Prosperity Gospel vs. the Gospel of Christ

Bible Studies and Heresies – Prosperity Gospel

Table of Contents

Teachings of the Prosperity Gospel

The prosperity gospel is a set of teachings in churches or among Christians that focus on the aspects and verses in the Bible that talk about Gods gifts, power and provisions to His children. These verses are used in many cases to create a belief that God will give you the desires of your heart, no matter how carnal they may be, putting a focus on sensual gratification. Therefore, these teachings become very dangerous, as they lead people away from the true message and meaning of the Gospel of Christ, into a materialistic or carnal mindset (Phil 3.19).

Every teaching in the Bible is good, however if the methodology of a person teaching is to detract from other teachings or verses in the Bible, then it becomes a form of deception. Ever teachings in the Bible is important, and each subject should be taught taking in consideration everything God tells us about a specific subject.

God Wants You to be Rich

The Teachings of Wealth and Prosperity from God

One of the primary teachings of the prosperity gospel is the teaching that God wants His people to be rich, specifically with material wealth; they will teach that God wants your to be rich. Often times, Prosperity Teachers will proclaim that the way to get rich is to give to their ministry. These are two different issues that are usually presented together; each issue is examined below:

God wants His People to be Wealthy

The prosperity teaching that God gives riches, or desires for His people to be rich, often comes from the following verses:

The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. – Proverbs 10.22

I will give you hidden treasure, riches stored in the secret places – Isaiah 45.3-25

Remember the Lord your God, He who is giving you the power to make wealth – Deut 8.18

God is able to supply all your needs according to His riches– Phil 4.19

I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly – John 10.10

You have already became rich, you have become kings with us – 1 Corin 4.8

Give and it shall be given to you – Luke 6.38

Examples of rich men in the Bible are often used to justify the stance that God wants His people to be rich. Men of God such as Abraham, Joseph, Job, King David, King Solomon, etc. However, there are many examples of poor men in the bible, most of the prophets where poor, Joseph was a slave for thirty years, over ten of which he was imprisoned. King David lived homeless in the wilderness while running from Saul for over a decade. Our Lord Jesus even said that the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head (Matt 8.20), meaning he was homeless and was poor during his time on earth until death.

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 be rich. – 2 Corin 8.9

Promises of Riches to Those who Give

The second issue is the proclamation of prosperity teachers to their congregation of the need to give or tithe specifically to their ministry, often citing the scripture of Malachi:

You say, how have we robbed God? In tithes and offerings. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in my house and test me in this, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour out such a blessing that you will not be able to receive it. – Malachi 3.8-10

How are Believers Called to Give

In the strictest sense, tithing was an Old Testament law given by Moses. The tithe was meant to be used for temple maintenance and for the priests. The term tithe literally means 10% (Gen 14.20), and this was commanded of the Israelite people to give of their income.

Believer in Jesus Christ are no longer under law but under grace. Believers are called to give to support for the ministry out of their abundance and to give graciously with joy. There is no set amount or specific ministry or organization God commands us to collectively give to. As believers, God will guide us to whom He wants us to support with what He has given to us. For all that we own is Gods already (Ps 50.12)!

He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver – 2 Corinthians 9.6-7

Christians are called to give generously. This does not necessarily mean to give to churches or ministries either, God may call you to give to those who are in need directly, as we see in Matt 19.21 and 1 John 3.17.

Attitude of the Wealthy Believer

What is the attitude of the wealthy believer, and how should they behave. The Bible teaches us that the believers that are gifted with wealth should be humble and very careful not to trust in their riches and have the attitude of simple stewards of Gods possessions.

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business – James 1.9-11

Message of Gaining Wealth vs. Warning of Desiring Wealth

Not all believers will be rich; in fact over the duration of the Church age, it will be those who have that gift of being able to handle it. Prosperity teachers make an appeal to the lust of the eyes in humanity, promising wealth to their listeners while cutting specific Bible verses in attempt to prove their position (Jude 1.12). When this emphasis only leads to a carnal mentality and to the greed of an individual. God does give material wealth to people but as mentioned before, it is for the purpose of laying up treasures in heaven (1 Tim 6.1-19).

