SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1307

“Prosperity”

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. – Psalm 1:1-3

Prosperity is classically defined as the condition of being successful or thriving – especially with economic well-being. The desire to be prosperous is strong in our flesh and some in the church have seized upon that worldly weakness to tell us what we want to hear through a false prosperity doctrine.

The Christian far oftener disgraces his profession in prosperity than in adversity. It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian than the refining-pot of prosperity. – Charles Spurgeon

Is Biblical Truth concerning prosperity all about material wealth and possessions as proof of God’s blessing and love for us? The answer is an emphatic, No! God, as a loving Father will withhold material wealth when He knows that it will become an idol for us.

I wanted a fast sports car when I first received my driver’s license and my Dad refused. Why? Because he loved me and knew that it would have been detrimental to my physical well-being. Likewise, God will not allow material wealth and possessions to be detrimental to our spiritual well-being.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. – 1 Timothy 6:9

Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! – Luke 18:24

The Truth of God’s Word is that prosperity means that we seek God first and remain in His will.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

Paul prayed for a prosperous journey to Rome, and he got that, albeit through a storm and shipwreck. He was prosperous because he remained in the will of God and God worked all things for his good.

For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13

Note that Paul considered himself to be prosperous in all situations and circumstances. He remained content because he had faith and trust in Jesus no matter what. Note also that such contentment is a learned response to life. It does not come naturally to our flesh. It comes from a steadfast personal relationship and walk with Jesus.

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other… – Ecclesiastes 7:14

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth… – Deuteronomy 8:18

Prosperity is more about stewardship than it is about the accumulation of wealth. The one who dies with the most toys does not win. My Dad was fond of saying that ‘There are no U-Hauls behind hearses.’ Stewardship implies an understanding that we are caretakers of what belongs to God. We are not to possess and hoard what is not ours but rather, we are to use it and faithfully administer it as God directs.

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. – Malachi 3:10

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. – Proverbs 3:9-10

Note from our reference Scripture that one who prospers is ‘like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.’ These streams are the Living Water of the Word of God. Our close relationship with God through Jesus Christ sustains us in all seasons and circumstances of life. This is true prosperity.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8