THE MESSAGE OF PROSPERITY (A False Teaching in the Church) By: Major. Frank Materu
Key Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:5-11
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction." (1 Timothy 6:6-9)
Introduction:
False teachings are not just a challenge faced by the first-century church; they continue to plague the modern church today.
One such teaching is the idea that links godliness with material wealth, widely known as "The Prosperity Gospel."
This doctrine misleads many by claiming that a Christian's wealth reflects their level of faith, while those with less are seen as having weaker faith.
Nearly 1,930 years ago, Paul warned Timothy about the dangers of such teachings, emphasizing that the love of money is the root of all evil.
In this message, we will explore Paul's warnings about the desire for wealth, its spiritual consequences, and the correct path for Christians to follow.
Wealth and Godliness:
Paul clearly states that true godliness is not measured by material wealth.
The Prosperity Gospel distorts this by equating material success with spiritual maturity.
Such teachings fuel greed and lead to a distorted faith.
"For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:10)
Paul teaches that Christians should be content with what they have.
The pursuit of wealth often leads to a lack of peace and spiritual destruction.
Greed for wealth is likened to idolatry, which is condemned throughout Scripture.
Paul's Teachings Against Greed for Wealth:
Paul provides strong warnings to Christians about the dangers of desiring wealth.
He explains the following:
1. Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain
Christians should be satisfied with what they have, recognizing that worldly possessions are temporary.
We come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing.
2. Greed for Wealth is Spiritually Dangerous:
The desire for wealth leads to temptation, traps, and harmful cravings that can destroy lives.
Those who chase riches often stray from the true faith and fall into spiritual ruin.
3. A Defense Against False Teachings:
Christians are called to flee from the greed promoted by the Prosperity Gospel.
Instead, they should pursue spiritual values like righteousness, godliness, love, and perseverance.
"But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11)
Modern False Teachings:
In our generation, the Prosperity Gospel encourages Christians to prioritize wealth over spiritual growth.
Teachers of this doctrine measure faith by the possessions one owns, falsely claiming that a life of comfort and riches is a Christian's right.
There is no biblical basis for such claims.
The true heroes of faith, such as Stephen, were willing to suffer and even die for the Gospel.
They were content with what they had, focusing on eternal glory rather than worldly wealth.
"They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword.
They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them." (Hebrews 11:37-38)
A Warning to Christians:
Paul teaches that the love of wealth is a broad road leading to spiritual destruction.
Christians must be cautious of any teaching that promotes greed.
Instead, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, the author of eternal life.
"Turn your eyes away from the things of this world, which are passing, and fix your gaze on Jesus."
Conclusion:
The Prosperity Gospel is a false teaching that misleads Christians by encouraging the love of wealth.
As Christians, we are called to be content with what we have and to prioritize spiritual virtues such as righteousness, love, and godliness.
If we find ourselves consumed by greed, we must repent and seek salvation.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."
(1 Timothy 6:6-7)