God gives different gifting and different responsibilities to His people in this life, however all believers will be accountable for what they have been given. This is why the apostle Paul exhorts believers not to be rich, as wealth causes those who have it to be pierced through with many sorrows. Believers should be content with having their needs met and not to look for anything beyond this, as it comes with a great warning:

 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4. they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5. and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6. But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. – 1 Timothy 6. 3-7

 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9. 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. 10. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief’s. – 1 Timothy 6.8-10

Poverty of Believers in this World

God makes both the rich and the poor and decides who He will give to. He takes riches away and gives them to whomever He chooses. The prayer of believers should be as King Solomon, who said “don’t make me rich or poor, but just fulfill my needs.”

God takes wealth away, Surely the wealth God has taken away from our father belongs to us and our children, now do what God has said to you – Gen 31.16

The Lord makes the poor and the rich, He brings low, He also exalts – 1 Sam 2.7

Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion – Proverb 30.8

Jesus goes on to say that all our needs shall be met as long as we are seeking Gods Kingdom and His righteousness first before anything else. Then God will add to it what we need:

Do not worry about what you shall eat or what you shall wear as the Gentiles do. For your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you – Matt 6.31-33

Jesus Himself who led the example to us in all things was not wealthy, but didn’t even have a house to call His own (Matt 8.20).

Many believers will experience poverty in their lives, but they remain rich in Christ, as we see with the entire church of Smyrna in Revelation.

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan – Revelation 2.9

The Apostles and many believers in the New Testament faced poverty, the Apostle Paul even mentioned how he knew how to abound and abase in abundance and in need (Phil 4.12). He continuously wrote concerning the trials that the churches faced including poverty and those that had worldly needs.

for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part – 2 Corin 2.8

Even though believers may face poverty in this world, we understand by faith, this is not our world and worldly wealth is not our purpose, but rather, our purpose is to be focused on treasure in Heaven (Matt 6.19-21). The Apostle Paul considers all other things as loose for the sake of the things of heaven.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ – Phil 3.8

Gods Purpose for Wealth

God is rich in all things and will provide for all our needs. He will bless some of His children in riches and material wealth, but the purpose of material wealth is to build up Gods kingdom and to use it for eternal things. God does want every one of us to be rich in spiritual and heavenly things – Luke 12.21, and all those who are in Christ are rich spiritually now, and will be rich spiritually when they get to heaven.

God’s Command to the Rich

The material things we have in this world only last for a moment and are temporary, that is why God does not want us to be mindful of those things (2 Corin 4.18). God will hold every person accountable for what He gave to them in this world. For those whom He did bless with wealth, they are to ensure that it is all committed into His hands as a good steward of Christ.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4.19

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. – 1 Timothy 6.17-19

The problem with teaching God wants all believers to be rich emphasizes temporary carnal material things of this world and leads many people away into living in sensuality. Christians should always be looking towards the kingdom of Heaven and looking to use what they have in this life to build up God’s kingdom, on the eternal not the temporary. God does desire all His children to be rich, and we are, in Him with Heavenly treasure (1 Corin 3.22). Our wealth is not of this world or anything in it (John 15.18). We are to use money as tool in this life, but never to set our heart on it (Luke 16.9).

We are to keep our eyes focused on Gods kingdom and not on the temporary things of this world. God’s purpose for blessing you and fulfilling your needs is so that you will abound in every good work for Him. God blesses you so that you may serve Him and give to His people.

Jesus said “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. – Luke 16.9

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matt 6.19

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor – Proverbs 22.6

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.- 2 Corin 9.8-9

Disciples Give up Wealth

Jesus teaches us plainly it is difficult for those that have possessions to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Why? It is because they cannot give up their possession in their heart, and trade it in for faith in God. Either you trust in your possession for security or God, you cannot serve both God and money (Matt 6.24-26.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

– Matt 19.23-24

The Bible teaches God’s people are not to have hearts that cling to anything of this world but rather let our treasures be stored up in heaven (Matt 6.19-21). Further the Bible teaches that when you are wronged, to joyfully accept the plundering of your property, knowing that your true possession are in heaven.

