Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.  Psalm 35:27 AMP

The Lord takes pleasure in the welfare, health, prosperity, peace and favor of His servants – those who love, serve, honor and obey Him. He is pleased with their prosperity – He delights in it, He desires it, and He wills it.

God has commissioned every generation of His people to serve Him and fulfill His will and His plans and purposes. With the commission, the Lord has provided the means. His plan is for His children to be amply provided for so that nothing hinders them from fully serving the Lord and extending His Kingdom.

The modern church needs to be prosperous so that they can support missions and missionaries, as well as their own local church and also those in need. If Christians would obey God’s word and appropriate the benefits of God’s promises as they ought to, then there would be no lack in the Church. Every need of the Church would be amply supplied. When Israel obeyed God and brought their tithes and offerings there was more than enough to do the work of God and to feed and provide for those who served in the temple. This is God’s will for His New Covenant people as well!

When King Hezekiah destroyed all idols and idol worship and restored the worship of the one true God, he also restored the temple and reinstated the priests and Levites, and he commanded the people to bring their tithes and offerings to the Lord to support the temple and the functions of the temple.

As soon as the command went abroad, the Israelites gave in abundance the firstfruits of grain, vintage fruit, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. 6 The people of Israel and Judah who lived in Judah’s cities also brought the tithe of cattle and sheep and of the dedicated things which were consecrated to the Lord their God, and they laid them in heaps. 7 In the third month [at the end of wheat harvest] they began to lay the foundation or beginning of the heaps and finished them in the seventh month. 8 When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and His people Israel. 9 Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and Levites about the heaps. 10 Azariah the high priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the Lord’s house, we have eaten and have plenty left, for the Lord has blessed His people, and what is left is this great store.  2 Chronicles 31:5-10 AMP

When the people did what Hezekiah commanded, there was enough, and even more than enough. There were heaps of supplies that were laid in store for the funding of God’s temple. This is God’s desire and design – that His people would have more than enough to worship Him and do His work.

And Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab and every able and wisehearted man in whose mind the Lord had put wisdom and ability, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work; 3 And they received from Moses all the freewill offerings which the Israelites had brought for doing the work of the sanctuary, to prepare it for service. And they continued to bring him freewill offerings every morning. 4 And all the wise and able men who were doing the work on the sanctuary came, every man from the work he was doing, 5 And they said to Moses, The people bring much more than enough for doing the work which the Lord commanded to do.  Exodus 36:2-5 AMP

If all Christians were prosperous, then the preachers wouldn’t need to beg or borrow to pay the bills. If all God’s people were prosperous, then even if there was a special project or need, all the minister would have to do would be to let the people know and give them an opportunity to give to the Lord out of their abundance with which He had blessed them and there would be a surplus of prosperity to go around! When the Church is blessed and when they are obedient, cheerful and generous givers, then all needs are abundantly met, the Kingdom of God is extended, and the Lord is glorified.

And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]. 9 As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever! 10 And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. 11 Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God. 12 For the service that the ministering of this fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the saints (God’s people), but it also overflows in many [cries of] thanksgiving to God. 13 Because at [your] standing of the test of this ministry, they will glorify God for your loyalty and obedience to the Gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous-hearted liberality to them and to all [the other needy ones]. 14 And they yearn for you while they pray for you, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace (His favor and mercy and spiritual blessing which is shown forth) in you. 2 Corinthians 9:8-14 AMP

 

Now Jesus, when He saw the great throngs around Him, gave orders to cross to the other side [of the lake]. 19 And a scribe came up and said to Him, Master, I will accompany You wherever You go. 20 And Jesus replied to him, Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have lodging places, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. 21 Another of the disciples said to Him, Lord, let me first go and bury [care for till death] my father. 22 But Jesus said to him, Follow Me, and leave the dead [in sin] to bury their own dead.  Matthew 8:18-22 AMP

Great throngs of people were flooding in to receive miracles and healings from Jesus and He gave orders to His disciples to cross over to the other side of the lake. The scribe wanted to follow Jesus, but he had not counted the cost. A disciple wanted to follow Jesus, or so he said, but he wanted Jesus to wait for him. Many people have been called to follow Jesus, but some of them have not counted the cost and they will start out, only to end up giving up halfway. If you start, you must also commit to finish. Others are full of excuses of why they can’t start following Him right now.

