Why Prosperity Theology is Unbiblical and Heretical
Text from http://macedoniayf.multiply.com/journal/item/42
1. In general, a righteous life will have certain tendencies towards prosperity.
God want us to work hard. (Conversely, if we are lazy in our jobs, this is poor testimony).
God want us to work smart.
If a righteous person work hard + work smart, and avoid vices e.g. drinking, he will tend towards prosperity. This is what many verses in Proverbs teach.
"Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." Proverbs 10:4
"He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich." Proverbs 21:17
"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." Proverbs 22:29
“The observation is simply that godly character, which includes the ability to perform consistent, quality work, has the result of increasing prosperity. On the other hand an unrighteous character includes laziness (or sluggardliness, to use the favorite term of the Proverbs) which has the opposite result, namely poverty. The teaching is that in a general natural sense according to God's basic design for living, as well as his ultimate inheritance for the righteous in heaven, God's goal for people includes prosperity, including material wealth. This has some application in the sense of the Christian learning to work effectively and productively, a major theme in Proverbs--i.e. to develop a good work ethic. One indication of the attainment of this goal will be some measure of material prosperity. A lack of sufficient income may indicate laziness, not righteousness.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, observations about how God’s world works. In other words, the proverbs are principles (how things normally go) rather than promises (how things will certainly go for you). While it is generally true that obedience and faithful stewardship lead to prosperity, it is quite inappropriate for any one person to presume on this rule of thumb, or to make demands of God. God does not promise us a life free of troubles, financial or otherwise. Quite to the contrary, Jesus warns, “In this world you will have trouble (John 16:33a). Jesus suffered greatly on our behalf, and it is only natural that his followers should share in his suffering. But he goes on, “Take heart. I have overcome the world. (John 16:33b).”
2. God sometimes allows suffering in order that we may know Him deeper (e.g. Job 42:5) and have a greater apprehension of His grace (2 Cor 12:9).
3. Old Covenant and New Covenant belong to different dispensations. The Old Covenant has already been set aside (Hebrew 8:7-13). The Old Covenant’s instructions, blessings, curses and events serve as object lessons for New Covenant believers (1 Cor 10:6). For example, in the Old Covenant there are instructions to pick up arms and go to war. We don’t pick up arms and go to war today under the New Covenant (this shows that not everything in the Old Covenant apply to Christians today). Nevertheless, we fight spiritual warfare under the New Covenant (Eph 6). The Old Covenant’s instructions, blessings, curses and events regarding going to war serve as object lessons for New Testament spiritual warfare today (e.g. lessons in trusting God).
4. The words translated in the Bible as "prosperity" often has a range of meanings. In many cases they do not necessarily mean physical riches.
5. We will be rich ultimately in the millennium and beyond, but not necessarily in this life. (Why? because God wants us to have faith.)
True or false?
1. God wants us to work hard towards riches and take care of our body for His glory. (T)
2. We can pray for financial success and good health. (T)
3. God wants all Christians to be rich and healthy in this life for His glory. (F)
4. God will make all Christians rich and healthy in this life for His glory. (F)
Also, note that the Bible says, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Tim 3:12.
The following verses are very precious, but they do not necessarily imply physical riches. These are verses which are often used by prosperity preachers.
Genesis 2:10 through Genesis 2:12 (KJV)
And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
Response: Paradise is ultimately regained in New heaven and New earth (Rev 22), not in this world. How do we know that? Well, in Paradise there is no sorrow, but in this world we have sorrow (John 16). Therefore, Paradise is not regained in this world.
Genesis 12:2 (AMP)
And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]. Genesis 13:2 (AMP) Now Abram was extremely rich in livestock and in silver and in gold Genesis 13:5-6 (AMP)But Lot, who went with Abram also had flock and herds and tents. Now the land was not able to nourish and support them so they could dwell together, for their possessions were to great for them to live together Genesis 24:35 (KJV)35And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.
Response: These passages refer to God's promise to Abraham, not necessarily to all Christians. The blessing of Abraham which comes to Christians (Galatians 3) refers to righteousness, and not all the different ways in which Abraham was blessed. Certainly the blessing of having a child when a hundred years old is not promised to all Christians!
Genesis 26:12-14 (AMP)
Then Isaac sowed see in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings. And the man become great and gained more and more until he became very wealthy and distinguished; He owned flocks, herds, and a great supply of servants and the Philistines envies him. 30:43 (KJV) -31:1 (KJV) 43And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses. 1And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory. 36:7 (AMP)For their great flocks and herds and possessions [which they had collected] made it impossible for them to dwell together; in the land which they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock . Genesis 39:2-4 (AMP) But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And [his master] saw that the Lord was with him and that the lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand. So Joseph pleased [Potiohar] and found favor in his sight, and served him. And [his master] made him supervisor over his house and he put all that he had in his charge Genesis 39:23 (AMP)The prison warden paid no attention anything that was in Joseph's charge, for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper.
Response: This was the manner the Lord blessed Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Certainly God can also bless Christians with physical riches in this life, and He still does bless a portion of His people in this manner today. But it doesn't mean He will bless every believer in this manner. He did not promise it here.
Exodus 36:3 (KJV)
3And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. Exodus 36:5 through Exodus 36:7 (KJV)
5And they spake unto Moses, saying, the people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make. 6And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. 7For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much. Leviticus 26:10 (AMP) And you shall eat the [abundant] old store of produce long kept, and clear out the old [to make room] for the new Deuteronomy 1:21 (KJV) 21Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. Deuteronomy 6:10 through Deuteronomy 6:11 (KJV)
10And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, 11And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
Response: This was the manner the Lord chose to bless the nation of Israel. Again, it doesn't mean He will bless all Christians in this manner. God promised the Israelites success in possessing the land of the Canaanites and success in killing their enemies. Shall Christians go and kill other people and possess their land? Does God still use His people today as instrument of His justice in the same way He used the Israelites? The answer is obviously no. The Old Testament records the way the Lord use His people during the Old Covenant period to manifest His power. This was how the Lord proved the reality of His words. In the New Testament, the way the Lord prove the reality of His words is through the resurrection of Jesus (which can be proved historically), the miracles of the apostles, and the changed lives of the believers.
Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV)
18But 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.
- When we do get wealthy , we must know that the reason we are able to get that is because of the Lord. We should give all thanks to the Lord .