This does not speak of foolishly casting your pearls to swine (Matt 7.6) however as far as it is under your ability, to be wise with what you have (Pr 22.3). If something is being taken from you unjustly after you have done all you can, know God is in control and again know He will take care of it and that your possession are not of this world, neither are they in this world.

For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.

– Hebrews 10.34

God Wants You to Live the Abundant and Good Life

Prosperity teachers proclaim that God only wants what’s best for you, and for you to have a good and happy life. They teach that we should live a life full of abundance without troubles or problems, and that if you are facing difficulties, it’s because you lack the faith to overcome them. A few verses that are often quoted for this teaching is:

I have come so that they may have life, and life more abundantly. – John 10.10

God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. – Rom 8.28

Again this prosperity teaching takes context from one portion of the Bible without giving us the entire picture with all verses related to the issue. Jesus did come to give us the abundant life. It’s how people define the ‘abundant life,’ that skews the understanding from a biblical perspective, which is different from the world’s perspective and creates a point of contention over the definition.

From a worldly point of view, the abundant life is one that focuses on material wealth and worldly prosperity, or temporary things of this world. God desires for us to be rich or abundant in the things of God, regardless of your material wealth. When you are rich towards God you understand that He is your provider, and He is all you need. The abundant life is having a life full of God, for He is life.

Whoever has the son has life. – 1 John 5.12

This is eternal life that they may know you the one true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. – John 17.3

All Believers Will Face Difficult Times

Believers will have an abundant life in Christ. A part of having the abundant life is facing trials and every type of difficulty that exists in this world and retain joy in them. Believers will face trials in their hard times, persecutions from the world and those that work against them, and temptations from the flesh, the world and Devil.

(Apostle Paul speaking)  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4.12-13

Believers will face difficult times and emerge victoriously through faith. In fact, we are to face difficult times with a faith that glories and finds joy in those difficult times knowing Gods strength is made perfect in weakness. To even boast joyfully in those hard times knowing the power of Christ is resting upon us.

God said “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12.9 – 10

Persecution in promised to believers along with the abundant life. We are to rejoice when persecuted, knowing our name is written in heaven.

(Believers receive) … receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions – Mark 10. 30

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you – Matthew 5.10-12

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. – James 1.12

… everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted – 2 Timothy 3.12

Suffering and Trials Lead to Maturity

The point of trials is this: knowing this world is temporary and understanding how precious our faith is to God, all our works in this life and hard times count for us as treasure in heaven, if done with a sincere heart, to the point we continue through them in faith to glorify God (James 1.12, Heb 10.34, 1 Corin 3.12-15). We are not to have hearts that look for treasure on Earth, but treasure in Heaven (Matt 6.19-20).

We boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4. Perseverance, character; and character, hope.  – Romans 5.2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3. because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1.2-4

For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

– 1 Peter 2.19-20

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

– 1 Peter 4.12-14

Participating with Christ in Suffering

The Bible teaches us that as Christians we are to suffer in the sufferings of Christ. To suffer as necessary in doing what is good and right according to God in this world. As the world does what is evil, a believer will live opposed to that according to God’s goodness, which will result in suffering in various ways. Persecution from governments, friends, family, jobs, etc. We may suffer from physical illness or disease or trials and temptation. Suffering as we die to our own carnal nature and flesh and live according to the Spirit.

… and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

– Rom 8.17-18

I will continue to rejoice,  19. for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain

– Phil 1.18-21

 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11. and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

– Phil 3.10-11

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

– 1 Peter 4.13

The Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to participate with him in the suffering of Christ, as every soldier will endure hardships while doing the will of their commanding officer.