In the disciple’s mind, he had all this important earthly business to attend to, before he could give himself to answer the call to follow and serve Jesus. His personal excuse was his father – he wanted to go bury him. Firstly, this was a poor excuse, because in the Middle Eastern heat, the dead were buried on the same day that they died. If his father was already dead, he wouldn’t be hanging out with Jesus or anyone else; he would’ve been at home and attending the funeral. It’s more likely that he was referring not to the fact that his father was already dead, but that he had to go home to take care of his father until the old man died. He wasn’t asking Jesus for permission to attend his father’s funeral, but rather for permission to delay serving Jesus until later.

Perhaps he was the firstborn son and he wanted to be sure to receive his inheritance. Perhaps he didn’t want his father to disinherit him or give his inheritance to a younger brother or family member while he was gone. Perhaps he didn’t want his father to be angry at him for abandoning the family business to follow a traveling preacher. Many people choose not to serve God or give Him their all, out of fear of financial insecurity, or family disapproval, or friends abandoning them. Some people want to finish a worldly pursuit or accomplish all their natural goals before they follow the call. In their minds, they can’t do their business and serve God at the same time. However, if you are called to business, you are also still called to serve God in your business. He gives you principles that will bring you success and if you make Him Lord of your business, He will bless it. I’ve had someone, who was on their way into military service, tell me that they couldn’t give their life to Jesus until they came out. If ever you needed Jesus, it would be in a fox hole!

This disciple could have gone back to take care of family business with a plan to follow Jesus later, but his father might have lived ten more years, but Jesus was only around for about 3 and ½ years. While he was hanging out at home, he would have missed out on being with Jesus for those few years. There wasn’t any way that he could have caught up or made up the time. The opportunity he missed would be forever lost. Some people SAY that they want to follow Jesus, but in their heart they don’t truly want to follow Him – so they find any excuse not to.

Whatever his reason, this disciple did not want to commit himself to Jesus just yet. Jesus, however, would not accept his excuse. Jesus answers him with these surprising words: “Follow Me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead!” How can people who are dead bury dead people? Jesus isn’t referring to physically dead people – he is referring to spiritually dead people. Ephesians 2:1 AMP says, “And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins.”  He is saying: Leave the spiritually dead to bury their physically dead. Spiritually dead people see only what is in front of them and they work all their lives for things that will perish, but spiritually alive people see into eternity and they know that only those things that matter in eternity matter at all!

Jesus never beat around the bush with anyone. He was always very direct and honest with anyone who wanted to follow Him. He always made sure they counted the cost, evaluated their priorities, and laid aside any conditions they might have for following Him. Jesus demands full loyalty and obedience – nothing else can take priority over Him and serving Him. There are so many things that compete for our affections and loyalty, but nothing should be placed above our total commitment to living for Jesus.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also].  Matthew 16:24 AMP

Jesus asks us to bury all attachments to earthly things now – not later – and, whatever else we do, make eternity our priority. When we decide to fully give ourselves to following Jesus, we need to “die” to all our own ambitions and desires, but God’s plans for us are far greater than the ones we have for ourselves. The Lord has plans for us that will exceed our wildest dreams. It’s only in dying to the things of earth, that we are made alive in the things of Heaven!

Your life is not guaranteed. You could step over into eternity at any time. The best choice you can make for your life is to fully follow and serve God today with all your heart!