Deuteronomy 28:1 through Deuteronomy 28:14 (KJV)
1And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4Blessed 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. 5Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 9The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. 10And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11And 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. 12The 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. 13And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
Deuteronomy 30:9 (AMP)
And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, of your cattle, of your land, for good; for the Lord will again delight in prospering you, as He took delight in your fathers
Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV)
19I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
Response: “DEUTERONOMY…APPLIES TO ISRAEL UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES AND NOT TO NEW TESTAMENT SAINTS WHO ARE UNDER GRACE NOT THE LAW
The biblical texts used by prosperity gospel adherents to defend the conditional nature of the covenant and the extension of personal blessings are taken out of context. The blessings and cursings enumerated in Deuteronomy 28 are indeed based on obedience to the Mosaic Law. But they were historically conditioned, having been fulfilled in the history of the nation Israel as recorded in the Old Testament. The blessings and cursings relative to the nation Israel living under the Law cannot be extended to New Testament saints. Otherwise grace is no longer grace. To affirm that the blessings and cursings of Deuteronomy 28 are operable for Christians argues against the overwhelming distinction between law and grace in the New Testament Epistles, particularly Paul's letters.”
Joshua 1:7 through Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Response: The Hebrew word translated as prosperous is tsalach. Tsalach has a range of meanings: to rush, advance, be profitable, cause to prosper. The context of God's promise to Joshua that He would make his way prosperous and give him good success is military, not financial. It specifically relates to the conquest of the Promised Land by Israel as the outworking of the land promises given unconditionally in the Abrahamic Covenant. The Book of Joshua traces Joshua's successes in conquering Canaan. Joshua was a general, not a banker; financial prosperity is simply not in view here.
1 Kings 10:1 through 1 Kings 10:7 (KJV)
1And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.
2And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
3And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon¡¯s wisdom, and the house that he had built,
5And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
6And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
7Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.
Response: The Lord promised Solomon riches in 1 Kings 3:13. He did not promised it to all believers.
1 Kings 17:15 (KJV)
15And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.
Response: The Lord gave what was enough to satisfy Elijah and the woman, but Elijah had to depend on this during the famine which was God's judgment on the people. He was not rich !
Nehemiah 2:20 (KJV)
Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us
Job 36:11 (KJV)
11If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
Psalm 1:3 (KJV) .
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Response: the Hebrew word for prosper is tsalach, which has a range of meaning, not necessarily physical riches.
Psalm 23:1 (KJV)
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 34:9 through Psalm 34:10 (KJV)
O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Psalm 34:9 through Psalm 34:10 (TLB) If you belong to the Lord, reverence Him; for everyone that does this has everything he needs. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing
Response: "Not want" and "Good thing" doesn't necessarily imply physical riches.
Psalm 35:27 (KJV)
27Let 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.
Response: The Hebrew translated as "Prosperity" is shalom. It has a range of meanings:
completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, completeness (in number), safety, soundness (in body), welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment, peace of human relationships, peace with God especially in covenant relationship, peace (from war), peace (as adjective). It doesn't necessarily imply physical riches.
Psalm 37:3 through Psalm 37:5 (KJV)
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. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Response: "The desires of thine heart" does not necessarily imply physical riches. When you delight in the Lord you will always be satisfied by His presence.
Psalm 37:19 - In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Response: “Be satisfied” does not necessarily imply physical abundance.
Psalm 37:21 - The wicked borrow and do not repay , but the righteous give generously .
Response: Having enough to be generous does not necessarily mean physically rich.
Psalm 66:12 (KJV)
Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
Response: Did we go to prison/ into the net ( v 11 :Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins" )? If “prison” is spiritual, then “wealthy place" could also be spiritual. We must read with spiritual eyes.
Psalm 105:37 (TLB)
He brought His people safely out from Egypt, Loaded with silver and gold; there were no sick and feeble folk among them
Response: This was the manner the Lord chose to bless the nation of Israel (see under Exodus 36:3 above), not necessarily all believers.
Psalm 112:3 (KJV)
3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Spurgeon: Understood literally this is rather a promise of the old covenant than of the new. In other words, this promise belongs to the Old Covenant believer and not to the New Covenant believer before the millennium. It is obvious from the Bible that not all promises that are applicable to the Old Covenant believer is applicable to the New Covenant believer. For example, in the Old Covenant there are instructions to pick up arms and go to war, and there are promises of victory in PHYSICAL battle (Ps 149). For example, Deuteronomy 28: 7: The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. This is a promise of victory in physical battle. It is NEVER claimed and never realized in the lives of the apostles in the New Testament when the Jewish unbelievers waged physical battle against them and persecuted them. We don’t pick up arms and go to war today under the New Covenant. Back to Ps 112:3, we know that this is applicable for Old Covenant believer because the promise of wealth is stated in the Covenant in Deuteronomy 28. However, this promise is not stated in the New Covenant which Christians are now under.
Psalm 118:25 (KJV)
Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Response: The word translated prosperity here is Tsalach, which has many possible meanings (see above).
Psalms 128:2
( NIV)You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours
Response: The word translated prosperity here is towb: which has many possible meanings: to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favourable, be happy, be right.
Proverbs 3:9 through Proverbs 3:10 (KJV)
9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Response: This refers to OT tithing (see Malachi below)
Proverbs 8:21 (KJV)
That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
Response: This refers to the general effect of loving wisdom (See Principle 1 on page 1).
Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)
The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Response: This means that the wealth that is from God has no sorrow attached. It means that all worldly things bring care and sorrow, where as they who feel the blessings of God have none. Whatever we receive in the way of providence, has God's blessing in it, and will do us good. Cares, troubles, and difficulties come with all property not acquired in this way; but God's blessing gives simple enjoyment, and levies no tax upon the comfort. It does not mean that God always bless New Covenant believers by making them rich in this life before the Millenium.
Proverbs 13:21 - Prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
Response: Prosperity: tsalach.
Proverbs 13:22 (KJV) A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children¡¯s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Response: the wealth of the sinner will ultimately belong to the just in the millenium and beyond.
Proverbs 21:20 - There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise¡
Proverbs 24:3-4 - Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house built, and by understanding it is established. And by knowledge shall its chambers of every area be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Response: This is generally true for those who love wisdom (see page 1 principle 1).
Ecclesiastes 2:26 (KJV) For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Response: the wealth of the sinner will ultimately belong to the just in the millenium and beyond.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 - When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift from God.
Response: This is one (but not the only or necessary) way which God can bless His people.
Isaiah 1:19 (KJV) If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land .
Response: This was the manner the Lord chose to bless the nation of Israel (see under Exodus 36:3 above ).
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Response: The word translated as prosper is Shalom (see above).
Joel 2:26 (KJV) 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.
Response: This is specific promise to Israel in the OT.
Malachi 3:8 through Malachi 3:11 (KJV)
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
Response: This refers to OT tithing, which is not commanded to NT believers. “The definition of tithing is: "tithe (tith) n. 1a. A tenth part of one’s annual income contributed voluntarily or due as a tax, esp. for the support of the clergy or church." (The American Heritage College Dictionary, p. 1444). Tithing was commanded by the LAW. Giving is voluntary from the HEART. The Apostle Paul never tithed, never taught Gentiles to tithe, never collected tithes, and never accepted tithes. Paul was inspired by God's Holy Spirit to declare that "God loves a cheerful giver" (II Cor.9:7). Why was not Paul inspired by God’s Holy Spirit to declare that, "God loves a cheerful tithe-payer?" In fact, why does not Paul mention the words tithe, tithes, or tithing in any of His thirteen epistles—not once? (Paul did not write the book of Hebrews, II Thes. 3:17). Why does not Peter, James, John, or Jude mention tithing in any of their epistles? Why didn’t the early Christian Fathers mention tithing as a doctrine of the New Testament Church? Therefore, why are innumerable thousands of evangelists, theologians, teachers, preachers, and clergymen teaching the world that if they don’t tithe ten percent of their salaries, that God will curse them with a curse?
