PROSPERITY GOSPEL I & II

Prosperity Gospel
Is it Biblical to be blessed?

Just as many today are brainwashed concerning things such as divine healing and casting out demons, so also are many today believing unbiblical teachings concerning financial prosperity. Ministers such as Kenneth Copeland are degraded to "prosperity gospel" preachers. What I want to do here is show you a closer look at what God's Word has to say about prosperity, as it should be our final authority on things of this nature.

A really good teaching which compliments this one is The Will of God on Earth. I highly recommend reading both when you have a chance, as it will open your mind up to what God's Word really has to say about prosperity, and His will to bless His children right here on earth.

Dead religion appears to be right and good, but in reality, it denies the goodness of God. For example, religion says that it's wrong to have riches or financial blessings here on earth. But the goodness of God wants us to have an abundance so that we can not only know how much our Heavenly Father cares for us, but so we can also show His goodness to those around us!
Let's take a close look at scriptures concerning God's will for us to be blessed, and see what it really says about God's desire to bless us! Allow me to expose the dead religious mindset lurking behind the idea that God wants us poor and miserable here on earth. I like how either Gloria or Kenneth Copeland said that when folks claim God gave them a sickness, they are taking the Lord's name in vain. How? Because they are blaming His holy name for something that He had nothing to do with, but rather the devil! God's Word warns us never to call evil good or good evil.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!Isaiah 5:20

To say that God wants us poor, when His Word says otherwise, is a serious sin in the eyes of God. Why is it so serious? Because it gives Him a terrible name that He does not deserve among men. It paints an ugly picture of Him being a cruel distant taskmaster, as opposed to a loving Father who desires to heal, bless and restore us. No earthly father would want his children poor and miserable, so why do we paint such an ugly picture of our Heavenly Father, who takes pleasure in giving us good things?

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:9-11

Perhaps one of the greatest lies that Satan has fed the church, is that God is not a good God, and that our lives here on earth are just going to be poor, miserable, sick, and defeated.

Money itself is not evil; the love of it is

The first misunderstanding is that money is the root of all evil. The Bible does not say that! If we look carefully, it is the LOVE of money is the root of all evil; not the money itself.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10

Money is not evil in itself, or God wouldn't have blessed His people over and over again with it. Abraham, who is our father through faith, was filthy rich. To say that money is evil, is to say that God gave Abraham much evil. The streets in heaven are lined with gold; so if gold was evil, then heaven's streets are lined with an evil substance!

If we look in Deuteronomy 28, the famous blessing and curses chapter, we learn that having an abundance of money is considered a BLESSING or a GOOD THING! It is in no way evil for a child of God to be financially blessed.
I like how Kenneth Hagin says that we must take the things of the world lightheartedly. I believe that we cannot have a tie with our money. Jesus proved that the rich man in the Bible had a tie to his money that was stronger than his tie with God, and as a result, Jesus said that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for somebody who holds dear their money to enter the kingdom of God. That is HUGE! I wonder how many Christians today would fail the test if they were asked to sell all they had and give it unto the poor?

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Mark 10:21-25

Do you see the importance of not having the love of money in your heart? Even your entrance into the kingdom of God is dependant upon not having the love of money rooted in your heart!

Seek ye first the kingdom of God

Let's get our priorities straight. If we want the blessings of God upon our lives, then we need to seek first His kingdom, and put His priorities above our own.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

One of the keys to putting the kingdom of God first, is in our heart's attitudes and our obedience to what God commands of us. If God said to love those who hate you, and you hold bitterness in your heart, then you can forget about it. God's Word tells us that we need to be willing and obedient if we would like to eat of the good of the land:

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.Isaiah 1:19

Notice that in the above verse, both of those things are required. It's not enough to be obedient, but we must also be willing. Being willing pertains to our heart condition and attitude, and obedience pertains to our actions.

False humility versus true humility

The Bible tells us to be humble. Many believe that being humble, means driving a rust bucket and eating mac and cheese for dinner every night. They think that because they don't eat of the good of the land, that they are more spiritual than those who do. Poverty is poverty, and has nothing to do with humility! Some in the body of Christ are even proud of their poorness, and that is nothing more than religious pride. That is the exact opposite of true humility! Others look at some of God's wealthy ministers and scoff saying that they have too much money. I wonder how they would treat Abraham if he lived in this day and age? Perhaps Job, who was extremely wealthy? Or Solomon? Or Lot, who was told to leave the country because of his great wealth?