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer

– 2 Timothy 2.3-4

Suffering According to Gods Will

Biblical Christianity teaches suffering in this fallen world and is about sacrifice. We are to live our lives sacrificing our desires for God’s will. This is what allows our will to become aligned with God’s will, because we are denying our own carnal nature for the Spiritual nature (Matt 16.24-26). God gave us the entire book of Job to understand how to suffer in faith towards God, trusting He is good and right (Job 2.10).

Jesus said even his desires are not to seek His will but the Fathers will, as an example for us (John 5.30).

Jesus said we must take up our cross and follow Him – Luke 9.23.

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. – 1 Peter 4.19

Trials and Difficulties of the Apostles

We find all throughout the New Testament that God allows His children to face trails and hard times to test our faith and show Himself strong in difficult situations. The apostles and early Church faced constant hard times, persecutions and trials in their missions and daily lives throughout the New Testament.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

– Acts 5.41

(Paul speaking) We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.

– 2 Corin 1.8-10

(Paul speaking) in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27. In weariness and painfulness, in watching often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.

– 2 Corin 11. 23-27

Taking Joy in Suffering

Not only are Christians to suffer in this life, but we are to take joy in it! The Bible teaches us continuously that we will face difficult and hard times and trials, and while going through them we should take great joy. Not only in known that our sovereign creator is with us in all these things and will take care of us. To be in a position of utter dependence on Him, but most importantly knowing that it will bring Him glory and it is for His purposes.

When we teach Believers that the yare not supposed to suffer and God is only going to give them a good life according to how man would define that, we rob them not only of the truth, but of the opportunity to learn what difficult times from God are for.

Focus on the Eternal not Temporal

The Lord Jesus taught us that the purpose of all things in our lives is to be focused on things eternal, and not to get distracted by the temporary things of this world. That all things in this world are passing away, but our prize and focus is to be on our Heavenly Father, His kingdom and His glory. This is one of the primary comparisons between the prosperity gospel and the Gospel of Christ, this is the difference between coming to God for temporary world wealth vs. coming to God to have a restored relationship with Him.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also – Matt 6.19-21

We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal – 2 Corin 4.18

The Apostle Paul also teaches this in his epistles, not to put any merit or value into the things of this world as all things are passing away and we are to put our focus on things eternal, heavenly things. That whatever affairs we have in this life, family, business, etc. we are to focus on things for the eternal kingdom of God and His glory.

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30. those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31. those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. – 1 Corin 7..29-31

Word of Faith Movement

Name it and Claim it and Words of Power

The ‘Word of Faith’ movement is primarily attributed to American Southern Baptist Pastor Kenneth Hagin, whom founded the movement in the 1960’s. This movement has its origins going back into the teachings of E.W. Kenyon, a Christian pastor who combine Pentecostalism with Metaphysical New Thought teachings, and mysticism including mind sciences.

“Faith is a spiritual force. In other words, faith is a spiritual issue, not a natural issue. Faith is of man’s spirit, not of his mind or body.”

– Kenneth W. Hagin Ministries – Faith is a Force Article

One of the primary teachings of this movement is the idea that faith is a force, and that you can use this force to create the promises of scripture (primarily health and wealth). Teachings that laws govern the faith force and are said to operate independently of God’s sovereign will and that God is subject to these laws. Ultimately turning faith into a mechanism by which you can get anything your heart desires. Kenneth Hagins Ministries also teaches further heresies such as the little gods doctrine which is discussed below.

These beliefs are antithetical to Biblical clear definitions of faith and God’s sovereignty. There is no teaching of a ‘faith force’ in the Bible. Rather this teaching appeals to sensuality and carnal craving of those being led astray (James 1.14, 2 Tim 3.6, 2 Pet 2.18).

Teaching that God Gives you Whatever you Ask For

Another popular prosperity teaching within the prosperity gospel is the ‘name it and claim it,’ or ‘believe it and receive’ teachings. These are two terms commonly used in conjunction with the belief that God will give a believer whatever they ask for. This teaching comes from using the following verses:

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours – Mark 11.24

Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith- Matthew 21.22

How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him – Matt 7.11

All things are possible for one who believes – Mark 9.23

Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. – John 16.23

How Does God Teaches Us to Pray

The prosperity teaching that God will give believers anything they ask for, does not take into account all the verses concerning the biblical subject of prayer, requests and supplication. Any teaching that does not take into account all the verses concerning an issue, tends to lead people into error.