The only two times in the New Testament that Jesus mentions tithing is in condemnation of the Pharisees. ..Christ’s attention to the fact that they were both meticulous tithe-payers, proved the hypocrisy of these two Pharisees. They would pay strict attention to very miner details of a law, and yet totally abandon a very reason and purpose for the whole existence of the law—LOVE, MERCY, JUDGMENT.
The Law of Moses regarding tithing produce from the land was still in effect during Christ’s ministry, and therefore, all of the nation of Israel who had land were to tithe from their land and give it to the Priests and Levites, strangers, fatherless, widows, poor, and even consume some of it themselves at God’s annual festivals. And within a generation God pronounced to the entire world by the total destruction of both the nation of Judah, and their city of Jerusalem with its temple, that the church established in the wilderness, was now superseded by the Church of Christ. The nation of Israel was gone, the temple was gone, the priests were gone, the Levites were gone, and concerning the very Law of Moses containing the law of tithing, we read this:
"In that he says, A NEW covenant, He has made the first OLD. Now that which DECAYS and waxes OLD is ready to VANISH AWAY" (Heb. 8)
In Malachi 4 it was to be a blessing on the crops. With their tithing they were to trust God acknowledging that everything belongs to him. These tithes were not 'gifts', they were taxes tithes were given in addition to other numerous offerings which ended up to be over 22%. The nation lived by their agriculture which depended upon the rain. No rain, starvation. Gods blessing had to do with his provision of water. This is the same for the phrase the former and latter rain it is about blessings on their crops and having Gods provision. Too much rain can be judgment. If they did not give God their tithes (which was part of the Mosaic covenant). God would bring a curse on them, the ground would not yield food. This was also to be brought in for the Levitical priests and to the poor.
To understand the book of Malachi, we need to look at Malachi 4:4,Remember the Law of Moses...That is the whole thrust of Malachi.At the end of the book vs.6 he writes about Elijah the prophet (who came in the ministry of John the baptizer) they are to listen to him or he will strike the earth with a curse.
But we do not live under the Law, we live under the grace provided in Jesus Christ. if you choose to submit yourself to even part of the Law of Moses, you have a problem.For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, to perform them. " (Galatians 3:10). If you choose to place yourself under the works of the Law, you are under a curse for the simple reason that you cannot keep the Law of Moses. Malachi was the last prophet in the Old Testament dispensation, God was silent for 400 years until John the Baptizer began the transition to a time of grace.
Everything that happened in the Old Testament was a TYPE of future, spiritual things.
"Now ALL these things happened unto THEM for examples: and they were written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come" (I Cor. 10:11).
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Response: In the context of Matt 6, " all these things" refers to things that we need.
Matthew 7:11 (KJV) 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?
Response: Good things do not necessarily refer to material wealth. (See parallel verse in Luke, which refer to the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 19:29: see Mark 10:29 below.
Mark 4:23-24 (KJV) If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given ;
Response: What these verses is saying is that you won't ultimately lose out by giving. It does not promise prosperity to all believers in this dispensation.
Mark 10:29 through Mark 10:30 (KJV)
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel. But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Response: Can we receive a hundred times mother literally? Of course not. Therefore, there must be a spiritual sense to this passage: in the house of God , those elderly sisters-in-Christ are like mothers to us. Thus, the promise of the hundredfold return was also not monetary in nature. “Jesus was preparing His disciples for their apostolic itinerate ministries in the midst of persecution. When the disciples lost their houses for the sake of the gospel, they would be given access to homes owned by fellow believers who would share with them as they moved from place to place preaching the gospel. Likewise when the disciples forsook their families for Jesus' sake, they entered new associations in the family of God that were a hundred times as great. To give $10 to the Lord's work expecting that the Lord must give $1,000 in return misses completely the context of the Mark passage.”
Luke 6:38 (KJV) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Response: What these verses is saying is that you won't ultimately lose out by giving. It does not promise prosperity to all believers in this dispensation
Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Response: This does not necessarily mean that Jesus was rich materialistically.
Luke 15:31 (KJV) And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Response: It does not mean that God will let all Christians utilize all material wealth in this age. Rather, we will ultimately inherit in the milenium and beyond.
Luke 22:35 Jesus said to them, "When I sent you out with no purse or provision bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" They answered, "Nothing!"
Response: Lacking nothing doesn't mean they are rich.
John 10:10 - The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, until it overflows.
Response: Abundance can refer to spiritual abundance, not necessarily physical abundance to all believers in this age.
Romans 8:32 (KJV) 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?
Response: This doesn't mean that God will give us all physical things now. Rather, we will ultimately inherit in the milenium and beyond.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2 Corinthians 9:6 through 2 Corinthians 9:8 (KJV) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: II Corinthians 9:10-11 - And God Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your resources for sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness. Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous.
Response: “If Paul was referring to material wealth, then he was promising the Corinthians something he himself did not possess. In 1 Corinthians 4:11 he reported that he and the other apostles were hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, roughly treated, and homeless. He then exhorted the Corinthians to be imitators of him (1 Cor. 4:16)! Second Corinthians 8 indicates that spiritual rather than material prosperity was in Paul's mind. Paul mentioned the wealth of the Macedonians, but he defined it as the wealth of their liberality flowing out of their deep poverty (2 Cor. 8:2). He also discussed the abundance of the Corinthians themselves, but it was the abundance of their faith, knowledge, earnestness, and love, not their material abundance (2 Cor. 8:7). If financial success had been guaranteed in Christ's work on the cross, one wonders why Paul told the Philippians that he had learned to be content even when going hungry (Phil. 4:11-12). One would expect Paul to have claimed by faith the financial resources necessary never again to be in need. Clearly the atoning work of Christ is of supreme importance in understanding salvation, but to suggest that the Atonement also provides health and wealth is to misunderstand its purpose.”
What God promise is sufficient to be generous and for every good work which God calls us to do. "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply . " - Hudson Taylor. This does not necessarily mean prosperity.
GAL 3:14 states that through Christ the blessing of Abraham may come to Gentiles. Response: “What is usually overlooked, however, is the remainder of the verse: "so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." This signifies that the spiritual blessings given to Abraham, not his financial blessings, are communicated through Christ. Galatians 3 is discussing eternal, spiritual benefits, not temporary, material benefits.”
