GODLINESS OR PROSPERITY
MEMORY VERSE: "You must understand this, in the last days there will be violent periods of time. People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant and use abusive languages. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy and lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone" (2nd Timothy 3:1-3)
2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
May years back, I usually ran into problems with quite a number of my clients because I would not compromise professional ethical standards to make money which could buy comfort. If only I had compromised, I would have replaced my junk-near World War II car to a new automobile and possibly moved from a flatlet (boys quarter apartment) to a flat!
Quite a number of my peers at that time took me to be crazy and sneered at me when my response was "I would not make money that would give me sleepless nights because I have a conscience. "Some of them sneered at me for being out of tune. This has never worried me because those who sneered at me and who put comfort first now live to regret!
While it is not sinful to be comfortable in life, the wherewithal should not be pursued on the 'end justify the means basis'. Material comfortability, which lack spiritual comfortability, is a vanity. People who ignore this readily often fall into temptation and ruins. (1st Timothy 6:5-10).
1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
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.
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.
When you think of prosperity, what immediately comes to mind is money, which many say 'speaks and opens all doors'! Yes, Both the door that leads to heaven and hell depends on it's acquisition and utilisation.
Excessive passion for wealth leads to a false sense of security because money can only bring happiness not joys. (Luke 12:15).
Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Believers should always appreciate that godliness and material prosperity are not always in agreement. Striving for comfort can does often results in total alienation from God (1st Timothy 6:10).
1 Timothy 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.
Searching for wealth could well choke the spiritual growth and stability of a believer ( Luke 8:14).
Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
The tragedy of Lot's wife was because she probably could not forget the expensive jewelries left behind and an attempt to have a glimpse of the house she was fleeing from brought her into destruction. (Genesis 19:26).
Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
False teachers practice outward godliness in order to attract attention and gain abundance of riches (1st Timothy 6:6).
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
In order to convince people, they deceitfully claim that their wealth has the approval of God. They are driven by greed, their priority is material comfort, hence their often repeated theme of 'gospel of prosperity to draw to themselves resources of shady characters whose source of wealth is questionable.
A further point to be remembered by believers is the parable of the shrewd businessman in Luke 16. The people who are worldly careless about what is holy; won't be earthly minded to advance their interest and welfare. Godliness would betaken care of later! However, believers who make good Godly fortunes, should be heavenly minded to use the fortune to promote their spiritual, rebellion, division and tension or to drag unsuspecting fellow worshippers into rebellion, confrontation etc, is godlessness in the highest order.
It behooves believers to be spirit filled in their daily activities in the pursuit of their means of sustenance. Believers must always remember that we brought nothing into the world and we take nothing out when we die.
While it is not intention to encourage laziness or planlessness, we must be contented with what we have, having sincerely tried our best
Therefore, during hard times, be at alert so that you do not fall into temptation.
1. Godliness and Prosperity do offer clash. Discuss
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