to provide for our needs. This distinction is important because it shifts our focus from seeking wealth to trusting God for our daily provisions.
Scripture: Matthew 6:31-33
In Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV), Jesus assures us, "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Jesus calls us to seek God's kingdom and righteousness first, promising that our needs will be met as we do so.
Illustration: The Birds and the Lilies
Jesus uses the example of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:25-30) to illustrate God's provision. Just as God cares for the birds and the lilies, He will surely care for us. This assurance frees us from the anxiety of chasing after material wealth and allows us to trust in God's faithful provision.
Application:
Trust in God’s Provision: Rely on God to meet your needs rather than striving for wealth. Have faith that He will provide for you as you seek His kingdom.
Live Simply: Embrace a lifestyle of simplicity and contentment, focusing on what truly matters—your relationship with God and others.
4. The Dangers of the Prosperity Gospel
Imagine a preacher standing in a grand, packed auditorium, declaring with fervor that God's ultimate desire is for His followers to be wealthy and free from all financial struggles. He confidently asserts that if you sow a "seed" (usually in the form of a monetary donation), God will multiply it back to you a hundredfold. Many in the audience, desperate for financial breakthrough, eagerly give what they have, expecting miraculous returns.
This scene is a common representation of the prosperity gospel, which teaches that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth. Prosperity Gospel teachers often implies that financial blessing is a direct sign of God's favor and that poverty or financial struggles indicate a lack of faith or righteousness.
A notable example is televangelist Creflo Dollar, who has often been associated with prosperity theology. He teaches that Christians should expect to receive significant material blessings as a sign of God's favor if they give generously and exhibit strong faith. In a 2015 campaign, he asked his followers to donate towards the purchase of a $65 million private jet, framing it as a necessary tool for his ministry and a demonstration of God’s desire for prosperity for His people. (Source: Hollinger, D. (2017). Religious Authority and the Prosperity Gospel: An Analysis of Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and Benny Hinn. Journal of Contemporary Religion, 32(3), 435-451.)
The prosperity gospel, which teaches that faith in Christ will lead to wealth and health, is a distortion of biblical teaching. This message can lead to disillusionment and a misplaced focus on material gain rather than spiritual growth.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Paul warns in 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV), "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." This passage underscores the dangers of pursuing wealth and the love of money.
Illustration: The Parable of the Sower
In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), Jesus describes different responses to the Word of God. The seed sown among thorns represents those who hear the Word but are choked by the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth, making it unfruitful. This parable warns us about the spiritual dangers of wealth and worldly concerns.
Application:
Reject the Prosperity Gospel: Be wary of teachings that promise material wealth as a sign of God's favor. Focus on growing in faith and righteousness.
The prosperity gospel can mislead believers into focusing on material wealth rather than spiritual growth, potentially causing disappointment and a crisis of faith when the promised financial miracles do not occur. It is crucial for Christians to discern the true teachings of the Bible and understand that God's blessings often come in forms far richer and more meaningful than material wealth.
Pursue Holiness: Seek to live a life that honors God, regardless of your material circumstances. Remember that true prosperity is found in a relationship with Him.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, Jesus did not promise us material prosperity, but He did promise something far greater—spiritual prosperity and eternal life. He calls us to seek His kingdom first, to trust in His provision, and to guard our hearts against the deceitfulness of wealth. As we align our lives with His teachings, we will find true contentment and joy, not in material abundance, but in the richness of our relationship with God.
May we strive to cultivate a prosperous soul, live out our faith through acts of love and generosity, and trust in God's faithful provision. Let us reject the false promises of the prosperity gospel and embrace the true gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers us eternal riches beyond measure.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and the truths it reveals. Help us to understand that true prosperity is found in a relationship with You, not in material wealth. Guide us to seek Your kingdom first and trust in Your provision. Guard our hearts against the love of money and help us to live lives that honor You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