Gal. 6:7; 2 Cor. 9:6, Eccle 11;1:
Response: These verses do not say that the guideline “a man sows what he reaps” will necessarily finds its fulfillment in this dispensation.
Ephesians 4:28 (KJV) Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
- Enough to share with the poor . Doesn't imply that we will be rich physically.
Philippians 4:19 (KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Response: Supplying all our needs doesn't imply prosperity.
1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV) 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;
Response: Whatever God give us is for our enjoyment. This does not imply that God will give us all material things.
3 John 1:2 (KJV) Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Response: The Greek word translated "prosper" in the KJV means "to go well with someone." This combination of wishing for "things to go well" and for the recipients' "good health" was the standard form of greeting in a personal letter in antiquity. To extend John's wish for Gaius to refer to financial and material prosperity for all Christians of all times is totally foreign to the text. John neither intended that, nor could Gaius have so understood it. . . . to argue from the text that God wills our financial prosperity is to abuse the text, not use it.
Verses against Prosperity gospel.
THE WILL OF GOD AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD DO NOT INCLUDE FINANCIAL RICHES FOR EVERY BELIEVER
THERE ARE CLEAR EXAMPLES IN THE BIBLE OF THOSE WHO DID NOT PROSPER WHILE IN THE WILL OF GOD
Clear examples of those who did not prosper while in the will of God appear in the great "hall of faith" in Hebrews 11. They were tortured, mocked, scourged, imprisoned, sawn in two, put to death with the sword, going about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated, wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. And even though they gained approval through their faith, they still did not receive what was promised (Heb. 11:36-39).
JESUS'S OWN LIFE TESTIFIES TO THE FACT THAT THE WILL OF GOD DOES NOT ALWAYS INCLUDE FINANCIAL PROSPERITY
Jesus' own life adds eloquent testimony that the will of God does not always include material success. Prosperity gospel advocates argue that "Jesus had wealthy and popular followers, and kings gave treasures to Him at birth". But the above verses indicate that Jesus life is characterised by poverty
ii) MT 8:20
During His years of travel, He told His disciples that He had nowhere to lay His head (Matt. 8:20).
iii) MT 17:24-27
He had to perform a miracle in order to pay the two-drachma temple tax (Matt. 17:24-27).
iv) LK 23:34
At His death the Roman soldiers cast lots for His clothing, His only earthly possession (Luke 23:34).
v) JN 19:26-27
He left behind no estate, having asked John the disciple to care for His mother (John 19:26-27).
What about Paul? Prosperity gospel advocate argued that Paul was actually rich, such that even when Paul was in jail the Emperor Felix paid special attention to Paul because he wanted to get some of Paul's money. (Acts 24:26). But Acts 24:26 could mean that Felix was just being greedy, such that he would covet the money of even the poor . The following verses tells us that Paul's life is characterised by poverty after he became a Christian . Paul once described himself as "poor" and "having nothing" (2 Cor. 6:10). He wrote that a Christian must flee the desire to get rich (1 Tim. 6:10-11; Heb. 13:5) and if he finds any greed in his heart he must put it to death (Col. 3:5). There must not be even a hint of greed in his life (Eph. 5:3), because greed is idolatry (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5) and the desire to get rich is a trap that brings ruin, destruction, and all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:9-11). We are to have nothing to do with greedy people (Eph. 5:7). A true Christian leader must not be a lover of money (1 Tim. 3:2-3), and a greedy teacher will exploit his flock (2 Peter 2:3). Those who think godliness leads to financial gain have been corrupted (1 Tim. 6:5).
He and his companions suffered hunger and thirst, their clothing was reduced to rags, they were brutally treated, they were homeless, cursed, persecuted, slandered, and they compared themselves to scum and refuse. (1 Cor. 4:9-13). They was hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, and always given over to death (2 Cor. 4:8-11). They faced troubles, hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, hunger, dishonor, bad report, beatings, sorrow, and poverty. (2 Cor. 6:4-10). Paul himself was chained and imprisoned frequently, flogged five times, beaten with rods three times, stoned once, shipwrecked three times, and was constantly on the move from danger. Cold and naked, he sometimes went without food, water or sleep. (2 Cor. 11:23-27)
When we come fully into the world of the New Testament, we find that a radical shift takes place. This is a shift that, if neglected, will get us into all sorts of unbiblical pitfalls because it is a purposeful, biblical change that was and is a part of the eternal purpose of God.
The shift has to do with the function of a large part of the Old Testament. The Bible specifically says that many things in the Old Testament were:
1) temporary and 2) pedagogical (they had a teaching purpose). Almost all things physical in the Old Testament were put there to teach about some eternal, spiritual thing.
Hebrews 8-10 is full of this kind of language, describing the temple, its furniture and its associated acts of worship as "copies" and "shadows" (8:5, 9:24 and 10:1) of the true temple of heaven (8:2, 9:11 and 9:24). Hebrews 9:8-10 explains the temporary nature of these things.
If we think about it, we realize that at least subconsciously we already know this. We sing about entering into the Promised Land, knowing that we are talking about heaven. We understand that the incense of the temple represents the prayers of the people. The city of Babylon is humanity organized apart from God. Real Old Testament battles teach us about spiritual warfare.
The important point to our study is that as the real spiritual truth is revealed, the temporary teaching object takes on less importance
Many modern people misunderstand that the physical/financial blessing of the Israelites should join the other things on our list in that category. The material wealth of the Jews was an object lesson pointing to the spiritual reality of the spiritual riches that are readily available to every believer in Christ.
When we look at the New Testament, we find not one mention of material wealth as a sign of God's blessing, even though the Old Testament was replete with that kind of talk. Instead, we find riches being spoken of in a whole new context:
¡¤ "I know your afflictions and your poverty -- yet you are rich!" (Revelation 2:9).
¡¤ "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
¡¤ "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding" (Ephesians 1:7).
¡¤ "The riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18).
¡¤ "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" (James 2:5).
Here we find that "riches" never has to do with material goods, but with the spiritual blessings of being a part of the Kingdom of God.
Does God want me to be rich? I will again say yes -- but not in material goods. Whatever our material status, God wants us to be rich in good deeds, rich in faith and rich in all the glories of the grace of God as shown in his Son, Jesus Christ!
In this world wicked people are often more rich and successful than the people of God :.
Ps 73"For I was envious of the arrogant, as I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pains in their death; and their body is fat. They are not in trouble as other men; nor are they plagued like mankind...surely in vain I have kept my heart pure, and washed my hands in innocence; for I have been stricken all day long, and chastened every morning...if I had said, I will speak thus, behold, I should have betrayed the generation of your children. When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end. Surely you set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction. How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when aroused, you will despise their form...nevertheless I am continually with you; you have taken hold of my right hand. With your counsel you will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And besides you, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from you will perish; you have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." Psalms 73:3-5,13-14,15-20
The Bible tells us to be content with whatever we have (Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6).
