Egyptian method of prosperity

Text: Isaiah 30:1-5; 31:1-3; Proverbs 15:27; Luke 12:15

Key Verse: Isaiah 31:1 “ Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.”

What is Egyptian Method of Prosperity?
It is the ungodly way of prosperity. It is the acquisition of wealth or any material thing through dishonest or fraudulent way. It is embezzlement or diversion of public fund for personal gain. Today, we are all living in an acquisitive society, a society in which to acquire, to own and to make a profit have been elevated to the status of sacred and inalienable right of the individual. Unlike before when good name, honesty and integrity were highly regarded and parents insisted on knowing the source of their children’s possessions, nowadays people hardly bother about such things. The operating Machiavellian principle now is: “Where and how I amassed my wealth is nobody’s business; as long as I have made it, my right to enjoy what I have is absolute.”

This 21st-century generation is pro prosperity. Over the years, however, the message being preached in some of the churches all over the world has changed — indeed, a new gospel is being taught to many congregations today. This message has been ascribed many name, such as the “name it and claim it” gospel, the “blab it and grab it” gospel, the “health and wealth” gospel, the “prosperity gospel,” and “positive confession theology.” Many in the church, from the pulpit to the pew, appear to have adopted this capitalistic and materialistic Christianity. The words, ‘prosperity preachers’ and ‘prosperity preaching’ are not strange to Christian vocabulary of the twenty first century.

Prosperity is simply the state of being successful, flourishing, or thriving economically well. It could be spiritual, physical or material. There are many Bible passages that show that prosperity is the will of God (Joshua 1:8; 3 John 2, Deut 8:18; Psalms 92:12-14).

Prosperity includes business boom, admission/examination success, political breakthrough, owning of property, happy marriage, owning fleet of cars, fruitfulness, healing and sound health. In as much as these things are very important and biblical, God warns that he hates dishonest gain (Proverb 11:1).

Are you already entangled by this Egyptian method of prosperity? It is pertinent to ask you this question: congratulations on your great story and testimony of prosperity. WHAT IS THE UNTOLD AND DARK STORY OF YOUR PROSPERITY?

Some of the Egyptian methods of prosperity include telling of lies to get what you want, selling expired drugs/medicine, drug trafficking, diabolical methods of getting money, purchasing certificate/admission, duping your customers/business partners, using the name of the Lord to prophecy with intention to defraud, killing to acquire someone else’s wealth, slandering others to ascend to a coveted position or to perpetuate yourself in office, etc. It is dangerous, when a man wants to get rich by all means.

God is against making money or acquiring any material possession by dishonest means. Proverbs 13:1 says that dishonest money dwindles away, that is, wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears but genuine wealth grows over time. Doesn’t it shock your imagination that so many rich people in the world today die as a pauper? Proverbs 10:22 says that the blessings of the Lord maketh rich and add no sorrow.

Do you desire to acquire wealth or material possession that does not add sorrow? If your answer is yes, then you must give up the Egyptian method of prosperity. On your way to prosperity, stay clear of methods that cannot merit public testimony. In 1 Corinthians 6:10, the Bible warns that no thief nor extortioner shall inherit the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: Father, deliver me from the desire to prosper by all means in Jesus name, Amen.
Prayer lines: 08132133896, 08033452365, 08030664977.

Dr. Chidi Okoroaofor, General Superintendent Assemblies of God Nigeria