God makes it clear that we are to have the right attitude when we pray and ask God for something. We must truly believe in Him (Heb 11.6) trusting He rewards those who seek Him. Jesus tells us that we need to abide in Him and His word is in us (John 15.7), and pray according to God’s will (1 John 5.14).

Believers are rebuked for coming to God and asking for things according to their carnality or worldly imagination (James 4.3-9). We don’t even know what tomorrow will bring; therefore, we should pray with the attitude of submission to Gods will (James 4.13-16), trusting God will take care of our needs and our prayers. Since the end result of all prayer, it to honor and glorify God (John 14.13), even when He says no or that we must wait (Luke 18.7) we are to trust Him through faith.

If we abide in Christ and pray according to God’s will in faith, then we know we can believe that we will receive whatever we ask. It is imperative to understand all of the Bible verses that teach us how to have the mind of Christ, in humility and focus on Jesus, so that we can know what is the perfect will of God (Rom 12.2).

We are to seek Gods will first for everything, then give up our own will and align our will to His; afterwards, pray and act according to the will that God reveals (John 5.19) just as Jesus did.

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven – Matt 18.19

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart – Ps 37.4

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son – John 14.13

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you – John 15.7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God – Phil 4.6

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions – James 4.3

Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him – John 9.31

And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him – 1 John 3.22

This is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him – 1 John 5.14

You who say, “Today or tomorrow we… (shall do this or that)” 14. you do not even know what will happen tomorrow…15.Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16. As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. – James 4.13 – 16

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words – Romans 8.26

All the Promises of God are Yes and Amen (2 Corin 1.20)

All of God promises will come true for all believers, however he never promised to give us everything we ask for. We see this evidently as we take into account all of what God tells us in His word. All of the things God has promised to someone will come true as He is faithful to do all He has promised.

If God reveals to you something specifically that He is going to do, then you need to believe Him. However, if He has not told you something specific, don’t presume it to be true. Rather trust Him no matter what the outcome may be, for you know it is in His hands, and He will work everything out for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8.28)!

Everything in God’s Timing

Everything God plans and wills to do comes in His time, not our own. His greatest and most precious promises will not come true in our earthly lifetime, but will be in the resurrection; everlasting riches, life (health) and peace all in Him.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

– Ecc 3.1

For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him.

– Ecc 8.6

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay

– Habakkuk 2.3

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

– Psalms 27.14

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord

– Lamenations 3.25

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up

– Galatians 6.9

Sometimes, God’s Answer is No

Even Jesus prayed for something that God the Father said no to. He wasn’t going against God’s will He was just asking as an example for us. He asked God the Father if there was any other way to save humanity rather than going to the cross, for He knew how much suffering He would have to face. In the end He submits and performs going to the cross for our sake (Luke 22.42). This serves as an example for all believers to follow, in humility and servitude towards God. The question is are you going to trust God and walk by faith no matter what happens in your life, no matter what the answer is to your prayer?

• God told David no to saving the life of his unborn son (2 Sam 12.1-25) and no to building His holy temple (1 Chron 28)
• Sometimes God’s answer is not yes or no, but wait and continue contending with the faith. As we see in Jesus’ story of the widow and the judge (Luke 18.1 – 8).
• God told the Apostle Paul no a few times; first no to his travel plans (Acts 16.6), second that he would not have the thorn in his side removed, rather that Gods grace was sufficient for him. – 2 Corin 12.9

You have Authority

Prosperity teachers will emphasize the power and authority that believers have in Christ. Often times, they use this emphasis in conjunction with the teaching of asking for whatever you desire as evidence that God will give you whatever you want. They will proclaim things such as a child of God has all authority, and with God’s power you can have whatever you desire.

