Sunday: The Prosperity Gospel
A popular television preacher has a simple message: God wants to bless you, and the proof of His blessing is the abundance of material possessions that you own. In other words, if you are faithful, God will make you wealthy.
Image © Krieg Barrie Goodsalt.com
This idea, or variants of it, has been called the prosperity gospel: Follow God, and He will make you wealthy in worldly goods. This idea is nothing but a false theological justification for materialism, because what it’s really saying is, Do you want to be materialistic and to feel good about it? Well, we have got the “gospel” for you.
Yet connecting the gospel with guaranteed wealth is a misdirected sideshow. This belief creates dissonance with Scripture and reflects a self-centered theology that is nothing more than half-truth clothed in biblical language. At the core of this lie is the issue at the core of all sin, and that is self and the desire to please self above everything else.
The theology of the prosperity gospel teaches that, in giving to God, we gain in return a guarantee of material wealth. But this makes God a vending machine and turns our relationship with Him into nothing but a deal: I do this and You promise to do that in return. We give, not because it is the right thing to do but because of what we get in return.
That’s the prosperity gospel.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. What is happening here? What principles do we see in these texts that go against this idea of the prosperity gospel? What does Paul mean when he talks about the “grace of giving” (2 Cor. 8:7, NIV)?
These people, though in “extreme poverty” (2 Cor. 8:2, NIV), were nevertheless very generous, giving even more than they could afford. Texts like these, and many others, help refute the false theology of the prosperity gospel, which teaches that if you are living right with God you will have a lot of material possessions to show for it.
| What examples can you find of those who are faithful to God but are not rich in worldly possessions, and those who are not faithful to God but who are rich in worldly possessions? What should this tell us about using wealth as an indicator of God’s blessings? |
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Prosperity Gospel - this is true of human theology. When one sees that someone is poor, it is becos he/she does not know God. But this is not the truth. The truth is when Jesus was born poor in a manger, He grabbed us humans (though poor, filthy, etc)as we are, love Him (not expecting something in return, He will bless us abundantly!
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Satan is not capable of inventing anything new, so he takes the very blessings of God and turns it in to a curse.
God gives the blunder of the Egyptians to the Israelites.
Satan uses the gold to create an idol to worship him.
How have you and I have been a blessing to others?
Relationship with God should motivate our giving. True giving is sparked by
Love towards God not by the expectations of getting something in return. Let us all accept the Holy Spirit to fill us with the Love towards heaven and our giving will be full of love, joy and happiness.
God loves us before we knew him, that is the reason why He gave his only beloved Son to die for our sins so that we have eternal life. What is greater than that love. It is true that in giving back to God expectstions are created or expected. This is also biblical when we read Malachi 3:10. Again it depends on the level of spirituality of an individual and motives thereoff.
God wants to to put our all in Him. He is the one who own everything, so if we seek God first everything will come onto us.The love, joy peace and happiness that's what we all need in these last days, the Lord tells us not to build up treasures on earth and loose out on heavens glory.
The prosperity gospel really does turn God into an "ATM", in that you put in this and then you expect wealth in return, a "return in investment" so to speak. And that is where the danger is; when you do not see the return in investment, the wealth, then you think God doesn't love you, or God doesn't exist. Then, like the memory verse says,the cares of the this world choke you and the Word has no place in your heart.
The prosperity Gospel creates a false sense of religion, a false sense of God and how God manistfests Himself in our lives.
Nothing sums up this lesson more than the memory text. The phrase "cares of this world" says it all. So called Christians are engrossed in amassing worldly wealth.
We are bent on acquiring wealth. Our whole energy absorbed in business enterprises. The true religion of Christ is just a decoy.
No class is safe from the wiles of worldly cares. To the poor: toil and deprivation coupled with the fear of want bring along perplexities and burdens. To the rich: the fear of loss and multitude of curiosity and anxiousness. To both classes, the issues of eternity are made subordinate( see Romans 12:11), the cares of the world supreme rendering it impossible for the seed of the Word to prosper.
The fourth and fifth class: To the poor: They’ve had many tears and sorrows, they’ve had questions for tomorrow, there’s been times they didn’t know right from wrong. But in every situation, God gave them blessed consolation, that there trials come to only make them strong. To the rich: They’ve been to lots of places, they’ve seen a lot of faces, there’s been times they felt so all alone. But in their lonely hours, yes, those precious lonely hours, Jesus lets them know that they are still His own. Angele, both classes 4 & 5, through it all have learned to trust in Jesus, learned to trust in God, and have learned to depend upon His word.
