Dollars & Sense – Keeping Money in Its Place, Pt. 4 –Prosperity
We’ve been exploring a series called “Dollars & Sense: Keeping Money in Its Place.” We’ve learned that many issues in life happen when money is not managed well. Last week, we talked about earning, giving, saving, and spending—and how we need to prioritize our money.
Our goal for this series is straightforward: the more we encounter Jesus, the more He helps us keep everything in its proper place—including money.
Sometimes that encounter is very spiritual—like in prayer or worship—and sometimes it’s practical, like when a brother or sister in Christ says, “Hey, have you ever thought about making a budget?” Either way, Jesus uses His Body to help us align our lives with His Word.
I get that when pastors discuss financial issues in church, it can make some people feel uneasy. While some may be offended by these talks, for many others, money is constantly on their minds all week long.
Isn’t that true? We pray, “Lord, give me more money,” when maybe the better prayer is, “Lord, help me control my spending habits.”
So far in this series, we have examined:
The NT standard for giving is 2 Cor. 9:7 NLT: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
Keeping our lives free from the love of money starts with our hearts.
We’ve looked at how God owns everything we have. We are only stewards or managers of what He has trusted to us. He gives us the ability to create wealth.
And last week, we answered the question: “What should we do with money?”—we earn it, give it away, save it, and spend it.
Today, we’re going to examine a topic that many Christians have misused, misunderstood, or even rejected: prosperity.
Our key verse in this series is from Matthew:
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matt. 6:24 NLT
Just as you can’t have two bosses giving conflicting directions, you can’t let money compete with your devotion and worship of the Lord!
If we allow money to control us, eventually we’ll despise God because we’ll naturally favor the boss who satisfies our flesh.
The answer lies in faith and trust in God. Jesus told us:
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matt. 6:31-33 NLT
So, we’re told not to be enslaved by money, but instead to trust God, pursue Him, and live by faith—not fear! Fear steals our peace and provision.
Furthermore, Jesus promised us an abundant life. Poverty was part of the curse resulting from the Israelites’ disobedience to the Law. Jesus came to give life and to give it more abundantly! And He has redeemed us from the curse of the Law (Gal. 3:13).
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT
What does a rich and satisfying life mean? It means having your needs met. It means having more than enough to bless others and promote God’s kingdom. It means overflowing in His love, joy, peace, and other fruits and gifts of the Spirit.
The Issue with the Prosperity Message
Let’s be honest: the word “prosperity” has developed a negative reputation.
Most Christians usually fall into one of two extremes when they think about prosperity.
They say, “It’s only spiritual. God only blesses us with peace, joy, forgiveness, love, etc.”
Or they say, “It’s only material. Prosperity means I should be rich, drive a new car, and get everything I want.”
Neither is completely accurate, and part of the problem is abuse. Maybe you’ve seen televangelists on TV saying, “If you sow a seed of $1,000 today, you’ll reap a huge financial harvest.” That kind of manipulation turns people off.
But here’s the truth: money doesn’t measure spirituality, but it is part of God’s blessing.
God’s blessings are primarily spiritual—such as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17 NKJV). However, they are also tangible: family, friends, clothing, food, and yes—even money.
Jesus linked our faithfulness with money to our capacity to manage true spiritual riches.
“And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” Luke 16:11 NLT
So, prosperity is not a bad word or concept. It’s a Bible concept. It just needs to be used correctly.
The issue for many is greed. The love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself (1 Tim. 6:10 NIV).
God’s Desire for His Children to Prosper
Prosperity can be simply defined as:
“To prosper means to succeed, to become strong, to flourish, and to have the financial resources necessary to live and fulfill God’s purpose for your life.”
Now, let me ask you: do you want your children to prosper? Do you want them to succeed in life, flourish, be strong, and have everything they need? Of course you do—unless you have some issues in your heart!
Well, if you want your children to prosper, and God is a much better Father than you are, don’t you think He wants the same for His kids?
Listen to one of the most well-known verses in the Bible:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11 NIV
Yes, this was spoken to Israel in captivity, but the principle still applies: God’s desire is for His people to prosper, flourish, have hope, and a future.
Psalm 1:3 NLT says that the righteous “…prosper in all they do.”
Now don’t miss this: prosperity might or might not involve money. The real danger isn’t prosperity itself, but the greed that transforms it into selfish living.
Breaking the Poverty Mindset
Here’s the problem: many believers are content living in lack, not because it’s holy, but because they don’t believe God genuinely wants them to prosper.
We’ve romanticized poverty and vilified blessing. But Scripture repeatedly shows us that God takes pleasure in prospering His people.
Let me read a few verses:
Prov. 10:22 NLT “The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” That’s wealth without guilt, fear, or strings attached.
Prov. 22:4 NLT “True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.” God says that blessings can flow freely when humility and reverence are in place.
Deut. 28:2-6 lists tangible blessings: children, crops, livestock, and provision both in the city and in the country, and upon whatever you do.
And Deut. 28:8 NLT says: “The Lord will guarantee a blessing on everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.” That’s generational, long-term prosperity!
Prov. 13:22 NIV “A good person leaves an inheritance for his children’s children.” That’s not paycheck-to-paycheck living. That’s overflow. That’s generational.
And in the New Testament:
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matt. 6:33 NIV
Yes, put God’s kingdom first. But remember the second part: “all these things”—food, clothing, shelter—will be provided to you. That explains prosperity in context—God wants to meet your needs and bless you with provision.
The Goal of Prosperity
So, what’s the goal? Is it about having a big bank account, buying more, or living in luxury?
No—the goal is freedom. The freedom to give. The freedom to bless. The freedom to expand the Kingdom of God.
Prov. 11:10-11 NIV says, “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices… Through the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted.”
When righteous people prosper, it’s not just about their comfort—it’s a blessing to the whole community! Prosperity is a Kingdom strategy for growth.
What if instead of always worrying about having enough, we began dreaming about what to do with the surplus?
How Do We Prosper?
Here are five quick steps for you:
Believe that God wants you to prosper. Faith starts with agreeing with God’s Word.
Be faithful with what you currently have. Don’t expect more if you can’t manage what’s already in your hand.
Give frequently and generously, as generosity plays a crucial role in multiplying resources.
Don’t envy others’ success and prosperity. Enjoy and celebrate when others are blessed.
Stay grateful. Gratitude keeps your heart tender and your eyes focused on the Giver, not just the gift.
Final Thoughts
Church, prosperity is not a wrong concept in God’s Kingdom. It is a biblical principle.
Money isn’t the enemy — it’s a tool. Money isn’t our master, but when used correctly, it serves the Kingdom of God.
Let’s break free from a poverty mindset. Let’s trust God for more — not just so we can live better, but so we can give better. Because when the righteous succeed, the city rejoices, the Kingdom advances, and God is glorified.
Prayer and declaration:
Father, I repent of ungodly thoughts that doubt your desire for my prosperity. I choose to trust your word, which promises that the righteous will have their needs fulfilled and prosper. I commit to being faithful with what you have entrusted to me. I also choose to be joyful and generous, blessing others and furthering your kingdom. I celebrate the success of others and rejoice with them. Father, thank you for all your blessings in my life; I am grateful. Thank you for your blessings and increase, not only to meet my needs but also to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and expand your kingdom! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
