The Lie of the Prosperity Gospel

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Dec 21, 2012
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#1
You have all heard it; if you give, God will multiply your gift a thousand fold, because God wants you to prosper.

Not Biblical. In fact, the Bible in the N.T. speaks against it.

1 Timothy 6:[SUP]3 [/SUP]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;[SUP]4 [/SUP]He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,[SUP]5 [/SUP]Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.[SUP]6 [/SUP]But godliness with contentment is great gain.[SUP]7 [/SUP]For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.[SUP]8 [/SUP]And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.[SUP]9 [/SUP]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.[SUP]10 [/SUP]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.[SUP]11 [/SUP]But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.[SUP]12 [/SUP]Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.[SUP]13 [/SUP]I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;[SUP]14 [/SUP]That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

So stop giving to those covetous men that hardly lead by example when they live in the lap of luxury by such givings.

Ask the Lord Jesus Christ for help to forgive them because I am sure the devil may be tempting you to hate them and wish them ill will for misleading you to believe that God will bless you by your giving and yet you are still suffering, if not moreso, for having given it when you need it more than that ministry does.

Seek help from your local church in communicating your needs to them if you are hurting more than ever because you had given.

Philippians 4:
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.[SUP]5 [/SUP]Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.[SUP]6 [/SUP]Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.[SUP]7 [/SUP]And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.[SUP]8 [/SUP]Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.[SUP]9 [/SUP]Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.[SUP]10 [/SUP]But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.[SUP]11 [/SUP]Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.[SUP]12 [/SUP]I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.[SUP]13 [/SUP]I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.[SUP]14 [/SUP]Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

If you had died, would you want your spouse & children to seek help from the church? Then you must swallow your pride and ask the church you go to for help by example. You should communicate your immediate needs to the church and not just pray to the Lord for help in meeting what you need.

As it is, the secret for being content is to think on positive things on what you have to give the Father thanks in Jesus's name and if you can't, then ask Him to help you with that too, because Paul suffered need as well and have gone through it to set the example for the rest of us to lean on Christ to strengthen us thru those times.

Never once did Paul teach giving as a means to multiply what you have given to solve your lack of provision, let alone for personal gain.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,174
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#2
I see it like this, I give when I can even if it means i end up not having enough for myself but i don't do it for physical blessing i do so because my heart tells me to because I care because if i have and i can give i want to give.

I believe that if the love in your heart compels you to give he will indeed increase your prosperity a thousand times fold- your spiritual prosperity that is. After all Whenever I give the scriptures of blessing pop in my head and i say to him well Lord you know what blessing it is that ask for, i have to see him not bless me with more of his love and heart in my givings
 

jerry2465

Senior Member
Dec 28, 2016
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#3
I do believe its a sin to STRIVE after money, but I don't think that money and possessions are themselves evil. I think its a matter of attitude and who or what is your god. If money or anything else is your god then it is sinful and should be repented of. If a person has more than enough wealth, then I believe that that person should be more generous and help those in need.
 
Dec 21, 2012
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#4
I see it like this, I give when I can even if it means i end up not having enough for myself but i don't do it for physical blessing i do so because my heart tells me to because I care because if i have and i can give i want to give.

I believe that if the love in your heart compels you to give he will indeed increase your prosperity a thousand times fold- your spiritual prosperity that is. After all Whenever I give the scriptures of blessing pop in my head and i say to him well Lord you know what blessing it is that ask for, i have to see him not bless me with more of his love and heart in my givings
Just as long as you are clear about it not being a material prosperity, but a spiritual prosperity.

What you have shared, does remind me of the poor widow with 2 mites. She would still remain poor, but has great faith in God to provide for her daily needs.

I have to admit, the Lord has yet to work that faith in me since I do not have that measure of faith yet
.

Romans 12:[SUP]3 [/SUP]For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

But I rest in Him to do it because....the greatest sacrifices any one can give to the Lord is to place their trust in Him for all things.

Psalm 4:
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.[SUP]5 [/SUP]Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.[SUP]6 [/SUP]There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

 
Dec 21, 2012
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#5
I do believe its a sin to STRIVE after money, but I don't think that money and possessions are themselves evil. I think its a matter of attitude and who or what is your god. If money or anything else is your god then it is sinful and should be repented of. If a person has more than enough wealth, then I believe that that person should be more generous and help those in need.
I agree since there is such a thing as a rich christian but it is still between him and God.

1 Timothy 6:[SUP]17 [/SUP]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;[SUP]18 [/SUP]That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;[SUP]19 [/SUP]Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,174
2,537
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#6
Just as long as you are clear about it not being a material prosperity, but a spiritual prosperity.

