Cultural Definition: Prosperity means that a person has a sufficient amount of money to fulfill their needs and desires.
The Big Idea: Prosperity is a by-product of wisdom; but it is not about getting and hoarding material wealth. It is about living hands open/palms up.
Three things more important than a big bank account
1. Humility
Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. ~ Proverbs 22:4
2. Reputation
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. ~ Proverbs 22:1
3. Instruction
The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold. ~ Psalm 19:9,10
We live in a Sowing and Reaping World
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ~ Galatians 6:7
Three Choices when it comes to Money
1. Spending vs. Saving
In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but the foolish man devours all he has. ~ Proverbs 21:20
2. Borrowing vs. Lending
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. ~ Proverbs 22:7
3. Hoarding vs. Giving
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion… ~ 2 Corinthians 9:10,11
We don’t give to get (Prosperity Gospel). We get to give (Jesus’ Gospel)
How do we live generously? With open hands, palms up.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. ~ Proverbs 31:20
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. ~ Philippians 2:5,6
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