The Christian and money!

The Gospel of ProsperityContinued!

• Very popular today

• Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, Ken Copeland, Robert Tilton, Marilyn Hickey, Oral Roberts, Keneth Hagin, etc.

What is the Gospel of Prosperity?• A movement that teaches it is

God’s will that you materially prosper in this world.

• “Prosperity theology, “Health and wealth”, “Word of faith”

Biblical Basis of This Doctrine• IN summary, NONE!

Biblical Basis of This Doctrine•Mark 10:29-30, We

leave houses, families, etc. and receive them a “hundred fold now in this time”

Biblical Basis of This Doctrine•Mark 10:29-30, Answer: Jesus speaking of the spiritual kingdom and blessings. Do we receive “a hundred physical mothers?”ALSO, persecutions mentioned! Conveniently ignored in promises

Biblical Basis of This Doctrine•John 10:10,

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Biblical Basis of This Doctrine•John 10:10, Answer: Jesus, the “True Shepherd.” Contrasting the careless shepherd. What He offers is ETERNAL life!

Biblical Basis of This Doctrine•2 Cor. 8:9,

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”

Biblical Basis of This Doctrine•2 Cor. 8:9, Answer: AGAIN, the context is a spiritual promise. It is “spiritual wealth” Christ offers.

Biblical Basis of This Doctrine•3 John 2,

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

Biblical Basis of This Doctrine•3 John 2, Answer: A greeting – wishing Gaius well. NOT a promise

Problems with this Doctrine• The Bible warns about

SUCH false teachers – seeking personal gain•2 Pet. 2:1-3, 1 Tim. 6:5, Jude 11, Titus 1:11, Rom. 16:18

Problems with this Doctrine• It contradicts the life and

teaching of Jesus•Phil. 2:5-11, 1 Pet. 2:21-24 – He is our example! Matt. 8:20Matt. 19:16-21 – Rich, young ruler

Problems with this Doctrine• It contradicts the life and

teachings of Paul•Phil. 3:3-11, 4:12, 2 Cor. 11:271 Cor. 11:1

Problems with this Doctrine• Serving God has NEVER been

about how much we can get in this life – Matt. 6:19-21

•1 Tim. 6:17, 1 John 2:15-16, Phil. 3:20, Col. 3:1-2

Problems with this Doctrine• It harms the true gospel

• Consider those who do NOT receive prosperity

• Most people see through the greed of these leaders

Problems with this Doctrine• It contradicts the doctrine of

contentment•Phil. 4:11-12, 1 Tim. 6:6

• It promotes selfishness and a failure to share

Problems with this Doctrine• It gives a false sense of

security – the “wealthy” think they are blessed!

• It belittles those who have not prospered. What’s wrong with their faith? (Some might ask that)

Problems with this Doctrine• IF “health and wealth” is true,

why do the righteous suffer? 2 Tim. 3:12, Rom. 2:11

• Why do the wicked prosper? James 5:1-6

Problems with this Doctrine• It turns God into a genie, a

TOOL for you to get what you want! Jesus said, “Worship God…” Matt. 4:10

That God blesses us today is NOT denied (cf. Eph. 1:3). The question is, is it about gaining more in this

world?We are looking toward

eternity!

The “Gospel of prosperity” is FALSE and contrary to

God’s word – specific scriptures, grammatical

accuracy, contextually and in principle

Where will you put your trust?