Posted by
Rob on Sunday, April 15, 2007 9:46:53 PM
I have been spending a lot of time lately in 1 and 2 Timothy. The more I read the more convinced I am that prosperity preachers, at least some of them are mistaken.
1 Timothy 6:2: " Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.
3 Some false teachers may deny these things, but these are the sound, wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and they are the foundation for a godly life.
4 Anyone who teaches anything different is both conceited and ignorant. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, fighting, slander, and evil suspicions.
5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they don't tell the truth. To them religion is just a way to get rich.
6 Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth.
7 After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die.
8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." I was especially struck with verse 5 and following. If we give, looking for financial reward we are in error. I believe if we even expect God to reward us financially, we are flirting with error. I believe we should give out of the love of Christ in us expecting nothing, because after all He has already given all. Now as I have stated before I do believe God rewards obedience, and at times He may choose to do that financially. He may not choose that route. I know in pentecostal circles of which I am so happily a part, that my opinion is in the minority, but the more I study and pray about this, I believe the give and receive, name it and claim it folks may be in error. This is of course nothing to divide over. My own beloved wife, who is much smarter than I aren't even in 100% agreement over this. So as the word says test everything. Have a great week cyber wanderers and God bless.