Now Jesus, when He saw the great throngs around Him, gave orders to cross to the other side [of the lake]. 19 And a scribe came up and said to Him, Master, I will accompany You wherever You go. 20 And Jesus replied to him, Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have lodging places, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. 21 Another of the disciples said to Him, Lord, let me first go and bury [care for till death] my father. 22 But Jesus said to him, Follow Me, and leave the dead [in sin] to bury their own dead.
Matthew 8:18-22 AMP

Great throngs of people were flooding in to receive miracles and healings from Jesus and He gave orders to His disciples to cross over to the other side of the lake. The scribe wanted to follow Jesus, but he had not counted the cost. A disciple wanted to follow Jesus, or so he said, but he wanted Jesus to wait for him. Many people have been called to follow Jesus, but some of them have not counted the cost and they will start out, only to end up giving up halfway. If you start, you must also commit to finish. Others are full of excuses of why they can’t start following Him right now.

In the disciple’s mind, he had all this important earthly business to attend to, before he could give himself to answer the call to follow and serve Jesus. His personal excuse was his father – he wanted to go bury him. Firstly, this was a poor excuse, because in the Middle Eastern heat, the dead were buried on the same day that they died. If his father was already dead, he wouldn’t be hanging out with Jesus or anyone else; he would’ve been at home and attending the funeral. It’s more likely that he was referring not to the fact that his father was already dead, but that he had to go home to take care of his father until the old man died. He wasn’t asking Jesus for permission to attend his father’s funeral, but rather for permission to delay serving Jesus until later.

Perhaps he was the firstborn son and he wanted to be sure to receive his inheritance. Perhaps he didn’t want his father to disinherit him or give his inheritance to a younger brother or family member while he was gone. Perhaps he didn’t want his father to be angry at him for abandoning the family business to follow a traveling preacher. Many people choose not to serve God or give Him their all, out of fear of financial insecurity, or family disapproval, or friends abandoning them. Some people want to finish a worldly pursuit or accomplish all their natural goals before they follow the call. In their minds, they can’t do their business and serve God at the same time. However, if you are called to business, you are also still called to serve God in your business. He gives you principles that will bring you success and if you make Him Lord of your business, He will bless it. I’ve had someone, who was on their way into military service, tell me that they couldn’t give their life to Jesus until they came out. If ever you needed Jesus, it would be in a fox hole!

This disciple could have gone back to take care of family business with a plan to follow Jesus later, but his father might have lived ten more years, but Jesus was only around for about 3 and ½ years. While he was hanging out at home, he would have missed out on being with Jesus for those few years. There wasn’t any way that he could have caught up or made up the time. The opportunity he missed would be forever lost. Some people SAY that they want to follow Jesus, but in their heart they don’t truly want to follow Him – so they find any excuse not to.

Whatever his reason, this disciple did not want to commit himself to Jesus just yet. Jesus, however, would not accept his excuse. Jesus answers him with these surprising words: “Follow Me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead!” How can people who are dead bury dead people? Jesus isn’t referring to physically dead people – he is referring to spiritually dead people. Ephesians 2:1 AMP says, “And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins.”  He is saying: Leave the spiritually dead to bury their physically dead. Spiritually dead people see only what is in front of them and they work all their lives for things that will perish, but spiritually alive people see into eternity and they know that only those things that matter in eternity matter at all!

Jesus never beat around the bush with anyone. He was always very direct and honest with anyone who wanted to follow Him. He always made sure they counted the cost, evaluated their priorities, and laid aside any conditions they might have for following Him. Jesus demands full loyalty and obedience – nothing else can take priority over Him and serving Him. There are so many things that compete for our affections and loyalty, but nothing should be placed above our total commitment to living for Jesus.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also].  Matthew 16:24 AMP

Jesus asks us to bury all attachments to earthly things now – not later – and, whatever else we do, make eternity our priority. When we decide to fully give ourselves to following Jesus, we need to “die” to all our own ambitions and desires, but God’s plans for us are far greater than the ones we have for ourselves. The Lord has plans for us that will exceed our wildest dreams. It’s only in dying to the things of earth, that we are made alive in the things of Heaven!

Your life is not guaranteed. You could step over into eternity at any time. The best choice you can make for your life is to fully follow and serve God today with all your heart!

