Plato: Dont you hate the Prosperity Gospel. Paul: Sure. However, its ironic that the majority of those who claim to hate the prosperity gospel actually practice it. Plato: How so? Paul: Well, many practice under the guise of freedom in Christ. Plato: Example? Paul: Well, its like a guy who feels blessed when God gives him a $3,000-4,000 boat. Now, he may have a disdain for those ministers who sell a health & wealth or prosperity gospel buuuuuuut, ask him how it is that God would bless him with owning such an expensive indulgence and hell firmly question you why it is God couldnt bless him with such a gift and that there is nothing wrong with owning it because he has....freedom in Christ. As a matter of fact, hell probably goes as far as condemning you as a legalist. Plato: But dont we have freedom in Christ. Paul: Yes, but the primary aspect of that freedom isnt to allow us to indulge in worldly goods or indulgences, the primary application of that freedom is to be free from the weight of the Law and the punishment that it brought. To free us from Gods condemnation that existed under the law. While Paul notes that, All things are permissible but not all things are beneficial, he was not giving license to worldly or selfish indulgence. What he was noting that, in comparison to the law, all things once condemned under the Old Covenant may be permissible but indulging in those things may not benefit us or have consequences. In other words, Paul wasnt setting up a doctrine of permissiveness or freedom, he was offering his readers a warning. Plato: So, are you saying that God would not bless someone with wealth. Paul: No, I am saying that they would be bless with wealth for the benefit of the Body. If not, then statements such as this... Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Phil 2:3) ...are empty a meaningless. in light of these and many other scriptures, its hard to imagine that God gives blessings to an individual so that they may hoard those blessings and benefit themselves or only those they deem as worthy to share their blessings with. Plato: So, if I were to buy a couple hundred dollars worth a football tickets, that would be a selfish indulgence. Paul: Not if you could explain how that would be edifying to those members in the Body who are in need. If not, then, you are left with the belief those tickets exist for you to prosper. As I said, many of us believe in a prosperity gospel, its just than our belief in it is more subtle than others. Plato: So, are you saying such a indulgence could cause one to lose their salvation? Paul: No, but, as with any other sin, it could lead to chastisement.
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 22:38:46 +0000
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