PROSPERING AS A CHILD OF GOD

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939  E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

PROSPERING AS A CHILD OF GOD

Devotional Text: PSALM 1

Introduction:

The word “prosperity” simply means the state of being successful in a given career. Happily enough, God desires the prosperity of His people,( 3John 2). However, His design for prosperity is contrary to every human way of attaining the same goal. This brings to focus the issue of “false prosperity” that is prevalent in the world of today. Therefore, this lesson is an attempt to clearly point out from God’s Word, the true way of prosperity against its false way which often brings people to catastrophic end, (see Psalm 73).

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)    God’s word is the only true guide to prosperity, (Joshua 1:8)

(2)    Prosperity is God’s desire for His people, (3 John 2)

(3)    Prosperity is based on the principal of “no work, no prosperity”, (Psalm, 1:3)

(4)    A lazy man will not prosper, (Prov. 6:9-11).

PROSPERITY AND DIVINE ORDER, (MATT. 6:33)

                True prosperity begins when one registers as a child of God. This is consolidated by one living righteously. When one takes these steps, God in turn brings one’s prosperity in focus. The divine steps to prosperity are:

(i)                  “seek God’s kingdom” … first, (Matt. 6:33)

(ii)                “seek His righteousness” … second (Matt. 6:33)

(iii)               “And all these things (prosperity) shall be added unto you”, (Matt. 6:33)

The divine order above readily refutes the human way of going first for financially or economic prosperity. To contradict the divine steps to prosperity means ending up on a sad note, (Mark 8:36).

PROSPERITY AND GODLINESS, (PSALM 1:1-3)

Godliness is the nutrient that sustains and flourishes prosperity. One is Godly when one demonstrates obedience to the Word and Things of God. One who is godly is like a tree that;

(i)                  is planted by the river side, (verse 3)

(ii)                its leaf does not wither, (verse 3)

(iii)               bears its fruits in due season, (verse 3).

However, when one begins to walk in the way of sinners, let’s say, by stealing or cheating as a way of attaining prosperity, one invariably begins to enforce the judgment that would blow off one’s ill-gotten wealth, (Psalm 1:4-6).

PROSPERITY AND OCCUPATION (PSALM 1:3).

“An occupation is what one does for a living”. From our text, we infer that prosperity hinges on one’s occupation … “whatever he does prosper”, (verse 3). God does not prosper anyone in a vacuum. For Him to proper one, one must;

(i)                  have something doing, (Psalm 1:3)

(ii)                be hardworking, (Ecc. 9:10)

(iii)               delight in His law, (Psalm 1:2-3).

From every biblical indication, it is now a proven fact that prosperity is not a baseless “financial windfall” for the idle individual or sinner, but a divinely planned “career reward” for the righteous.