What you have shared, does remind me of the poor widow with 2 mites. She would still remain poor, but has great faith in God to provide for her daily needs.

I have to admit, the Lord has yet to work that faith in me since I do not have that measure of faith yet
.

Romans 12:[SUP]3 [/SUP]For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

But I rest in Him to do it because....the greatest sacrifices any one can give to the Lord is to place their trust in Him for all things.

Psalm 4:
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.[SUP]5 [/SUP]Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.[SUP]6 [/SUP]There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

never forget the great oak tree it take man many years for it to fully become a grown tree but it is an awe to look at, God likes the slow and steady the most
 
Dec 12, 2013
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#7
Jesus while owning nothing owned it all.....and when it comes to men....perception is reality.......!
 

Isny

Senior Member
Jan 15, 2017
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#8
It is wrong to give expecting something in return. A true gift is one that is given because it is the right thing to do...not because of what you will get in return. An anonymous gift: nothing in return not even any publicity.
 

jerry2465

Senior Member
Dec 28, 2016
160
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#9
It is wrong to give expecting something in return. A true gift is one that is given because it is the right thing to do...not because of what you will get in return. An anonymous gift: nothing in return not even any publicity.
[h=1]Matthew 6:3-4English Standard Version (ESV)[/h] [SUP]3 [/SUP]But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [SUP]4 [/SUP]so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
 
Nov 19, 2016
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#10
1Ti 6:3 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;
1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1Ti 6:9 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.
1Ti 6:10 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.

The Bible says if any person believes that living for God is material gain,and monetary gain,and teach such,to withdraw yourself from them,having food and clothing,be content,and if they heap money to themselves for personal use,they have erred from the faith,which the faith is believing in a kingdom that is based on love.

The Bible says love works no ill towards their neighbor;therefore love is the fulfilling of the law,and if any person has money above their personal needs,and say,I love you,but do nothing to help the poor,then the love of God does not dwell in them,for do not love in word only,but in deed and in truth,like James said,if a person has need,and you do not help that person,then how do you have faith.

That is why the love of money is the root of all evil,for it neglects the poor,and needy,which people that have coveted after money erred from the faith,for that faith is believing in a kingdom that is based on love,and what it is all about love God,and love people,and when you love people,you love God,and money is the biggest sin people will exalt themselves with,like the tongue is the most unruly of all the body parts.

The prosperity Gospel neglects the poor and needy,as they think God is blessing them with those things,so they look at it as personal gain,for personal use,although they might a tad bit help people,but they will still use the majority of the money for their own pleasure,that is not part of their needs.

God only blesses with food,and clothing,our necessities according to the flesh,and our spiritual needs,eternal life,peace,love,and joy,not our wants.

Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Some people pray amiss,for they ask for their wants,and not their needs,which the prosperity Gospel would have them praying for their wants,which is anything above our needs,and different from our needs,for anything above our needs,and different from our needs,then we have erred from the faith,which is believing in a kingdom that is love,and helps each other out with what is to benefit them in the needs department.

The prosperity Gospel is not of God,for God is not going to bless people with material,and monetary gain,for personal use other than their needs,and the people that believe the prosperity Gospel neglect the poor,and needy,which is what it is all about.

1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

The prosperity Gospel a big no no,and God says withdraw yourself from them,having food,and clothing,be content,so how does God benefit with the prosperity Gospel.

Having food,and clothing,be content,and stop praying amiss for your wants,to heap it upon your lusts,and if any person believes the prosperity Gospel,that is worldliness.

Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

People that believe the prosperity Gospel have worldliness about them,and want to enjoy the things the world enjoys,material things,and money,but money is not for us to enjoy,other than supplying our needs,and the needs of others if possible.
 
Jan 24, 2009
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#11
I guess I'm weird or something...as I'm more interested in prospering the Kingdom of God than my pocketbook and/or property value.
 

Zmouth

Senior Member
Nov 21, 2012
3,391
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#12
You have all heard it; if you give, God will multiply your gift a thousand fold, because God wants you to prosper.

Not Biblical. In fact, the Bible in the N.T. speaks against it.

Never once did Paul teach giving as a means to multiply what you have given to solve your lack of provision, let alone for personal gain.
Instead Paul robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. [2 Cor 11:8]

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

Well apparently your omer is full or you put no value in receiving the seed except by believing.

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. Mark 4:20
 

Zmouth

Senior Member
Nov 21, 2012
3,391
134
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#13
Jesus while owning nothing owned it all.....and when it comes to men....perception is reality.......!
So Jesus didn't sell out that he had and gave to the poor?