This is a pretty false and judgemental description of the "prosperity" gospel. In fact, it is unfair to label it as "prosperity gospel." It's not all bad. The teaching is that we are commanded to take dominion over satan's territory; to develop our talents and industry for God's glory, acknowledging Him as our Source, and not putting our faith in world systems. As our faith in Him is rewarded, our blessings are can, in turn, bless others. As God is able to trust our generosity He gives us more responsibility as His administrators. It takes money to preach the good news; not just a ticket to heaven, but enabling others to get themselves out of lack. Poverty is a curse. There is nothing pious or admirable about it. No one in their right mind (not twisted by satan's deceptions) is attracted to an impoverished church. Over time Christian's should grow in every way as a result of their church membership, including their financial stability. If not, that church practices bondage.
So, if your view of the church of God is that it should be a rich church, what will you tell poor people in it? that they are cursed? and then what if they are cursed? They should continue toiling hard for them to reach the materialistic standard that the church wants them to reach for them to be acceptable. instead of toiling in the spirit for them to reach the standards heaven wants them to reach? Do you realize that such an approach may alienate people from the church based on their poverty (curse in your own words)? That is the point where miracle preachers have caught so many souls offside! You come to church walking, no body even wants to shake hands with you because they think you are not christian material, because in their sight if you were, you would have come driving!Our motivation for worshiping God is not primarily to have overflowing Bank accounts and be prosperous in material possessions as you are suggesting, but to grow spiritually and acquire everything else secondarily, as God wills.A Christian can be either a David (both spiritually and materially rich) or a Paul (spiritually rich but financially tent maker; hence poor), Solomon (spiritually and materially rich ) or Jesus (spiritually rich but materially carpenter, hence poor). Material possessions should not the basis on which the genuineness is assessed. I think that is the whole point of today's lesson.
The prosperity Gospel cheapens our relationship with God. On the other hand if one is continuously poor to the extent that he could not provide comfortably for his family, others will question his relationship with a God who owns everything.I think we bring our God into disrepute if we cannot get ourselves out of the poverty cycle. God wants to bless us but have we taken the first step to help ourselves first?Jesus moved around in a circle where everyone had a skill/ trade to provide for their families.That sets the example for His followers to follow.
Absolutely correct
Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26
Esther Moran
Jesus was about teaching others to catch their own fish. Yes he multiplied the loaves of bread and the fish but when the people sought him to repeat that miracle, jesus refused to repeat that miracle to them, John 6:26. But once we learn to "Catch our own fish," God expects us to share our fish with those who have not learned to catch their own fish yet and then he expects us to teach them to "Catch their own fish," and then share and teach others to do the same. Then God expects us to make the Gospel of salvation in Jesus to become "Our Main Focus." This is the true prosperity Gospel.
In the real world the poor pay taxes FIRST. And the rich and the church are exempt from taxes...And the poor are blames for everything while the rich and the church prosperity and salary prosper and the poor who dig the ground for the rich mineral to make our cell phone work are paying them maybe a dollar wages and doing nothing for the poor country...except slave labor in 2018. WHY are there so many regions and union conference? why so much high salary in SDA organization. What would Jesus do?
I can't say I have ever thought of giving in this way. I feel giving comes from the heart. Example that comes to mind for me is one day I was in Walmart and there was an older lady that was in the store. My spirit was over whelmed to give her money. I did not know her she was not begging I just felt it in my heart to give it to her. I did not walk out expecting some great reward. The reward for me was my Spirit felt so good that day. God says he will give us what we need all the extra is just as the lesson says material things.
How would you explain Malachi 3:10 when discussing "The Prosperity Gospel"? God says: "Bring ye all the tithes, which we equate as money, into the storehouse .......prove me now herewith.......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." Does this enables the theology of the prosperity gospel? And how does this appears to make God a vending machine? He said if you do this then I will do that (pour you out blessing abundantly). Awaiting a reply.
Hi Marilyn. The blessings from heaven that God pours out for us (Malachi 3:10) when we honor Him by giving freely and sharing his grace and blessings others is not money. If the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10), surely God would not tempt us with excess money when it is so destructive for many (James 1:13).
No, the blessings God gives us when we are faithful stewards are far better than money... far better than all the money in the world could buy. Genuine security in Christ, salvation, eternal life with our Lord, the end of all earthly worry or anxiety. I'll take those over money any day.
Newbergin ~ Your reference to the plunder of the Egyptians being used to make an idol.... We must not forget that it was also used to build the sanctuary. Some of our congregation have a problem with the fact that Round Table built our local Meals on Wheels Community Centre. What is the difference between using Egyptian plunder or Babylonian gold or Persian gold to build the Sanctuary and the 2nd Temple? Without heathen support there would have been no sanctuary in the desert or temple rebuilt... And no Community Centre to reach out to those in need.
the thing for me is that it "ALL" belongs to God,that when He created everything "He" said it was good. The fact people misused for bad what God created and called good doesn't make the object bad,it was the peoples misuse .Remember it was "The Love of Money" that was the root of all evil not the money itself. A gun can't kill you,only the person holding the gun with evil intent can.It's how we use or misuse what God created.
