Supposing That Gain is Godliness

Do you believe that material wealth is a sign of God’s favor or blessing upon a person’s life? It’s OK, you can admit it. Most people in our society believe this to one degree or another. All sorts of circumstances and occurrences we see in our every day lives conspire to create this illusion. The most worldly and ungodly people in our society accumulate great wealth and there is something in the back of our minds that says Gods favor is on that person for some reason unknown to us.

I was reminded of this recently when a superstar athlete signed a new bazillion dollar contract. This man may be the most selfish, egotistical, and divisive player in a league full of selfish egotists but the first thing he said at his press conference was that he wanted to thank God for this opportunity. This mans words and actions over the years have never offered the slightest hint that he has even a passing acquaintance with the God of the bible. The fruit of his life would seem however to indicate he’s on very good terms with the god of this world.

Another example occurred at this years’ academy awards. I didn’t see it but I understand there was one actor who first thanked God for his award and then proceeded to let loose a string of expletives that would have made a sailor blush.  The idea that wealth is an indication of God’s blessing is ingrained in our collective sub conscience.

And let’s not forget the church. Not only does most of the church believe this, a vast majority of today’s churches teach it. The Word/Faith, prosperity, charismatic bunch unapologetically proclaims that by living a certain way and following certain principles God will make you rich. Benny Hinn has said that he won’t need treasure in heaven, he needs it now. Joyce Meyer has said that she is living in her reward now. Kenneth Copeland, Jesse Du Plantis, Paul Crouch, Mark Chironna, T.D. Jakes, John Hagee, the Hilliards, Rod Parsley, the list is almost endless. All of these people will tell you that their own wealth came because God is blessing them for the great things they are doing. They will also tell you that God wants to do the same for you. And the people eat it up like candy.

But what does the scripture say.

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1 Tim 6:5

That doesn’t look much like what the church teaches does it. In fact it looks to me like a scathing indictment of much of today’s false gospel. Joel Osteen says if you ask Jesus into your heart he will cause you to rise higher and higher. If you’ll only trust him, Jesus will make all your dreams come true. I suppose Osteen thinks he is proving this with his latest multi million dollar book deal. 

Virtually all of the wolves we expose here at ApostasyWatch teach and agree with this idea to one extent or another. When one of the loyal disciples of these ministers writes to castigate me, they often cite that ministers prosperity and large following as proof of God’s blessing. 

But the truth is the preachers who teach and re-enforce this idea are perverse men with corrupt minds. They are destitute of the truth. Paul clearly says our response should be to turn away from such men.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Tim 6:9

Do you desire to be rich? If you do, this promise is for you. And it is a promise brothers and sisters. The liars and false teachers in today’s pulpits will tell you that it doesn’t really apply to everyone and certainly not to them. They will imply that you can have money as long as money doesn’t have you. Do you see how that idea denies the scripture? They are telling you that they have gotten to the place where this warning is no longer valid for them. They give you hope that you too can have the wealth of the world and not be affected by it. But what did Jesus say?

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Mat 6:21

Another promise folks. You heart follows your treasure, not the other way around.

For the love of money is the root of all evil……

You’ve probably heard this one in church, always with the emphasis on the LOVE of money, again implying that you can have great wealth yet not love it or set your heart upon it. But what about the rest of the verse?

…… which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1Tim 6:10

Who are these who have erred from the faith in coveting after money? Could it possibly those preachers who suppose that gain is godliness? Could it be these men and women who teach the faith principles of gaining wealth? Could it be Kenneth Copeland with his Principles of Prosperity? Maybe it’s Bob Tilton with his book How to Be Rich and Have Everything You Ever Wanted ? Perhaps it is John Hagee with his Seven Secrets or maybe it’s Oral Roberts with his Miracle of Seed Faith scam

What does it mean when a person claiming to speak for God actually teaches something that directly contradicts the words of Jesus?

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2Peter 2:1

When these preachers teach something that contradict the words of Jesus they are denying the Lord who bought them. How can you claim that Jesus is your Lord yet teach something that is diametrically opposed to God’s word? Jesus is the Word isn’t he? (John 1:1) Didn’t the Word become flesh and dwell among us? (John 1:14) So if you deny (contradict) the word aren’t you denying the Lord himself? That very act marks them as false teachers who are bound for swift destruction.

So, if the God of the bible is not providing this great wealth for these people, where do you suppose it’s coming from?

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Mat 4:8-9

What was the temptation here? The temptation dear friends, was the wealth, fame and good will of the world. The devil was offering Jesus a fabulous life in this world. You might say he was offering Jesus Your Best Life Now!  Fame, fortune, prosperity, the adulation of the world, to be well known and beloved, that was the temptation. And did you know that Satan’s offer still stands?

The very fact that all these people are rich by the worlds standard, beloved by millions, and celebrated the world over marks them as those who have bowed down to worship the god of this world. And what should our response be to these things

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 1 Tim 6:11

Can you read? What does it mean to flee? It means run, get out, take off as fast as you can and don’t look back. Don’t stick around and try to change the system. The system is not going to change. These false teachers for the most part are not going to repent. Do you know why?

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,…… 2Peter 2;12

God created these men and women for destruction. He sent them to the church in the first place because of the wicked hearts of God’s own people. Most people today who claim the name of Christ don’t want the truth. They refuse it. They want to have their ears tickled (2Tim 4:3) so God has sent them strong delusion (2Thes 2:11) that they might believe a lie. After the false teachers have gathered all the tares unto themselves and have separated the true sheep from the goats, God will take these brute beasts along with their disciples and destroy them. And that too is a promise.

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? Jer 5;31

Please do not misunderstand what I am saying here. God will not require you to live in a cardboard box on the street. Your heavenly Father knows what you need (Mat 6:32). But you must seek first His kingdom, that place where His will rules rather than self will. Seek first His righteousness, which is found in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 1:17). When you do that God will freely give you all the things you need (Mat 6:34).

But also know this. Ostentatious displays of worldly wealth ARE manifestations god’s favor upon you. Not favor from the God of the bible you understand, but rather favor from the god of this world.

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Copyright 2006 Steve Lumbley  ApostasyWatch.com
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