Principles to Prosperity
. . . from a Biblical Perspective
1. Tithing
First, you must honor God with the tithe. A tithe is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a voluntary contribution, usually to support a Christian organization. Abraham realized great wealth through putting his faith in God and honoring God by tithing.
Proverbs 3: 9-10
Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits [tithe] of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Malachi 3:10-11
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
Many modern-day believers expect to experience the same wealth Abraham experienced, but they refuse to tithe. These believers argue that we are no longer under the Law of Moses, but under grace [see Galatians 3:6-29]; tithing is no longer necessary. However, they do not take into account that Abraham [Genesis 14:20] and Jacob [Genesis 28:22] both honored God with the tithe [tenth] long before Moses was even born, much less the Law of Moses instituted.
2. Giving and Receiving
Many Christians love to quote Philippians 4:19:
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus".
But they don't quote Philippians 4:19 in the context that it was written. The Apostle Paul is giving this promise to a group of believers who were operating in God's principles of "giving and receiving" and "sowing and reaping". Paul, in Philippians 4:19, is reiterating what Jesus says in Luke 6:38:
"give and it will be given to you."
Paul said to the Church at Philippi, "no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only [Philippians 4:15]". Paul then said, "not because I desire a gift: but I desire that fruit may abound to your account [Philippians 4:17]". The NASB, reads, "I seek for the profit which increases to your account [Philippians 4:17]". If you follow God's principles, he will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
3. Be Generous, not Greedy
Give of your resources in addition to your tithe. The tithe belongs to the Lord [Malachi 3:8]. Follow the principle of "giving and receiving" and "seed time and harvest" [Philippians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 9:6].
Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
2 Corinthians 9:6
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver [2 Corinthians 9:7].
Proverbs 11:24, 25
There is one who scatters, yet increases more. And there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. [see also 2 Corinthians 8:15]
Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given [see also Psalms 41:1].
4. Respect God and Possess Humility
You must possess a reverential fear of God and stay humble, accurately recognizing that it is God that has given you the power to obtain wealth. Here we are but stewards! The earth belongs to the Lord.
Biblical humility does not carry the same connation as the word humility does in modern American culture. Most people believe humility is having a feeling that one is unimportant, weak, or poor. This is not Biblical humility. Biblical humility is not a feeling. It is independent of the opinions (good or bad) of others, and it is not measured by comparing ones self to others [see Luke 18:9-14]. Biblical humility is simply and honestly recognizing ones dependence on God.
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18
And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 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 swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Psalm 112:1-3
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Psalms 118:25
Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success [NLT].
2 Chronicles 20:20
Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
5. Wisdom and Righteous Living
Proverbs 3:13-16
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor [Proverbs 3:13-16].
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Proverbs 14:24
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
6. The Choice is Your's to Make
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live" -Deuteronomy 30:19
Blessings
Read Deuteronomy 28:1-14
If you follow God's commandments than
All these blessings shall come on you and overtake you:
- Blessed in the city and blessed in the field
- Blessed in the fruit of your body, ground, cattle, sheep, and increase of your kind
- Blessed in the basket and blessed in the store
- Blessed coming in and blessed going out
- All your enemies will be smitten before your face
- Your enemies will come in one way and flee seven
- The LORD will command blessings on:
- Your storehouse
- All you put your hands to
- The land which the LORD has given you
- All the people of the earth shall see you are called by the LORD and shall be afraid of you
- You will be plenteous in:
- Goods
- Children
- Cattle
- Crops
- God will open up his good treasure
- Heaven will give rain unto your land
- He will bless all the work of your hands
- You will lend unto nations and not borrow
- You will be the head and not the tail
- Above only and not beneath
Cursings
Just read Deuteronomy 28:15-68 to see what would happen to the Israelites if they didn't cleave to God's principles.