Part 4 – Prosperity
(Acts 2:12-16 NIV) Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” (13) Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” (14) Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. (15) These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! (16) No, this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.
Prosperity
(Proverbs 11:10 NIV) When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
(Proverbs 11:25 NIV) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
(3 John 1:2 NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Biblical Prosperity: Having more than you need so you can make an eternal difference in the lives of others.
- God blesses us to be a blessing.
(Genesis 12:2 NLT) I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.
- When we bless others, God takes care of our needs.
(Luke 18:29-30 GW) Jesus said to them, “I can guarantee this truth: Anyone who gave up his home, wife, brothers, parents, or children because of the kingdom of God (30) will certainly receive many times as much in this life and will receive eternal life in the world to come.”
- The more God blesses us, the more He expects us to bless others.
(Luke 12:48 MSG) …Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!
I Am Blessed
(Psalms 1:1-3 NLT) Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. (2) But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. (3) They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
- As I put God first.
(Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; (10) then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
- As I maintain my integrity.
(Psalms 84:11 NLT) For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
- As I give intentionally.
(2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV) (10) Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (11) You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
- As I give generously.
(Luke 6:38 NIV) Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
- As I stay dependent on God.
(1 Timothy 6:17 NIV) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.