This first verse has to do with power over the enemy, which we know we have in Christ:

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.- Luke 10.19

Speaking to Peter, Jesus is talking about how He will set up the church on the confession of faith. That He will give the church the keys to the kingdom so that the gates of Hell will not prevail. This verse is a reference to the authority of the realm of darkness:

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. – Matt 16.19

Finally we see the purpose for which God gives us power; it is to do His will, not our own: The Spirit God has given us comes in power, the power to do God’s will, whatever that is in our lives.

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure

– Phil 2.13

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

– 2 Timothy 1.6-7

God gives power or whatever is needed as we trust and have faith in Him (Heb 11.11), in order to accomplish the things He wants to do in our lives (Phil 2.13). We see this all throughout Hebrews 11. That without faith it is impossible to please Him, that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, and what He desires (Ps 37.4, Heb 11.6)! All throughout Hebrews 11 we find what God accomplished through those who trusted in Him by faith, yet they themselves still have not yet received what was promised to them.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.

– Hebrews 11.13

All Authority and Power Belongs to God

God has all the power in the universe, believers do not direct God or His power, He directs and instructs us, God is omnipotent. As we reviewed before in the section on prayer, God gives us the power to do certain things if it is His will, but it is all done according to His purpose and His power. Our prayers are requests to God, but it is God who does the work or act (Phil 2.13). Just as a little son or daughter asks their dad to do something for them. It’s the power of the father that makes it happen; the Child’s part was simply the request.

As God’s children we are to have the same attitude as Christ, that of humility, taking the position of a servant to God and others and giving up all privileges.

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God – Psalms 62.10

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.6. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form. 8. he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. – Phil 2.5-8

Do Your Words have Power

Another popular teaching in the Prosperity movement derives from the previous two points on prayer and authority, it is the teaching that your words have power. Two of the most popular verses used for this are as follows:

The tongue has the power of life and death. – Proverbs 18.21

Proverbs is not saying that a person can speak life or death into a person merely by saying some words, causing them to instantly drop dead or come back to life. Even a king that pronounces the death sentence; his words may carry the decree, but death comes in accordance to the executioner’s hand. We have power in our words as far as words can go; to exhort, bless, to put someone down or to curse them. The verse is meant to be a warning on how far your words can go in a person’s life. James gives us a clearer picture to explain this verse:

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10. Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. – James 3.9-10

Again as believers, our words are to be used to petition and speak to God, the display of power and the act comes from the hand of God. Believers should be careful of their words as they want to encourage others and lead others closer to Christ and towards Godliness.

God may bless a believer with a prophetic or miraculous word that will cause something supernaturally to occur. The Apostle Paul did speak a word and blinded the sorcerer Bar-Jesus in Acts 13. 6-17, but again we see everything works in accordance with Gods will and purpose, as we are lead by Gods Spirit.

Prosperity Movement: We are gods

Finally the culmination of many prosperity gospel teachers leads to the teaching that we are all gods. This is one of the lies that many false teachings begin to display to their followers. It is a calling card of the Devils teachings and is the original lie from the garden of Eden (Gen 3.4).

The false teaching that we can have equaled power with God the father. This is another false doctrine, and causes many to turning away from the true faith, following a false Jesus or self worship.

This is the very first deception of Satan to Grandmother Eve, the promise that we can be like God. This is the false teaching spoken about throughout the Epistles or Paul and Peter (1 Tim 2.13-14).

It is so important to understand that we are Gods creation, and are not like God. We were made in His image, but to reduce God to anything like that of a man or any created being is the heresy spoken about in Romans 1. It is to misunderstand the God is the creator, there is none like Him because He alone is the creator.

God alone is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. Everything else that exists, including the hosts of heaven, are created beings and are limited. God alone is eternal and limitless. This teaching misunderstand who and what God is. Either it elevate man to a position of God the creator, or lowers God to a place that is like a created being, both are blasphemous.

This misconception comes from bad interpretations in the Old Testament in reference to other beings called ‘gods.’ This word is Elohim which is not exclusively used for God the Father (or Yahweh), but is used for all types of angelic beings or spiritual beings. These beings (or Elohim) are above man and the fallen Elohim called themselves gods to be worshipped by mankind, stealing the worship that belongs to God the Father alone. When God the Father reveals Himself, he tells Moses His name is “Yahweh,” or the self- existing one (Ex 6.2), the unique one who there is no one else like (Jer 10.6).

