Should Believers Expect Blessings in Regard to Finances, Health, and Success? (Part 3 of Interaction with the Belief Statement of a Prosperity Gospel Church)

While giving a sermon at a local SBC church in Shreveport, the pastor mentioned his joyful willingness to partner a local church called the Word of God Ministries. Honestly, the name alone drew my attention as it suggests affiliation with the Word of Faith and Prosperity Gospel movements. Given this concern, it made sense to tour their website (See link in 1^st endnote) and determine whether or not grounds existed to support my suspicion. On their website, I accessed their belief statement which included the following words:

It is the Father’s will for all believers to become prosperous, healthy and successful in all areas of life. But because of the fall, many may not receive the full benefits of God’s will and blessing while on earth. However, this should never prevent all believers from seeking the full endowment of God’s Blessings offered through Jesus Christ. Biblical wholeness affects at least four areas of one’s life:

Spiritual (John 3:3-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-13); Mental or Emotional (2 Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:7-8; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3); Physical (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24); Financial (Joshua 1:8; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 34:10, 84:11; Philippians 4:19; 3 John 2)[i]

In Part 1 of this series, the initial part of this belief statement was considered.[ii] After reviewing the teachings of Scripture, this statement was found to be in error essentially because it directs believers to maintain an earthly focus on temporal blessings instead of pointing believers toward Christ and the fellowship of His sufferings as Paul did. While it is true that believers may experience some earthly blessings, these blessings are never to serve as objectives that should be sought after and expected in the Christian life. Part 2 of this series considered the promises of God to believers in relation to spiritual blessings using the verses provided in this statement.[iii] Unfortunately, the verses provided by the church completely overlook the fruit of the Spirit in favor those concerns with soteriology. In Part 3, the verses offered concerning mental or emotional blessings will be examined.

2 Timothy 1:7NASB – “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”

As a preacher, Timothy had been being overly timid. Paul directed Timothy to rely on God’s gifts to him as a believer. Specifically, he mentions the power to fulfill God’s call, the ability to love in God’s strength, and the propensity to live a life built on Godly wisdom. This verse most certainly speaks to mental blessings for those who are saved.

Philippians 4:7-8 NASB – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Believers living obediently can expect God’s peace to be upon them. Verse 7 ensures the believer that that peace will protect his/her inner person.  Verse 8 directs the believer toward the proper things to focus his/her mind upon. It should be noted that the aforementioned belief statement effectively promises believers spiritual blessings such as peace but makes no demands concerning one’s faithful living.

Romans 12:2 NASB – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Here, Paul draws a clear connection between the renewal work of the Spirit within the believer and a mind that is consistently trained by the Word of God. From this, believers learn that studying the Word leads to blessings of discernment in regard to the will of God. Once again, it must be pointed out that the belief statement above fails to mention that believers who wish to receive these blessings are called upon to give themselves to faithful study of Scripture.

Isaiah 26:3 NASB – “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.”

This verse offers a promise to faithful believers whose mind is steadfast no doubt because it has been grounded by studying the Word. These chosen ones can expect to have inner peace just as the faithful Philippians who followed Paul’s advice above.

[i]Available at: http://wogm.com/about-us.

[ii]Available at: https://battlehardenedbeliever.com/?p=859.

[iii]Available at: https://battlehardenedbeliever.com/?p=902.