 

8. The Word of God is to be desired 

 

1 Peter 2:1-3 AMP – So be done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation, 3 Since you have [already] tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord.

 

Psalms 119:72 NKJV – The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.

 

Psalms 119:92-93 NKJV – Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life.

 

Psalms 119:97 NKJV – Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.

 

Psalms 119:103 NKJV – How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

 

Psalms 119:127 NKJV – Therefore I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold!

 

Psalms 119:174 NKJV – I long for Your salvation, O Lord, And Your law is my delight.

 

9. The Word of God is to be accepted without change 

 

Deuteronomy 4:2 AMP – You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

 

Deuteronomy 12:32 AMP – Whatever I command you, be watchful to do it; you shall not add to it or diminish it.

 

Proverbs 30:6 AMP – Add not to His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar.

 

Revelation 22:18-19 NKJV – For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

 

10. The Word of God is to be preached 

 

Mark 16:15 NKJV – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

 

Romans 10:14 NKJV – How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

 

2 Timothy 4:2 AMP – Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.

 

 

11. The Word of God is to be taught 

 

Deuteronomy 6:7 AMP – You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.

 

Deuteronomy 11:19 AMP – And you shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you rise up.

 

Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV – Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

 

12. The Word of God is to be believed 

 

Mark 1:14-15 NKJV – Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

 

Acts 4:4 NKJV – However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

 

Romans 1:16 NKJV – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

 

Romans 10:17 NKJV – So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1. God is the source of all prosperity and He is kind and generous toward man:

 

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.  Genesis 39:2-3 NKJV

 

The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.  Genesis 39:23 NKJV

 

And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.  Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV

 

2. Obedience attracts prosperity:

 

Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.  Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NKJV

 

Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.  Deuteronomy 29:9 NKJV

 

And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.  1 Kings 2:3 NKJV

 

3. Respect for and meditation in God’s Word brings forth the fruits of prosperity:

 

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.  Joshua 1:8 AMP

 

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.  Psalms 1:1-3 NKJV

 

4. Faith in God and His Word brings prosperity:

 

So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”  2 Chronicles 20:20 NKJV

 

So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.”   Nehemiah 2:20 NKJV

 

5. Seek God and you will prosper:

 

He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.  2 Chronicles 26:5 NKJV

 

For the shepherds have become dull-hearted, And have not sought the Lord; Therefore they shall not prosper, And all their flocks shall be scattered.  Jeremiah 10:21 NKJV

 

6. Goodness towards God’s covenant people results in prosperity:

 

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  Genesis 12:2-3 NKJV

 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. 7 Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.”  Psalms 122:6-7 NKJV

 

7. Hospitality and generosity attract prosperity:

 

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.  Luke 6:38 NKJV

 

[Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], 19 In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed.  1 Timothy 6:18-19 AMP

 

THREE REASONS SOME DO NOT PROSPER:

 

1. Rebellion against God:

 

And you shall grope at noonday as the blind grope in darkness. And you shall not prosper in your ways; and you shall be only oppressed and robbed continually, and there shall be no one to save you.  Deuteronomy 28:29 AMP

 

2. Covering Sins:

 

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.  Proverbs 28:13 NKJV

 

3. Fighting God:

 

But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.  Jeremiah 20:11 NKJV

 

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.  Isaiah 54:17NKJV

Israelite borrow from the Egyptians and then they experience miracle debt elimination

Exodus 3:21-22  And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: 22 But every woman shall borrow of her neighbor, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians. Exodus 14:30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

 

The Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed

Deuteronomy 15:1-6 (NIV) At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. 3 You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you. 4 However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, 5 if only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. 6 For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.

 

Debt (taxes) eliminated 

1 Samuel 17:22-25 (NIV) David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and greeted his brothers. 23 As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. 24 When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear.