True humility is not being poor, but being thankful. You can be wealthy and thankful to God for those blessings, and that is true humility. You can also be poor and proud of it, and that is a terrible sin in the eyes of God. If we consider wealthy Christians whom God has blessed, as being less spiritual than ourselves, then religious pride is in our hearts, and we are not right before God.
It is very important for us to be humble and thankful for the blessings that God pours out upon us. God's Word tells us that when financial blessing was poured out, and the people refused to acknowledge Him for the blessing, it was not a good thing...

And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Deuteronomy 8:13-14

What we have to be really careful for, is what is called false humility, which is actually a form of religious pride. Pride is as simple as saying, "I know better than God." If God wants us rich, and we say that it's better for us to be poor, then we're calling Him a liar, and we've raised ourselves above Him.
True humility is a realization and appreciation for the provision (healing, deliverance, financial blessing, etc.) that Christ has made available to us (at a costly price!).

God loves blessing His people

I think that we can all agree that God blessed America because it was founded on Godly principals and by Godly forefathers. America is known as THE Christian nation. Israel, though they are God's physical people, rejected Christ and to this day still rejects Him. Why do you think that God blessed America? Was it for the ungodly living in the land, so that they could build prosperous businesses and drive sports cars, all while pastors are out jump-starting their cars every Sunday morning so they can drive to church and deliver the Word of God to the bride of Christ? I find it ironic that it's acceptable to many Christians for an ungodly basketball star (whom they idolize) to be wealthy, but it's unacceptable for a pastor to be blessed financially!
God's Word tells us clearly that the wealth of this earth belongs to those who fear the Lord!

He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. Psalms 115:13-16

Did you know that God's Word tells us that it is Him who gives us the power to obtain WEALTH? God's Word actually speaks of making His people wealthy by multiplying their silver, gold and everything they had!

And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied... But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:13,18

Don't tell me that they received spiritual wealth only, when it's speaking of silver, gold, flocks (their finances through their businesses) and everything they had. They are undeniable material and financial blessings that are talked about here. God gave His people the power to obtain financial wealth! Think about it: America didn't get wealthy without God's blessing. It was the blessing of God that made America a financially wealthy nation!

In the famous blessings and curses chapter in the Bible, we find that financial abundance and the ability to lend others money, is under the category of BLESSINGS, while financial lack is listed under the CURSES.

Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep [all of those things were referring to their businesses increasing!]. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store [they were blessed in the marketplace!]. The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses [you might replace that with BANK ACCOUNTS], and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.... And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee... The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow [they would not be in debt... how many Christians today wish they were walking in that??]. Deuteronomy 28:3-5,8,11,12

Some think that God no longer wants to have His children be abundantly provided for. Why not? Is not Jesus the same yesterday, today, and forever? Is not the new covenant based on BETTER promises? Since when did the new covenant do away with the idea that God wanted His children blessed? This is just the fruit of today's religious mindset and the teachings and doctrines of men.
There are numerous other verses in the Bible, which make the will of God very clear on this matter. Here are a few other examples:

Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine. Genesis 27:28

A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.... And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.... And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. Joel 2:3,24,26

He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. Psalms 147:14

Exposing the worm theologians!

Myth: God gives us our needs, not our wants

This is so much the worm theology, which believes that we are to live on barely-get-by street, struggling throughout life just to make ends meet. God's Word tells us quite the opposite; He desires to give us the desires of our hearts!

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalms 37:3-4

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

What is the context in the above verse? They use the words 'uncertain riches'... which is obviously referring to material wealth or money, right? So then it goes on to tell us not to trust in those things, but in the living God who freely gives us all things (could financial blessing or material goods be included in ALL things?) to enjoy.

God's Word even goes on to tell us that we shall enjoy the wealth and riches of the sinners, for they are laid up for us to inherit right here on earth!

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. Isaiah 61:6

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. Isaiah 60:16

That sounds like a lot more than just living on barely-get-by street!
So if God doesn't want us to go into debt (see Romans 13:7, Proverbs 22:7 and Deuteronomy 28:12), and He wants us to give generously, then apparently He's relying on us having an abundance! How can we give generously to the poor, if we don't have an abundance to give from? We can't!