1. In general, a righteous life will have certain tendencies towards prosperity.
God want us to work hard. (Conversely, if we are lazy in our jobs, this is poor testimony).
God want us to work smart.
If a righteous person work hard + work smart, and avoid vices e.g. drinking, he will tend towards prosperity. This is what many verses in Proverbs teach.
"Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." Proverbs 10:4
"He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich." Proverbs 21:17
"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." Proverbs 22:29
“The observation is simply that godly character, which includes the ability to perform consistent, quality work, has the result of increasing prosperity. On the other hand an unrighteous character includes laziness (or sluggardliness, to use the favorite term of the Proverbs) which has the opposite result, namely poverty. The teaching is that in a general natural sense according to God's basic design for living, as well as his ultimate inheritance for the righteous in heaven, God's goal for people includes prosperity, including material wealth. This has some application in the sense of the Christian learning to work effectively and productively, a major theme in Proverbs--i.e. to develop a good work ethic. One indication of the attainment of this goal will be some measure of material prosperity. A lack of sufficient income may indicate laziness, not righteousness.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, observations about how God’s world works. In other words, the proverbs are principles (how things normally go) rather than promises (how things will certainly go for you). While it is generally true that obedience and faithful stewardship lead to prosperity, it is quite inappropriate for any one person to presume on this rule of thumb, or to make demands of God. God does not promise us a life free of troubles, financial or otherwise. Quite to the contrary, Jesus warns, “In this world you will have trouble (John 16:33a). Jesus suffered greatly on our behalf, and it is only natural that his followers should share in his suffering. But he goes on, “Take heart. I have overcome the world. (John 16:33b).”
2. God sometimes allows suffering in order that we may know Him deeper (e.g. Job 42:5) and have a greater apprehension of His grace (2 Cor 12:9).
3. Old Covenant and New Covenant belong to different dispensations. The Old Covenant has already been set aside (Hebrew 8:7-13). The Old Covenant’s instructions, blessings, curses and events serve as object lessons for New Covenant believers (1 Cor 10:6). For example, in the Old Covenant there are instructions to pick up arms and go to war. We don’t pick up arms and go to war today under the New Covenant (this shows that not everything in the Old Covenant apply to Christians today). Nevertheless, we fight spiritual warfare under the New Covenant (Eph 6). The Old Covenant’s instructions, blessings, curses and events regarding going to war serve as object lessons for New Testament spiritual warfare today (e.g. lessons in trusting God).
4. The words translated in the Bible as "prosperity" often has a range of meanings. In many cases they do not necessarily mean physical riches.
5. We will be rich ultimately in the millennium and beyond, but not necessarily in this life. (Why? because God wants us to have faith.)
True or false?
1. God wants us to work hard towards riches and take care of our body for His glory. (T)
2. We can pray for financial success and good health. (T)
3. God wants all Christians to be rich and healthy in this life for His glory. (F)
4. God will make all Christians rich and healthy in this life for His glory. (F)
Also, note that the Bible says, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Tim 3:12.
The following verses are very precious, but they do not necessarily imply physical riches. These are verses which are often used by prosperity preachers.
Genesis 2:10 through Genesis 2:12 (KJV)
And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
Response: Paradise is ultimately regained in New heaven and New earth (Rev 22), not in this world. How do we know that? Well, in Paradise there is no sorrow, but in this world we have sorrow (John 16). Therefore, Paradise is not regained in this world.
Genesis 12:2 (AMP)
And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]. Genesis 13:2 (AMP) Now Abram was extremely rich in livestock and in silver and in gold Genesis 13:5-6 (AMP)But Lot, who went with Abram also had flock and herds and tents. Now the land was not able to nourish and support them so they could dwell together, for their possessions were to great for them to live together Genesis 24:35 (KJV)35And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.
Response: These passages refer to God's promise to Abraham, not necessarily to all Christians. The blessing of Abraham which comes to Christians (Galatians 3) refers to righteousness, and not all the different ways in which Abraham was blessed. Certainly the blessing of having a child when a hundred years old is not promised to all Christians!
Genesis 26:12-14 (AMP)
Then Isaac sowed see in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings. And the man become great and gained more and more until he became very wealthy and distinguished; He owned flocks, herds, and a great supply of servants and the Philistines envies him. 30:43 (KJV) -31:1 (KJV) 43And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses. 1And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory. 36:7 (AMP)For their great flocks and herds and possessions [which they had collected] made it impossible for them to dwell together; in the land which they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock . Genesis 39:2-4 (AMP) But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And [his master] saw that the Lord was with him and that the lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand. So Joseph pleased [Potiohar] and found favor in his sight, and served him. And [his master] made him supervisor over his house and he put all that he had in his charge Genesis 39:23 (AMP)The prison warden paid no attention anything that was in Joseph's charge, for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper.
Response: This was the manner the Lord blessed Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Certainly God can also bless Christians with physical riches in this life, and He still does bless a portion of His people in this manner today. But it doesn't mean He will bless every believer in this manner. He did not promise it here.
Exodus 36:3 (KJV)
3And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. Exodus 36:5 through Exodus 36:7 (KJV)
5And they spake unto Moses, saying, the people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make. 6And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. 7For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much. Leviticus 26:10 (AMP) And you shall eat the [abundant] old store of produce long kept, and clear out the old [to make room] for the new Deuteronomy 1:21 (KJV) 21Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. Deuteronomy 6:10 through Deuteronomy 6:11 (KJV)
10And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, 11And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
Response: This was the manner the Lord chose to bless the nation of Israel. Again, it doesn't mean He will bless all Christians in this manner. God promised the Israelites success in possessing the land of the Canaanites and success in killing their enemies. Shall Christians go and kill other people and possess their land? Does God still use His people today as instrument of His justice in the same way He used the Israelites? The answer is obviously no. The Old Testament records the way the Lord use His people during the Old Covenant period to manifest His power. This was how the Lord proved the reality of His words. In the New Testament, the way the Lord prove the reality of His words is through the resurrection of Jesus (which can be proved historically), the miracles of the apostles, and the changed lives of the believers.
Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV)
18But 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.
- When we do get wealthy , we must know that the reason we are able to get that is because of the Lord. We should give all thanks to the Lord .
Deuteronomy 28:1 through Deuteronomy 28:14 (KJV)
1And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4Blessed 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. 5Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 9The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. 10And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11And 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. 12The 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. 13And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
Deuteronomy 30:9 (AMP)
And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, of your cattle, of your land, for good; for the Lord will again delight in prospering you, as He took delight in your fathers
Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV)
19I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
Response: “DEUTERONOMY…APPLIES TO ISRAEL UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES AND NOT TO NEW TESTAMENT SAINTS WHO ARE UNDER GRACE NOT THE LAW
The biblical texts used by prosperity gospel adherents to defend the conditional nature of the covenant and the extension of personal blessings are taken out of context. The blessings and cursings enumerated in Deuteronomy 28 are indeed based on obedience to the Mosaic Law. But they were historically conditioned, having been fulfilled in the history of the nation Israel as recorded in the Old Testament. The blessings and cursings relative to the nation Israel living under the Law cannot be extended to New Testament saints. Otherwise grace is no longer grace. To affirm that the blessings and cursings of Deuteronomy 28 are operable for Christians argues against the overwhelming distinction between law and grace in the New Testament Epistles, particularly Paul's letters.”