25 Now the Israelites had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his father’s family from taxes in Israel.”

 

Widow woman’s debt eliminated 

2 Kings 4:1-7 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. 2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. 3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. 4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. 5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. 6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

 

Axe head was borrowed, lost, and returned

2 Kings 6:4-7 So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. 5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! For it was borrowed. 6 And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. 7 Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

 

Nehemiah’s workmen had their mortgages and debts canceled

Nehemiah 5:1-4, 11-12 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews. 2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live. 3 Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. 4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards. 11 Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive yards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them. 12 Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

 

10,000 talent debt elimination

Matthew 18:23-27 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But for as much as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

 

Jesus had a debt

Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

 

Zacchaeus restored fourfold 

Luke 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

 

Onesimus debt canceled by the Apostle Paul

Philemon 1:18-19 (NIV) If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back-not to mention that you owe me your very self.

 

Greatest debt elimination – Jesus eliminates our debt of sin on the cross

Colossians 2:13-14 (NAS) And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcised of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Foundation scriptures:

 

Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. 9 Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.  

Jeremiah 1:4-10 KJV

 

He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. Luke 19:12-26 KJV

 

1. We are not here on the earth merely waiting for Jesus to come and take us to heaven.
2. We are here to occupy until He comes.
3. Our commission is to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
4. Mark 16:15-20 KJV – “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”
5. It is not just about church on Sundays.
6. It is about Monday through Saturday, as well.
7. Sunday should be a family gathering, and a celebration of all that the Lord has done through the week – as well as preaching and ministry.

 

2. What are you doing on Earth, for Heaven’s sake?
3. We work to impact both heaven and earth.
4. Ministry – fivefold ministry; ministry of helps; etc.
5. Every believer is a minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
6. Each one reach one; each one teach one; make disciples.
7. Business – companies to fund the harvest.
8. Government – people to run for office; godly leadership; financial support; candidates and legislation.

 

3. What can you do?
4. Use the anointing, given you, to further the Kingdom.
5. Houses of Joy (HOJ) – be a part; multiplication.
6. Business – trade; making money to fund the Gospel.
7. Involved politically – run for government; open seats; godly laws and influence.

 

4. We must be involved.
5. We cannot do it without the anointing.
6. We must be led by the Holy Spirit.
7. Acts 1:8 KJV – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
8. The Word of God tells us generally what to do – so do it.
9. Ask the Lord what He specifically wants you to do – then obey Him.

 

5. The Great Co-Mission.
6. This is for everyone.
7. Will you be actively involved?
8. Can you be counted upon?

Foundation scriptures:
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.  Galatians 3:13-14 KJV

And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.  Galatians 3:29 KJV

1. We have been redeemed.
a. All those who transgress God’s Law are under a curse. (Galatians 3:10-12)
b. The curse of the Law is poverty, sickness, and spiritual death.
c. Yet there is no man who is capable of keeping all of God’s Laws.
d. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, became a curse for us and redeemed us from it.
e. He was our substitute.
f. 2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV – “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 
g. 3 John 2 KJV – “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
h. It is God’s will that we prosper.

2. How to walk in prosperity.
a. Deuteronomy 29:9 KJV – “Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.”
b. Joshua 1:8 KJV – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
c. Psalm 1:1-3 KJV – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

3. God’s attitude towards riches in the Old Testament.
a. Psalm 50:10 KJV – “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.”
b. Haggai 2:8 KJV – “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.”
c. Genesis 13:2 KJV – “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.”
d. Genesis 14:22-23 KJV – “And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, 23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.”
Only God made Abraham rich.
e. 1 Chronicles 29:12 KJV – “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.”
f. 2 Chronicles 17:3-5 KJV – “And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 4 But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.”
g. Deuteronomy 28:8 KJV – “The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
h. Deuteronomy 28:11-12 KJV – “And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12 The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.” 
j. Proverbs 13:22 KJV – “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”

4. God’s attitude towards riches in the New Testament.
a. Philippians 4:19 KJV – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” 
b. Matthew 6:33 KJV – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
c. 2 Peter 1:3 KJV – “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”
d. 1 Corinthians 3:21 KJV – “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.”
e. Matthew 26:6-13 – Alabaster box
f. John 12:1-8 – Anointing Jesus
g. Matthew 27:57 KJV – “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple.”

