CHRISTIAN AND PROSPERITY (PART II)
Deuteronomy 8:1-20
God, His word, His will and His way must be kept at the centre of whatever blessings and fortune a child of God can posses. The greatest of man riches is His salvation! Mathew 16:26.
True prosperity does not consist in the abundance of possession alone. Riches towards God is the wisdom behind true prosperity (see Luke 12:12-21). Abraham blessings rested on the foundation of knowing God! He feared God, loved God and walked in obedience with Him. His prosperity rather than building gulf of separation inbetween him and God became an instrument of sealing better relationship. He refused ungodly short-cut to riches but chose to work and trust God for abundant supplies (Genesis 14:21-24).
I. GOD’S STAND ON CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY
Joshua 1:8, Psalm 23:1-6, John 10:10
1.Prosperity is God’s will and intention for all His children – right from the onset. Genesis 1:28. Sin was the cause of curses and hardship Genesis 3:16-19. Thanks be to God. The redemption in Christ cancels every effect of sin and curses; makes repentant sinners a new creature with right to arise and shine forth God glory. 2 Corinthians 5:7, Galatians. 13:13-14.
2.It gives God great pleasure when the righteous in Christ prospers! Of course He boasts and rejoices over it (see Job 1:1-8, Psalm 35:27). God has nothing to gain over the affliction and penury of the saints except to prepare them for wise handling of prosperity when it eventually comes. Psalm 23:4-6.
3.For every child of God, there is a divine plan to prosperity, not withstanding Hardship and toiling of today. Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 84:11. There is a potential for success that God Has put in everyone. The discovery of such and active faith to work and bring dream to reality will make a great difference. Do not give up to fate and delusion that you are doom for failure. Rather renew your mind and experience liberation without limitation like Jabez and Jephtah! (1 Chronicles 4:10; Judges 11:1-10).
4.God empowers His saints to be prosperous (Deuteronomy 8:18; Philippians 4:19). He instructed Isaac to prosperity, even when famine prevail in his time. Within a year God turned things around for him to the extent that kings were intimidated by Isaac’s fortune (Genesis 26:26-29). He is able to do the same today (Hebrews 13:8).
5.God has good reasons for the prosperity of His saints (See 1Timothy 6:17-19). It is not for pride or to oppress others (James 2:6, 7). Rather, it is for the purpose of (a) God‘s praise, (b) good welfare and worthy usage, (c) To help the poor, (d)to support God’s work and promote God’s kingdom. We must have humility in wealth and wisdom for judicious usage (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
6.Sometimes before God’s blessings comes, God allows His children to experience a bit of hard time. Joseph and Moses are good examples. Psalm 105:17-22. Deuteronomy 8:2-4. This is to remove the root of pride, arrogance and vanities that go with untamed riches. Every conqueror must be cautions! Wealth and riches does not make you God. Are you in position of power and prominence today, be careful to know it is not purely by your making! Divine favour and others’ contributions coupled with yours must be appreciated Deuteronomy 8:18. Use your blessing to honour God. Job 29:11-25.
7.Lastly God created all things for His pleasure and for His glory! Revelation 4:10-11. Always remember to Give the glory due to His name, 1Chronicles 16:29.
You must do this in different ways: verbalize it in prayer of thanksgiving and praise, pay your tithes and offering appreciatively, support and sponsor God’s work. Take good care of your family and yourself, help others especially the poor, orphans, widows and needy. Maintain humble disposition and expect the rapture as to go with Christ who shall reward your love with heavenly treasures you have laid up in and glory that never shall fade away. 1 Chronicles 16:29, Proverb 14:12. I Peter 5:4.