Joshua 1:7 through Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Response: The Hebrew word translated as prosperous is tsalach. Tsalach has a range of meanings: to rush, advance, be profitable, cause to prosper. The context of God's promise to Joshua that He would make his way prosperous and give him good success is military, not financial. It specifically relates to the conquest of the Promised Land by Israel as the outworking of the land promises given unconditionally in the Abrahamic Covenant. The Book of Joshua traces Joshua's successes in conquering Canaan. Joshua was a general, not a banker; financial prosperity is simply not in view here.
1 Kings 10:1 through 1 Kings 10:7 (KJV)
1And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.
2And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
3And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon¡¯s wisdom, and the house that he had built,
5And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
6And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
7Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.
Response: The Lord promised Solomon riches in 1 Kings 3:13. He did not promised it to all believers.
1 Kings 17:15 (KJV)
15And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.
Response: The Lord gave what was enough to satisfy Elijah and the woman, but Elijah had to depend on this during the famine which was God's judgment on the people. He was not rich !
Nehemiah 2:20 (KJV)
Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us
Job 36:11 (KJV)
11If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
Psalm 1:3 (KJV) .
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Response: the Hebrew word for prosper is tsalach, which has a range of meaning, not necessarily physical riches.
Psalm 23:1 (KJV)
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 34:9 through Psalm 34:10 (KJV)
O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Psalm 34:9 through Psalm 34:10 (TLB) If you belong to the Lord, reverence Him; for everyone that does this has everything he needs. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing
Response: "Not want" and "Good thing" doesn't necessarily imply physical riches.
Psalm 35:27 (KJV)
27Let 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.
Response: The Hebrew translated as "Prosperity" is shalom. It has a range of meanings:
completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, completeness (in number), safety, soundness (in body), welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment, peace of human relationships, peace with God especially in covenant relationship, peace (from war), peace (as adjective). It doesn't necessarily imply physical riches.
Psalm 37:3 through Psalm 37:5 (KJV)
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. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Response: "The desires of thine heart" does not necessarily imply physical riches. When you delight in the Lord you will always be satisfied by His presence.
Psalm 37:19 - In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Response: “Be satisfied” does not necessarily imply physical abundance.
Psalm 37:21 - The wicked borrow and do not repay , but the righteous give generously .
Response: Having enough to be generous does not necessarily mean physically rich.
Psalm 66:12 (KJV)
Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
Response: Did we go to prison/ into the net ( v 11 :Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins" )? If “prison” is spiritual, then “wealthy place" could also be spiritual. We must read with spiritual eyes.
Psalm 105:37 (TLB)
He brought His people safely out from Egypt, Loaded with silver and gold; there were no sick and feeble folk among them
Response: This was the manner the Lord chose to bless the nation of Israel (see under Exodus 36:3 above), not necessarily all believers.
Psalm 112:3 (KJV)
3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Spurgeon: Understood literally this is rather a promise of the old covenant than of the new. In other words, this promise belongs to the Old Covenant believer and not to the New Covenant believer before the millennium. It is obvious from the Bible that not all promises that are applicable to the Old Covenant believer is applicable to the New Covenant believer. For example, in the Old Covenant there are instructions to pick up arms and go to war, and there are promises of victory in PHYSICAL battle (Ps 149). For example, Deuteronomy 28: 7: The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. This is a promise of victory in physical battle. It is NEVER claimed and never realized in the lives of the apostles in the New Testament when the Jewish unbelievers waged physical battle against them and persecuted them. We don’t pick up arms and go to war today under the New Covenant. Back to Ps 112:3, we know that this is applicable for Old Covenant believer because the promise of wealth is stated in the Covenant in Deuteronomy 28. However, this promise is not stated in the New Covenant which Christians are now under.
Psalm 118:25 (KJV)
Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Response: The word translated prosperity here is Tsalach, which has many possible meanings (see above).
Psalms 128:2
( NIV)You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours
Response: The word translated prosperity here is towb: which has many possible meanings: to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favourable, be happy, be right.
Proverbs 3:9 through Proverbs 3:10 (KJV)
9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Response: This refers to OT tithing (see Malachi below)
Proverbs 8:21 (KJV)
That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
Response: This refers to the general effect of loving wisdom (See Principle 1 on page 1).
Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)
The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Response: This means that the wealth that is from God has no sorrow attached. It means that all worldly things bring care and sorrow, where as they who feel the blessings of God have none. Whatever we receive in the way of providence, has God's blessing in it, and will do us good. Cares, troubles, and difficulties come with all property not acquired in this way; but God's blessing gives simple enjoyment, and levies no tax upon the comfort. It does not mean that God always bless New Covenant believers by making them rich in this life before the Millenium.
Proverbs 13:21 - Prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
Response: Prosperity: tsalach.
Proverbs 13:22 (KJV) A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children¡¯s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Response: the wealth of the sinner will ultimately belong to the just in the millenium and beyond.
Proverbs 21:20 - There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise¡
Proverbs 24:3-4 - Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house built, and by understanding it is established. And by knowledge shall its chambers of every area be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Response: This is generally true for those who love wisdom (see page 1 principle 1).
Ecclesiastes 2:26 (KJV) For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Response: the wealth of the sinner will ultimately belong to the just in the millenium and beyond.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 - When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift from God.
Response: This is one (but not the only or necessary) way which God can bless His people.
Isaiah 1:19 (KJV) If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land .
Response: This was the manner the Lord chose to bless the nation of Israel (see under Exodus 36:3 above ).
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Response: The word translated as prosper is Shalom (see above).
Joel 2:26 (KJV) 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.
Response: This is specific promise to Israel in the OT.
Malachi 3:8 through Malachi 3:11 (KJV)
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
Response: This refers to OT tithing, which is not commanded to NT believers. “The definition of tithing is: "tithe (tith) n. 1a. A tenth part of one’s annual income contributed voluntarily or due as a tax, esp. for the support of the clergy or church." (The American Heritage College Dictionary, p. 1444). Tithing was commanded by the LAW. Giving is voluntary from the HEART. The Apostle Paul never tithed, never taught Gentiles to tithe, never collected tithes, and never accepted tithes. Paul was inspired by God's Holy Spirit to declare that "God loves a cheerful giver" (II Cor.9:7). Why was not Paul inspired by God’s Holy Spirit to declare that, "God loves a cheerful tithe-payer?" In fact, why does not Paul mention the words tithe, tithes, or tithing in any of His thirteen epistles—not once? (Paul did not write the book of Hebrews, II Thes. 3:17). Why does not Peter, James, John, or Jude mention tithing in any of their epistles? Why didn’t the early Christian Fathers mention tithing as a doctrine of the New Testament Church? Therefore, why are innumerable thousands of evangelists, theologians, teachers, preachers, and clergymen teaching the world that if they don’t tithe ten percent of their salaries, that God will curse them with a curse?