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and
give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.Matthew 19:21

So what did the young ruler do?

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing:
there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
Proverbs 13:7

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force,
to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. John 6:15
 
Dec 21, 2012
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#14
Instead Paul robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. [2 Cor 11:8]
Paul did not say give nothing at all to the church, but trust in God to raise up cheerful givers to provide for the church what God wants it to do; that the whole church looked to God to run the church and not individual members of the body of Christ by tithing or pledges of givings; thus putting the assurance on them rather than on God.

Paul hardly robbed the churches.

1 Corinthians 9:[SUP]18 [/SUP]What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.[SUP]19 [/SUP]For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

So your reference of Paul robbing other churches was Paul supplied by christians in Macedonia willingly so he can preach to the Corinthians freely.

2 Corinthians 11:[SUP]7[/SUP]Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?[SUP]8[/SUP]I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.[SUP]9 [/SUP]And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

Indeed, the ordinance for a church that agrees to support those in ministry was to set aside from the bounty collected at each weekly service so that there be no special collection just for supporting their ministry.

1 Corinthians 16:1
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.[SUP]2 [/SUP]Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

Well apparently your omer is full or you put no value in receiving the seed except by believing.

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. Mark 4:20


That has nothing to do with monetary giving. That has everything to do with sharing what God has shared with you by His words that had caused you growth in your walk with the Lord.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#15
A serious question:

Why do you suppose so much space was given to the story of Joseph?
 
Dec 12, 2013
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#16
So Jesus didn't sell out that he had and gave to the poor?

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and
give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.Matthew 19:21

So what did the young ruler do?

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing:
there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
Proverbs 13:7

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force,
to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. John 6:15
You missed the point by about 5 light years........

Jesus gave UP all he had and took the form of a servant to all....while being perceived as poor with no place to even lay his head he was the God of the universe and owned it all.........
 

Zmouth

Senior Member
Nov 21, 2012
3,391
134
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#17
Paul did not say give nothing at all to the church, but trust in God to raise up cheerful givers to provide for the church what God wants it to do; that the whole church looked to God to run the church and not individual members of the body of Christ by tithing or pledges of givings; thus putting the assurance on them rather than on God.

Paul hardly robbed the churches.
Oh, ok, so when Paul wrote 2 Cor 11:8, "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service." he really didn't rob other churches.

But regardless...as written in Proverbs 29:24, Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul:


You have all heard it; if you give, God will multiply your gift a thousand fold, because God wants you to prosper.

Not Biblical. In fact, the Bible in the N.T. speaks against it.
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:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.


If Jesus taught to lay up treasure for yourselves in heaven then I guess you don't place much value in his word since you claim that Paul speaks against prosperity.
 
Dec 21, 2012
2,901
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#18
Oh, ok, so when Paul wrote 2 Cor 11:8, "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service." he really didn't rob other churches.

But regardless...as written in Proverbs 29:24, Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul:
Not when it is written further that the Macedonians wanted to supply his needs to minister to others. Paul was bragging about them of their charity that way too, even though he felt that he did not deserve it since it is God that ministers and not himself... which is probably why he felt like he was robbing them.

So no... not the typical covetous type of robbing that you are thinking of when reading that verse alone, but f you take all the verses in light of that topic, you can guess why Paul felt undeserving of that support when it is God causing the increase, but God allowed it because He is the One raising up cheerful givers for His ministry thru Paul.

Paul is hardly demanding any one to give to himself, and hardly preaching that if any one gives, God will increase what he has given which is what the prosperity gospel is about.

And Paul is hardly living in the lap of luxury as those teleministries that use the "prosperity gospel" for.

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:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.


If Jesus taught to lay up treasure for yourselves in heaven then I guess you don't place much value in his word since you claim that Paul speaks against prosperity.
Hah. Look at those that receive for preaching the prosperity gospel. Pot calling kettle black.

So no. You cannot defend them with Jesus's words as if Jesus was talking about giving up everything on earth to the ministry as if that is how you not lay up treasures on earth and therefore by laying up treasures for yourself in Heaven.

There is such a thing as a rich christian.

1 Timothy 6:[SUP]17 [/SUP]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;[SUP]18 [/SUP]That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;[SUP]19 [/SUP]Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

If there wasn't a thing such as a rich christian, James would not have to write this letter to the churches about how the churches that were mistreating the poor in showing favoritism to the rich as James 2nd chapter talks about that abuse, thus validating that a christian can be rich even in church.

So have you given up everything? No. You can never say that because you still have your computer, your electricity, and thus a place to live for you to be typing here trying to defend the prosperity gospel when television ministry that uses the prosperity gospel for conning donations can never avoid the appearance of covetousness as they live in luxury.
 