A lot of people who preach against prosperity, do so in a condemnation tone. Their arguments lay guilt and condemnation on those who desire the goodness and blessings of God. The Bible warns us about people who speak lies in condemnation (hypocrisy).

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy [loading people down with condemnation]; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. 1 Timothy 4:1-4

With that said, we need to be careful not to preach things which are contrary to God's Word, saying that it's wrong to enjoy the good things that God has given the sons of men to enjoy (marriage, financial blessings, meats, etc.) when God's Word clearly tells us otherwise.

The wealth of the gentiles

Now this might sound absurd to some of you, but did you know that the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous? As I said earlier, who do you think God wanted blessed, when He financially blessed America? Was it the sinners? Or was it those who are precious in His sight?

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Proverbs 13:22

The wealth and riches of the sinners are stored up for us? Are those riches that we'll enjoy someday up in heaven? That's impossible! These are things that are for us to enjoy right here on earth.

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. Isaiah 61:6

We shall eat of the RICHES of the Gentiles (or sinners, in today's world)! What kind of riches do the sinners have? Without Jesus, their only riches are financial! Also notice that the above passage points to the ministers of God - who told you that God's ministers and pastors are supposed to be poor, and it's a sin for them to be financially blessed?
If we begin to dig into the OT, we find that when God delivered His children out of Egypt, He made to it that they were given much wealth, and not a single person left with a sickness or disease... God healed them all!

He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes. Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them. Psalms 105:37-38

In another passage, we find the Israelites taking over the lands of the heathen, and inheriting their wealth!

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Exodus 3:8

In the below passage, we find that God is telling His people that He desires to see them suck the milk of the sinners and of kings. Now don't even think of telling me that this is referring to literal milk from the breasts of kings... :)

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. Isaiah 60:16

It's an honor to be rich!

So many run around today preaching against prosperity gospel, claiming that God wants us poor 'n humble, but God's Word tells us that riches are stored up for the righteous and those who fear the Lord. It is an honor to be wealthy as a result of God's blessings! Consider some of these passages, concerning God's desire to bless them who walk in His ways:

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable [valuable] riches and righteousness.... That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. Proverbs 8:17-18,21

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalms 37:3-4

I love this following verse; it really hits the nail squarely on the head!

Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Psalms 112:1-3

And another passage that tells us about the fear of the Lord, and it's connection with riches:

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Proverbs 22:4

Did you know that God not only wants His children to be blessed, but He takes pleasure when He sees it come to past? God loves to see His children prosperous!

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. Psalms 35:27

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2

This is another one of my favorite passages, where God tells us that no good thing will be withheld from them who walk uprightly!

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalms 84:11

Then in another passage, we're told that God gives us all things to enjoy!

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

This goes along with another passage that is similar, and shows us God's heart in not wanting to withhold any good thing from us:

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32

A lot of people claim that the righteous "shall not want" anything, as in we shouldn't desire anything. While we aren't to covet the riches of this world, I believe that Psalms tells us that because of God's provision for the Godly, there won't be anything lacking to those who walk uprightly.

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Psalms 34:10

In other words, they have everything they want because they are abundantly provided for, and because their heart is with the Lord, they are thankful for what they have (which is abundance!).

Then we find another side of the story, where God would have eagerly blessed the sinners, but because they had no fear of God and failed to walk uprightly, He couldn't. God cannot bless sin.

The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee. Psalms 81:15-16

God's desire is to prosper His people and make them an example before the world of His goodness and provision.

And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it. Jeremiah 33:9

The blessing of Abraham is ours through Christ!
I said earlier that it is the Blessing of the Lord that makes us rich. Did you know that the blessing of Abraham is available to all those who are in Christ? That's right!

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:14

Do you also know that one of the obvious ways that Abraham was blessed, was in financial abundance?

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.... And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. Genesis 12:3,13:2

One day I was thinking about this passage, when I felt the Holy Spirit say to me, "Abraham is my model man, representing the blessings that I have for my children." Does not God's Word tell us that no good thing will be withheld from them who walk uprightly, and that the blessing of the Lord makes us rich? God wants to abundantly provide and bless those who fear His name, and are willing and obedient to walk in His ways.

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