Welcome to Word of Life Study Series- Prosperity under the New Covenant. Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a new and living way has been opened up for us by which we can now draw near unto God into a New Covenant. New meaning better, better in every respect including in the area of finances and prosperity. If you thought the promises of God in this area were great under the Old Covenant, we now have way better promises under the New.
1. The Grace of Giving
As Christians, when we give, the Scriptures declare that act of giving of sowing financial and material seed as an act of God’s Grace. Since the subject of God’s Grace is such a central theme in the New Testament, we should take special note of it. Therefore, since God’s Grace is associated with our giving, the subject of giving and receiving is then elevated to a place of prominence. Thus we are obligated to both understand and practice these all important Biblical principles in our lives.
2. God Loves a Cheerful Giver
Our heavenly Father delights to see His children live out His nature of love and live to give, and lay their lives down for others. The word “cheerful” in 2 Corinthians 9:7 is translated in other versions as a “joyous or prompt to do it” kind of giver. I love it in the Greek; the original meaning for “cheerful” is being a “hilarious” giver. So when the collection is being passed around, we should be doing cart-wheels and jumping up and down in excitement for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints!
3. God’s Plan for Stewardship
The subject of stewardship is significant all throughout the Bible; since the charge God gave Adam in the Garden of Eden. How we use the gifts God has given us will be revealed at the Judgment Seat of Christ, when we give an account to God of the deposits we have made in the lives of others. One thing is certain about our God, He entrusts us with His resources, commissions us to do His work, holds us accountable and rewards us for our faithfulness.
4. Investing in Others
The sooner we accept the fact that everything we have, we have received for a purpose the sooner we can start living for eternity, with others in mind. I came across a statement that was used as a slogan at a church years ago that has always stuck with me, “People Matter to God.” The point seems quite obvious, but it seems that we need to be continually reminding about what is close to the heart of God. We get so busy with our natural lives that we can revert back to a worldly mentality of, “us four and no more.”
5. Taking Care of the Poor
Folks who think that we are insensitive or brash for sharing the prosperity message to the poor in this country or around the world are suffering from case of spiritual political correctness. God’s Word works no matter where it’s appropriated by faith. During the earthly ministry of Jesus, He majored on teaching the people who were harassed, oppressed and helpless, knowing that only the truth will make them free. The Bible has a lot to say about taking care of the poor, but there is a right and wrong way about it. Jesus was not so heavenly minded that He was no earthly good. Jesus provided for people in many tangible ways in the Gospel accounts.