88

Senior Member
Nov 14, 2016
3,517
77
48
#19
You have all heard it; if you give, God will multiply your gift a thousand fold, because God wants you to prosper.

Not Biblical. In fact, the Bible in the N.T. speaks against it.

1 Timothy 6:[SUP]3 [/SUP]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;[SUP]4 [/SUP]He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,[SUP]5 [/SUP]Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.[SUP]6 [/SUP]But godliness with contentment is great gain.[SUP]7 [/SUP]For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.[SUP]8 [/SUP]And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.[SUP]9 [/SUP]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.[SUP]10 [/SUP]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.[SUP]11 [/SUP]But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.[SUP]12 [/SUP]Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.[SUP]13 [/SUP]I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;[SUP]14 [/SUP]That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

So stop giving to those covetous men that hardly lead by example when they live in the lap of luxury by such givings.

Ask the Lord Jesus Christ for help to forgive them because I am sure the devil may be tempting you to hate them and wish them ill will for misleading you to believe that God will bless you by your giving and yet you are still suffering, if not moreso, for having given it when you need it more than that ministry does.

Seek help from your local church in communicating your needs to them if you are hurting more than ever because you had given.

Philippians 4:
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.[SUP]5 [/SUP]Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.[SUP]6 [/SUP]Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.[SUP]7 [/SUP]And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.[SUP]8 [/SUP]Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.[SUP]9 [/SUP]Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.[SUP]10 [/SUP]But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.[SUP]11 [/SUP]Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.[SUP]12 [/SUP]I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.[SUP]13 [/SUP]I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.[SUP]14 [/SUP]Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

If you had died, would you want your spouse & children to seek help from the church? Then you must swallow your pride and ask the church you go to for help by example. You should communicate your immediate needs to the church and not just pray to the Lord for help in meeting what you need.

As it is, the secret for being content is to think on positive things on what you have to give the Father thanks in Jesus's name and if you can't, then ask Him to help you with that too, because Paul suffered need as well and have gone through it to set the example for the rest of us to lean on Christ to strengthen us thru those times.

Never once did Paul teach giving as a means to multiply what you have given to solve your lack of provision, let alone for personal gain.
******the extreme teachings of prosperity are wrong----but God wants His people to prosper----it is good to give expecting nothing in return---excellent start----our hearts and attitudes are right----now let's build on that---trust God to prosper us to support the gospel---- I was at a Church were people were joining the 51% Club----they were giving at least 51% of their money for Missions and the Gospel----one guy gave 90%----they asked him how he could live on 10% ---he said living on a million a year wasn't hard----my point is to promote giving and receiving properly to fund the Gospel not for selfish reasons---give and it shall be given unto you good measure pressed down and shaken together shall men give to you (Luke 6:38)----Paul taught giving----2 Corinthians 8:7---the Grace of Giving----God blesses givers according to Christ---Paul exhorted rich people to be generous and ready to give (1 Timothy 6:17-18)-----giving to get for the right reason falls in line with Christ's teaching on the talents---to multiply our money---not bury it (Matthew 25:14-30)...
 

Zmouth

Senior Member
Nov 21, 2012
3,391
134
63
#20
Hah. Look at those that receive for preaching the prosperity gospel. Pot calling kettle black.
The gospel is the gospel regardless of what adjective you assign to it. Thus, the same can be said about those who believe for preaching of the salvation gospel, don't tell me that you believed without the expectation of receiving something in return. Did you not receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit since you believed? [See 1 Thess 2:13]

So no. You cannot defend them with Jesus's words as if Jesus was talking about giving up everything on earth to the ministry as if that is how you not lay up treasures on earth and therefore by laying up treasures for yourself in Heaven.
Since it was written that Jesus taught, "man doth not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of the LORD doth man live." then you should know what Jesus said to Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus after Gaius said he knew the commandments.

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Mark 17-20

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10

"...because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:" Amos 2:4

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Mark 10:20

Have you not heard "the LORD is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" or do you not understand that "in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

There is such a thing as a rich christian.
Considering the passage of James 2, then can you "...shew me your faith without your works," since you quoted 1 Timothy 1:6

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;[SUP]19 [/SUP]Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; Luke 8:13
Prov 30:19

So have you given up everything? No. You can never say that because you still have your computer, your electricity, and thus a place to live for you to be typing here trying to defend the prosperity gospel when television ministry that uses the prosperity gospel for conning donations can never avoid the appearance of covetousness as they live in luxury.
Sounds like you lackest one thing.

A man can receive nothing except he receive it from heaven.
Mark 4:20
 
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