With knowledge comes understanding,that it's by our giving to those who are in need of material things to be well here on earth,that our rewards are the joy we receive in our hearts from the giving that now those we've given to are now better,and that joy we feel is the reward,that God through the abundance He has given has been passed on to those in need,that now they can see His faithfulness to provide for those who put their faith in Him.Our true rewards will be waiting on us in Heaven. Once we understand,these temperal things will pale in comparison the eternal blessings that God has for us in heaven,even here on earth. There is so much we can say,i can say but i'll keep it short, love you all in Christ for your responces has truly been a blessing to me to read.
God must be the centre of worship. Not materials.because it states in matt6:33 that seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and every thing shall be added unto you. Be content with what he already bless us.Don't desire to have more.
It's so easy for us to complicate simplicity. If we are wise with what God gives us we will find that He gives us more than enough. Mathew 6:33 helped me put everything in perspective.That if I put God first in my life,He will cause everything else I do to work out for my good even if I make mistakes along the way,He will somehow cause that to work out for my good, that He will use my mistakes to teach me and make me even stronger and wiser,causing me to trust Him even more. I am thankful He gave me discernment to know the difference between temporal and eternal values.
Prosperity gospel is rampant simply because the belief is NOT in Christ, but in what people align themselves to Christ for. The more money they get, the more power, the more and farther away from God most move. Of course they speak the right words (at least some do), but their actions prove different - zero compassion for the congregants. I recommend these verses:
1 Samuel 8:3 - And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
1 Timothy 3:3 - Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1 Timothy 3:8 - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Titus 1:7 - For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Titus 1:11 - Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
1 Peter 5:2 - Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.
May God have mercy on us.
Psalm 62:10 “...Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them...” The prosperity preachers forget how easy it is to gain and lose wealth. The stock market crashes, booms and busts! of the economy, our Heavenly Father warns us not to set our hearts on riches. When Jesus spoke of the last days to His disciples He warns when you have lost all your possessions possess your soul then speaks of how Jerusalem would be surrounded and of the desolation in the gospel of Luke...
Luke 21:19
“...In your patience possess ye your souls...”
Unfortunately, even in our own churches, this prosperity gospel is preached. There are months of the year set aside as Stewardship Months and usually what is preached in these months is similar to what is being discussed here; prosperity message. During such months, special preachers with a talent on how to preach Malachi 3: 8-12 and other seemingly "do this and God will do this" bible texts are brought. They expound these texts and leave alot of people who do not give feeling so guilty. When the giving trends show a negative trend, an other stewardship month is set apart....
Matt 6:19-21, Matt 6:32-33 "For after all these things the gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you"
The problem is that many of us seek first the added unto you things; rather than the kingdom of God. We then uses this scripture "Malachi 3: 8-12" to support our misguided thinking.
Last week, I asked our class to give consideration about the “storehouse” that we bring out tithes into. I also asked them to give consideration to the second part of the quarterly which is called “Motives of the Heart.
After Reading 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 from Sunday\'s lesson, I have shored up my beliefs about the purpose of the storehouse.
1. These people, although in extreme poverty, were nevertheless very generous, giving even more that they could afford.
2. Several commentaries I have studied express that verse 5 is not limited to only money. The gave their themselves meaning in addition to money; they gave their time, thought, energy. They recognized that it all belonged to God.
3. The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good in us, or done by us, at any time. It is great grace and favor from God, if we are made useful to others, and forward to any good work.
4. All we give for charitable uses, will not be accepted of God, not turn to our advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord.
It all belongs to God. We all belong to God. The money or our possessions itself may be 1/10th that we give, but the giving of our hearts must be all. Not 1/10th, not half, not 3/4th. All... 100%.
The Gospel of Christ which is the Gospel of Salvation is a complete Gospel. Prosperity (not the way some Christians preach it) is a bonafide part of it, and prosperity in material things otherwise called wealth, is just a part of that prosperity. After all, Christ became poor so that we might become rich. Many verses of Scripture show that it is God's intention to have a prosperous and fulfilled people e.g. 3John 2; Jer 29:11. The question which ought to occupy our minds as Christians should be how to make proper disciples of God's people in our Churches such that they shall willingly give all of themselves together with their possessions to the service of God and the spread of the Gospel.
See a very interesting blog post on Prosperity Theology and accompanying video listed near the top of our Stewardship Resources page.