The Prosperity doctrines view at wealth.
Many debates have been brought about by the discussion of wealth. We will not waste any time discussing what the world's definition of it is because although the amount of money it takes to qualify may vary depending on who you ask, one thing most agree on, being wealthy is having lots of it. Because of man's preoccupation with material wealth, some even teach that Jesus was rich. But if you are a Christian and you have the mind of Christ, you should see wealth the same way God sees it. So then, when God says He is going to prosper you, what does He mean? What does God see as wealth?
First the Bible teaches that we are not supposed to seek worldly things as our first priority but spiritual things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matt 6:33
We are not supposed to store money and possessions in abundance because temporal things rot and can be stolen. God wants for us to store up things that can do neither.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Matt 6:19-20
Further reason for this is if a man starts gathering posses ions down here, he will take his eye off the ultimate prize in heaven.
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Phil 3:17-21
This life which is only temporary is second to the one that is eternal. A rich man can grow to love his wealth more than God. if this happens, he no longer can serve God.
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matt 6:21
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Matt 6:24
True Wealth.
So then, if God places little value on physical possessions, what does he think highly of?
God considers riches the things that you will receive in heaven and the things that you receive on earth to earn them.
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:7
Although grace is not earned but gifted, once it is given, the Christian can now store up things eternal.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus
Phil 4:19
Riches are accumulated for us in the glory of heaven.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1 Timothy 6:17
Trust in the Lord makes one rich
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 1 Timothy 6:18
Good works of love makes one rich
Riches can be summed up in one word, wisdom. From the very beginning God has placed wisdom before all other things on earth. It is wise to fear God and keep His commandments. A person that does will know that God will guide him in this life and store up treasures for him in the next.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Proverbs 3:13-18
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be man.
Proverbs 4:7-10
Warnings About Earthly Riches
The Bible warns us about being caught up in a hunt for riches. It is filled with scriptures of caution because man's heart is easily deceived by wealth. A poor man is more likely to trust in God whereas a rich man may trust in his money. A rich man is not displeasing to God, a rich man who does not love, trust, and obey Him is.
There are those who teach that God wants to bless you with riches. They think that this proves that God is pleased with you. This is what scripture has to say about that.
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Tim 6:3-10
There is also a parable that Jesus taught about a man who got more and more wealth and instead of thinking about sharing it, he decided to make more room to hoard it. He died before his plans could be executed. Sadly, he spent so much time focusing on his earthly wealth, he spent little investing in his spiritual.
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. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thysoul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Luke 12:15-21
Lastly, there is the story about the rich man and Lazarus. This warns about another rich man who would not even share with a beggar by his table. This man is typical of someone who is hard hearted. In this story, both he and the beggar died. Can you guess how this story turned out?
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Luke 16:19-25
Conclusion-
Money in itself is not evil. (If that were the case then churches all around the world would be taking up collections of evil.) Money just lets a person know were their heart is. The more money one has, the more opportunity he has to share it. Thus, the more money, the more responsibility.
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35
There are many false teachers and deceivers that teach that Jesus Christ was rich in material and earthly things. This wealthy Jesus, they claim, is the reason why they teach a (false) gospel of prosperity. It is this very gospel of greed that sucks in the new believer and the greedy at heart. I've heard one of these preachers actually say that if Jesus was here he would drive a Rolls Royce, wear a Rolex watch and have all the finer things in life. He then tells his congregation that his extravagant life is evidence that God blesses the faithful tither with riches. In other words, look at me, I'm rich and you can be too as long as you give like I give. The same thing that lures people to this type of message lures multitudes to the casinos and lottery machines all throughout the land. The promise of quick riches and the dream of a lifestyle of ease. It's the same thing that makes young drug dealers get into dealing and people that are wanting money willing to take advantage of others. Let me say most assuredly, Jesus was not rich in material things, He is rich in the only thing that matters to God, in spiritual things.
Again, as in most cases, the Bible is absolutely clear on what Jesus was, what He came for, and what we as believers are to seek after. No where, and I repeat, no where does the Bible stress money to be one of these things.Was Jesus Rich?
The Teaching that Jesus was rich
Jesus was a carpenter. He was not an orphan but had two parents during his childhood. Like most Jewish boys he learned the trade of his earthly although not biological father, Joseph. Joseph was a carpenter.
55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? Mt 13:55
This is to stress that Jesus was not homeless or destitute. There is no need to go to the other extreme. This is to show that he lived a median lifestyle and not one of affluence. Jesus, being God and King of Kings, left the riches of heaven to be a poor man (in comparison) on earth.
9 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 Cor 8:9
Once Jesus started His earthly ministry, He choose the provisions of God over His man made trade. He would walk and travel to different locations to spread the word of God not having his own place to spend the night.
20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Matt 8:20
He knew that God would provide for Him and those that followed and His only concern was in getting people to repent of their sins and turn back to God. He stressed that the spiritual takes precedence over earthly things, and He cited that one of the reasons why was because what could be seen now was only temporary but the eternal was invisible.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6:33
Jesus did not have a ministry that was concerned with your advancement in rank or your increase in spiritual wealth. His ministry was marked by a concern on building a relationship with God that was built on the truth of His word. When He left to prepare a place for His followers he stressed that they have the same goals in mind.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matt 28:19
What is true riches.
Before we can see just how truly rich Jesus was during His first advent, we must first find out what true riches are. I know that many of us think that it is having an abundance of money, property, and material things. This is absolutely false. That may indeed be man's definition of riches but man does not get to decide this, God does. In other words, if God called a three sided figure a square, it would then become a square. God is not a man that can lie and what He chooses to call something is what it is.
God's definition of riches are scattered throughout the pages of His word and once again, it is clear as a bell.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Prov 3:13-15
What was Jesus Rich in?
Let the scriptures speak for themselves.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Eph 1:7
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,Eph 2:4
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, Eph 3:8-10
The Damage
The damage of teaching a false doctrine of a rich Jesus is that it assumes that Christians who are not rich are sinful of stingy. It spits in the face of every prophet, apostle and missionary that left the comforts of their own home to bring the riches of the Gospel to the unsaved. It sets up Christians to be motivated by greed instead of the true motivation of love. The joy of seeing a hungry person feed, or the homeless sheltered should always overshadow any amount of earthly payment. A Christian who attends service and believes that God will bless the faithful tither and in fact increases their giving because of this needs to ask themselves if they are really giving because of someones need, or are they giving because of personal greed? The first will be recognized by God, the latter most certainly will not. The danger of this message is also that if this error is taught, the believer may spend a lifetime in church being fleeced for their finances by a greedy or misinformed preacher who will get rich of the hard labor of his parishioners. This teaching makes people idolaters instead of the imitators of Christ they seek to be. The saddest thing about this teaching is that if someone falls victim to it, it actually says a lot about their heart. The person with the heart for Christ will find Him in the scriptures and live a life doing things for Him. A person who only wants a bridge to affluence will spend their life trying to find out what God can do for us.
Continue to -The Truth About Tithes