The only two times in the New Testament that Jesus mentions tithing is in condemnation of the Pharisees. ..Christ’s attention to the fact that they were both meticulous tithe-payers, proved the hypocrisy of these two Pharisees. They would pay strict attention to very miner details of a law, and yet totally abandon a very reason and purpose for the whole existence of the law—LOVE, MERCY, JUDGMENT.
The Law of Moses regarding tithing produce from the land was still in effect during Christ’s ministry, and therefore, all of the nation of Israel who had land were to tithe from their land and give it to the Priests and Levites, strangers, fatherless, widows, poor, and even consume some of it themselves at God’s annual festivals. And within a generation God pronounced to the entire world by the total destruction of both the nation of Judah, and their city of Jerusalem with its temple, that the church established in the wilderness, was now superseded by the Church of Christ. The nation of Israel was gone, the temple was gone, the priests were gone, the Levites were gone, and concerning the very Law of Moses containing the law of tithing, we read this:
"In that he says, A NEW covenant, He has made the first OLD. Now that which DECAYS and waxes OLD is ready to VANISH AWAY" (Heb. 8)
In Malachi 4 it was to be a blessing on the crops. With their tithing they were to trust God acknowledging that everything belongs to him. These tithes were not 'gifts', they were taxes tithes were given in addition to other numerous offerings which ended up to be over 22%. The nation lived by their agriculture which depended upon the rain. No rain, starvation. Gods blessing had to do with his provision of water. This is the same for the phrase the former and latter rain it is about blessings on their crops and having Gods provision. Too much rain can be judgment. If they did not give God their tithes (which was part of the Mosaic covenant). God would bring a curse on them, the ground would not yield food. This was also to be brought in for the Levitical priests and to the poor.
To understand the book of Malachi, we need to look at Malachi 4:4,Remember the Law of Moses...That is the whole thrust of Malachi.At the end of the book vs.6 he writes about Elijah the prophet (who came in the ministry of John the baptizer) they are to listen to him or he will strike the earth with a curse.
But we do not live under the Law, we live under the grace provided in Jesus Christ. if you choose to submit yourself to even part of the Law of Moses, you have a problem.For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, to perform them. " (Galatians 3:10). If you choose to place yourself under the works of the Law, you are under a curse for the simple reason that you cannot keep the Law of Moses. Malachi was the last prophet in the Old Testament dispensation, God was silent for 400 years until John the Baptizer began the transition to a time of grace.
Everything that happened in the Old Testament was a TYPE of future, spiritual things.
"Now ALL these things happened unto THEM for examples: and they were written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come" (I Cor. 10:11).
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Response: In the context of Matt 6, " all these things" refers to things that we need.
Matthew 7:11 (KJV) 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?
Response: Good things do not necessarily refer to material wealth. (See parallel verse in Luke, which refer to the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 19:29: see Mark 10:29 below.
Mark 4:23-24 (KJV) If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given ;
Response: What these verses is saying is that you won't ultimately lose out by giving. It does not promise prosperity to all believers in this dispensation.
Mark 10:29 through Mark 10:30 (KJV)
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel. But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Response: Can we receive a hundred times mother literally? Of course not. Therefore, there must be a spiritual sense to this passage: in the house of God , those elderly sisters-in-Christ are like mothers to us. Thus, the promise of the hundredfold return was also not monetary in nature. “Jesus was preparing His disciples for their apostolic itinerate ministries in the midst of persecution. When the disciples lost their houses for the sake of the gospel, they would be given access to homes owned by fellow believers who would share with them as they moved from place to place preaching the gospel. Likewise when the disciples forsook their families for Jesus' sake, they entered new associations in the family of God that were a hundred times as great. To give $10 to the Lord's work expecting that the Lord must give $1,000 in return misses completely the context of the Mark passage.”
Luke 6:38 (KJV) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Response: What these verses is saying is that you won't ultimately lose out by giving. It does not promise prosperity to all believers in this dispensation
Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Response: This does not necessarily mean that Jesus was rich materialistically.
Luke 15:31 (KJV) And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Response: It does not mean that God will let all Christians utilize all material wealth in this age. Rather, we will ultimately inherit in the milenium and beyond.
Luke 22:35 Jesus said to them, "When I sent you out with no purse or provision bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" They answered, "Nothing!"
Response: Lacking nothing doesn't mean they are rich.
John 10:10 - The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, until it overflows.
Response: Abundance can refer to spiritual abundance, not necessarily physical abundance to all believers in this age.
Romans 8:32 (KJV) 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?
Response: This doesn't mean that God will give us all physical things now. Rather, we will ultimately inherit in the milenium and beyond.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2 Corinthians 9:6 through 2 Corinthians 9:8 (KJV) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: II Corinthians 9:10-11 - And God Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your resources for sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness. Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous.
Response: “If Paul was referring to material wealth, then he was promising the Corinthians something he himself did not possess. In 1 Corinthians 4:11 he reported that he and the other apostles were hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, roughly treated, and homeless. He then exhorted the Corinthians to be imitators of him (1 Cor. 4:16)! Second Corinthians 8 indicates that spiritual rather than material prosperity was in Paul's mind. Paul mentioned the wealth of the Macedonians, but he defined it as the wealth of their liberality flowing out of their deep poverty (2 Cor. 8:2). He also discussed the abundance of the Corinthians themselves, but it was the abundance of their faith, knowledge, earnestness, and love, not their material abundance (2 Cor. 8:7). If financial success had been guaranteed in Christ's work on the cross, one wonders why Paul told the Philippians that he had learned to be content even when going hungry (Phil. 4:11-12). One would expect Paul to have claimed by faith the financial resources necessary never again to be in need. Clearly the atoning work of Christ is of supreme importance in understanding salvation, but to suggest that the Atonement also provides health and wealth is to misunderstand its purpose.”
What God promise is sufficient to be generous and for every good work which God calls us to do. "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply . " - Hudson Taylor. This does not necessarily mean prosperity.
GAL 3:14 states that through Christ the blessing of Abraham may come to Gentiles. Response: “What is usually overlooked, however, is the remainder of the verse: "so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." This signifies that the spiritual blessings given to Abraham, not his financial blessings, are communicated through Christ. Galatians 3 is discussing eternal, spiritual benefits, not temporary, material benefits.”