They teach that Jesus only became God after reading from the text in Luke 4.18 and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That Jesus was just a man until God filled Him with His spirit. This is known as adoptionism. Then they teach in the same way we can all become like God.

Believers Can Not Do Anything by Themselves

Our Lord Jesus taught that without Him, we can do nothing of ourselves (John 15.5).

This theme is seen continuously throughout God’s word. God teaches us that we do not have any power in or among ourselves, but rather all power belongs to God.

God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God. – Psalms 62.11

by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

– 1 Corin 15.10

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,

– 2 Corin 3.4-5

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. – 2 Corin 4.7

God Rebukes Those who Attempt to Command Him

God rebukes those who believe they can command Him or give Him any kind of instruction. He corrects this thinking with stating that He is the one that determines everything, and that He is the one that gives the orders and instruction. This idea comes from a bad interpretation of the English reading of Isaiah 45.11 and other texts. This is corrected in both the context and correct translation of the Hebrew text.

Thus says the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me.

– Isaiah 45.11 (NKJV)

This is what the Lord says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? 12. It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.

– Isaiah 45.11-12 (NIV)

Gospel of Christ

What is the difference between the message of the Prosperity Gospel and the message of the Gospel in the Bible? The term gospel means ‘good news.’ And it is the central theme in the Bible. The gospel is the good news given to humanity through a message.

The Prosperity Gospel twists the message in the bible into a portrayal of good news that is centrally focused on how a person can prosper from a relationship with God; it sets man as the central focus of the message. How you can get what you want from God and satisfy your carnal, fleshly desires. 

The Gospel of Christ, simply stated, places the central focus on Jesus Christ (1 Corin 2.2), and the restoration of the relationship between God and mankind. This is the main point of our lives as we grow in Christ, to have a loving relationship with God. As we grow in Christ, we learn that God is the center of all things; the center of our lives, the center of every purpose, the center and purpose for all creation is to glorify and put Him first (Luke 14.26).

The message of the gospel centers on Jesus Christ. Its focus is on the fact that He came so that people may know the one true God and Jesus Christ whom God has sent (John 17.3). As a response we understand that God is to be glorified and be put first before all things, for He alone is worthy to be the center of all things, He is the Lord of all (1 Chron 29.11)!

As His people we are to take the correct position, as created beings willfully taking the place of humility (Phil 2.5). The same position that Jesus set as an example for us (Phil 2.6-8), as we exist in this world to the point we are crucified with Christ (Gal 2.20). To put to death all our own desires, interested and will (Gal 3.5), as a willing sacrifice to put Christ first, delighting in being obedient to Him in all things (2 Corin 10.5).

The gospel is the power of God for salvation to believers – Rom 1.16

Beware of any angel or man that preaches another gospel to you. – Gal 1.8

God’s wrath is upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus – 2 Thess 2.14

In the last days many will listen to false doctrine, and not walk according to sound doctrine. – 2 Tim 4.3

I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. – Rom 15:29

The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine upon them- 2 Corin 4.4

The message of Christ is simple and should always be presented as such. The Devil is always working to try and make understanding the gospel something that is more difficult then what God made it to be, or to twist it into another message.

I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. – 2 Corin 11.3

• See Gospel Message

Biblical Christianity Teaches Against Heresy

The Bible warns believers about any teaching that goes against sound doctrine and what God teaches us. We are to call it out and call out the false teaches just as the Apostle Paul did.

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them – Eph 5.11

References

Prosperity Preaching: Deceitful and Deadly | Desiring God

5 Critical Errors of the Prosperity Gospel – Christ and Culture (sebts.edu)

What Does The Prosperity Gospel Teach (inspiredwalk.com)

What You Should Know About the Prosperity Gospel (thegospelcoalition.org)

Can I ‘Name It and Claim It’? | Desiring God