5. Riches are a blessing – poverty is a curse.
a. Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV – “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
b. Proverbs 10:22 KJV – “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”
c. Psalm 84:11 KJV – “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” 
d. Psalm 34:10 KJV – “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
e. Proverbs 22:4 KJV – “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.”
f. Proverbs 15:6a KJV – “In the house of the righteous is much treasure…”
g. Proverbs 8:20-21 KJV – “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”
h. Isaiah 1:19-20 KJV – “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”

Foundation Scripture:
And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.  Hebrews 6:11-12 KJV

1. Inheriting the Promises.
God promised Abraham that he would have a son and many descendants, and that, through him, all the nations of the earth would be blessed.
From that time Abraham waited patiently for 25 years, until Isaac’s birth.
God has made us some exceeding great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4).
We are to follow the example of Abraham, and others, who have inherited the promises – and allow them to inspire us into the same spirit of diligence.
We cannot afford to be slothful, or we will fail.
When we are sluggish, disinterested and lazy, we are being slothful.
We need to exercise faith in God, so that we may receive those things we’ve asked of Him.
However, faith needs patience in order to work.
Without patience, there is no faith!

2. Patience.
Patience is the capacity, or willingness, to endure waiting, delay, annoyance, misfortune, pain, or provocation without becoming angry or upset. It means quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence.
Synonyms of patience are calmness, composure, forbearance, fortitude, imperturbability, long-suffering, persistence, poise, restraint, self-control, serenity, staying power, and tolerance.
James 1:3-4 AMPC – “Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”
We can’t really know the depth of our own character, until we see how we react under pressure.

3. Faith and Patience.
Patience is produced through keeping your eyes on God and His word, and continuing to trust in Him, through all kinds of trials and tribulations.
Patience involves steadfastness and endurance – refusing to quit or give up.
We call that “bulldog faith”!
Tests work patience and patience works perfection.
Because our trials and temptations are often so intense, they seem to last for an eternity.
Instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth.
Character and spiritual maturity grow and develop in us, as we allow patience to have its perfect and thorough work in us, through all the tough times and the difficult circumstances that life throws at us.
Faith and patience go hand in hand and grow up together in us as we allow God to do His work in our heart and life.
James 1:2-4 KJV – “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
When we allow patience to have her perfect work, we will be perfect and entire wanting nothing and coming short in nothing.

4. Perseverance.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 KJV – “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
2 Timothy 3:10-11 AMPC – “Now you have closely observed and diligently followed my teaching, conduct, purpose in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, 11 Persecutions, sufferings — such as occurred to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me.”
Paul lists the characteristics that make a godly and successful Christian – faith, patience, and love.
Faith and patience go hand in hand, together with love and righteousness and godliness.
Another word for steadfastness is perseverance.
Paul needed perseverance to get him through all the trials and persecutions he had to suffer for the Word’s sake.
He calls on us to follow the example he set, and at the same time, he assures us that even though he had to endure all this, the Lord was still faithful to deliver him in the end.
We have to understand that trials, tribulations, and persecution are all part of our walk down here.
It doesn’t mean that God has abandoned us – on the contrary – He is with us through it all and will deliver us out of it all if we will only trust in Him and allow Him to do His work in and through us.
Titus 2:2 AMPC – “Urge the older men to be temperate, venerable (serious), sensible, self-controlled, and sound in the faith, in the love, and in the steadfastness and patience [of Christ].”
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 NKJV – “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.” 

5. Growing in Faith and Patience.
Patience is the opposite of frustration, impatience, agitation, and intolerance.
The patience that we exhibit through all the tough things we go through in life is growing our faith.
As our faith grows, we become stronger and more solid in the things of God.
Our faith muscles are exercised.
Just as physical muscles can only grow through opposition – weights – so our spiritual muscles – our faith – grows through opposition!
The more our faith and patience grow, the more we can overcome the trials, temptations, and attacks of the enemy.
The more we grow in faith and patience, the greater our victories become!
We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!
Through faith and patience, we will inherit the promises!