Gal. 6:7; 2 Cor. 9:6, Eccle 11;1:
Response: These verses do not say that the guideline “a man sows what he reaps” will necessarily finds its fulfillment in this dispensation.
Ephesians 4:28 (KJV) Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
- Enough to share with the poor . Doesn't imply that we will be rich physically.
Philippians 4:19 (KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Response: Supplying all our needs doesn't imply prosperity.
1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV) 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;
Response: Whatever God give us is for our enjoyment. This does not imply that God will give us all material things.
3 John 1:2 (KJV) Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Response: The Greek word translated "prosper" in the KJV means "to go well with someone." This combination of wishing for "things to go well" and for the recipients' "good health" was the standard form of greeting in a personal letter in antiquity. To extend John's wish for Gaius to refer to financial and material prosperity for all Christians of all times is totally foreign to the text. John neither intended that, nor could Gaius have so understood it. . . . to argue from the text that God wills our financial prosperity is to abuse the text, not use it.
Verses against Prosperity gospel.
THE WILL OF GOD AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD DO NOT INCLUDE FINANCIAL RICHES FOR EVERY BELIEVER
THERE ARE CLEAR EXAMPLES IN THE BIBLE OF THOSE WHO DID NOT PROSPER WHILE IN THE WILL OF GOD
Clear examples of those who did not prosper while in the will of God appear in the great "hall of faith" in Hebrews 11. They were tortured, mocked, scourged, imprisoned, sawn in two, put to death with the sword, going about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated, wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. And even though they gained approval through their faith, they still did not receive what was promised (Heb. 11:36-39).
JESUS'S OWN LIFE TESTIFIES TO THE FACT THAT THE WILL OF GOD DOES NOT ALWAYS INCLUDE FINANCIAL PROSPERITY
Jesus' own life adds eloquent testimony that the will of God does not always include material success. Prosperity gospel advocates argue that "Jesus had wealthy and popular followers, and kings gave treasures to Him at birth". But the above verses indicate that Jesus life is characterised by poverty
ii) MT 8:20
During His years of travel, He told His disciples that He had nowhere to lay His head (Matt. 8:20).
iii) MT 17:24-27
He had to perform a miracle in order to pay the two-drachma temple tax (Matt. 17:24-27).
iv) LK 23:34
At His death the Roman soldiers cast lots for His clothing, His only earthly possession (Luke 23:34).
v) JN 19:26-27
He left behind no estate, having asked John the disciple to care for His mother (John 19:26-27).
What about Paul? Prosperity gospel advocate argued that Paul was actually rich, such that even when Paul was in jail the Emperor Felix paid special attention to Paul because he wanted to get some of Paul's money. (Acts 24:26). But Acts 24:26 could mean that Felix was just being greedy, such that he would covet the money of even the poor . The following verses tells us that Paul's life is characterised by poverty after he became a Christian . Paul once described himself as "poor" and "having nothing" (2 Cor. 6:10). He wrote that a Christian must flee the desire to get rich (1 Tim. 6:10-11; Heb. 13:5) and if he finds any greed in his heart he must put it to death (Col. 3:5). There must not be even a hint of greed in his life (Eph. 5:3), because greed is idolatry (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5) and the desire to get rich is a trap that brings ruin, destruction, and all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:9-11). We are to have nothing to do with greedy people (Eph. 5:7). A true Christian leader must not be a lover of money (1 Tim. 3:2-3), and a greedy teacher will exploit his flock (2 Peter 2:3). Those who think godliness leads to financial gain have been corrupted (1 Tim. 6:5).
He and his companions suffered hunger and thirst, their clothing was reduced to rags, they were brutally treated, they were homeless, cursed, persecuted, slandered, and they compared themselves to scum and refuse. (1 Cor. 4:9-13). They was hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, and always given over to death (2 Cor. 4:8-11). They faced troubles, hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, hunger, dishonor, bad report, beatings, sorrow, and poverty. (2 Cor. 6:4-10). Paul himself was chained and imprisoned frequently, flogged five times, beaten with rods three times, stoned once, shipwrecked three times, and was constantly on the move from danger. Cold and naked, he sometimes went without food, water or sleep. (2 Cor. 11:23-27)
When we come fully into the world of the New Testament, we find that a radical shift takes place. This is a shift that, if neglected, will get us into all sorts of unbiblical pitfalls because it is a purposeful, biblical change that was and is a part of the eternal purpose of God.
The shift has to do with the function of a large part of the Old Testament. The Bible specifically says that many things in the Old Testament were:
1) temporary and 2) pedagogical (they had a teaching purpose). Almost all things physical in the Old Testament were put there to teach about some eternal, spiritual thing.
Hebrews 8-10 is full of this kind of language, describing the temple, its furniture and its associated acts of worship as "copies" and "shadows" (8:5, 9:24 and 10:1) of the true temple of heaven (8:2, 9:11 and 9:24). Hebrews 9:8-10 explains the temporary nature of these things.
If we think about it, we realize that at least subconsciously we already know this. We sing about entering into the Promised Land, knowing that we are talking about heaven. We understand that the incense of the temple represents the prayers of the people. The city of Babylon is humanity organized apart from God. Real Old Testament battles teach us about spiritual warfare.
The important point to our study is that as the real spiritual truth is revealed, the temporary teaching object takes on less importance
Many modern people misunderstand that the physical/financial blessing of the Israelites should join the other things on our list in that category. The material wealth of the Jews was an object lesson pointing to the spiritual reality of the spiritual riches that are readily available to every believer in Christ.
When we look at the New Testament, we find not one mention of material wealth as a sign of God's blessing, even though the Old Testament was replete with that kind of talk. Instead, we find riches being spoken of in a whole new context:
¡¤ "I know your afflictions and your poverty -- yet you are rich!" (Revelation 2:9).
¡¤ "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
¡¤ "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding" (Ephesians 1:7).
¡¤ "The riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18).
¡¤ "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" (James 2:5).
Here we find that "riches" never has to do with material goods, but with the spiritual blessings of being a part of the Kingdom of God.
Does God want me to be rich? I will again say yes -- but not in material goods. Whatever our material status, God wants us to be rich in good deeds, rich in faith and rich in all the glories of the grace of God as shown in his Son, Jesus Christ!
In this world wicked people are often more rich and successful than the people of God :.
Ps 73"For I was envious of the arrogant, as I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pains in their death; and their body is fat. They are not in trouble as other men; nor are they plagued like mankind...surely in vain I have kept my heart pure, and washed my hands in innocence; for I have been stricken all day long, and chastened every morning...if I had said, I will speak thus, behold, I should have betrayed the generation of your children. When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end. Surely you set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction. How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when aroused, you will despise their form...nevertheless I am continually with you; you have taken hold of my right hand. With your counsel you will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And besides you, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from you will perish; you have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." Psalms 73:3-5,13-14,15-20
The Bible tells us to be content with whatever we have (Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6).
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