Bible Prosperity: The Lord Is With You (Genesis 39)
This sermon explores a foundational understanding of prosperity, moving beyond common misconceptions to reveal its true source and purpose. It invites listeners to consider how God's constant presence transforms every aspect of life, bringing success and the ability to bless others.
This sermon redefines Bible prosperity as God’s presence in one's life, leading to success and flourishing in all circumstances, not just financial wealth. It emphasizes being a blessing to others and seeking God-given wisdom.
Overview
This sermon challenges the common understanding of prosperity, distinguishing 'Bible prosperity' from the 'prosperity gospel.' The speaker argues that true prosperity is not solely about money, but about the Lord's presence with an individual. This divine presence enables flourishing and success in every area of life, regardless of one's external circumstances or 'station.'
Drawing heavily on the life of Joseph in Egypt, the sermon illustrates how the phrase 'the Lord was with Joseph' is the key to his prosperity, even as a slave and prisoner. This presence of God was so evident that even his pagan masters, like Potiphar and Pharaoh, could see it, leading them to entrust Joseph with great responsibility. This visibility of God's blessing is crucial, as it should provoke unbelievers to seek the source of such favor.
The sermon extends this concept to various aspects of life, including non-academic skills and wisdom. Using examples like David and Daniel, it highlights that God-given talents and discernment are vital for true success, sometimes even more so than traditional academic achievements. It encourages believers to recognize and cultivate these gifts, trusting God to prosper them in their unique callings.
Ultimately, Bible prosperity is tied to being a blessing to others and building God's kingdom. The sermon asserts that believers are blessed to be a blessing, serving those around them 'as unto the Lord.' It also emphasizes the importance of praying for outward prosperity and health, as found in 3 John 2, so that soul prosperity can manifest visibly and lead others to Christ.
Key points
- Bible prosperity is defined by the Lord's presence with an individual, enabling success and flourishing in all areas of life, beyond just financial wealth.
- The story of Joseph in Genesis 39 exemplifies Bible prosperity, as 'the Lord was with him' allowed him to prosper even as a slave and prisoner.
- The Hebrew word 'salak' signifies this prosperity or success, applying to diverse roles like a mother, student, or skilled artisan, not solely to academic or financial achievement.
- God's presence and the resulting prosperity are intended to be visible to the world, provoking curiosity and opening doors for evangelism, as seen by Potiphar and Pharaoh.
- God-given wisdom, discernment, and skill are crucial for true prosperity and cannot be replicated by human effort or artificial intelligence.
- Believers are blessed to be a blessing; their work and service, done 'as unto the Lord,' contribute to the prosperity of others and the building of God's kingdom.
- The prayer in 3 John 2, 'I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers,' encourages believers to pray for visible, outward flourishing alongside spiritual well-being.
In Joseph Prince's words
“If God is with you, you cannot lack.”
“The key to all prosperity is that is the Lord with you?”
“I want people to know you might not be handsome might not be beautiful now but when I'm with you you will be”
Outline
- I. Redefining Bible Prosperity
- A. Distinguishing from the 'Prosperity Gospel'
- B. True prosperity is God's presence, not just money.
- C. Prosperity is relative to your station (mother, student, career).
- II. Joseph as the Template for Bible Prosperity (Genesis 39)
- A. Joseph's journey to Egypt, a place of 'double stress' and worldly principles.
- B. The recurring phrase: 'The Lord was with Joseph.'
- C. God's presence caused 'whatever he did, the Lord made it to prosper' (Hebrew: 'salak').
- D. Prosperity is visible to unbelievers (Potiphar, Pharaoh).
- E. Contrast: Jacob's 'everything' versus Esau's 'plenty' because the Lord was with Jacob.
- III. God-Given Gifts, Skills, and Wisdom
- A. David: Skillful in playing, mighty man of valor, prudent in speech, and 'the Lord is with him.'
- B. God-given wisdom and discernment (Hebrew: 'bin' or 'bina').
- C. Daniel: Gifted in all wisdom, knowledge, and quick to understand (Daniel 1).
- D. God gives knowledge and skill; it is not always developed through academia.
- IV. Blessed to Be a Blessing and Serving Others
- A. The purpose of blessing: 'You are blessed to be a blessing' (Abraham).
- B. Bible prosperity means serving those you have favor with, not seeking to be served.
- C. Employees are to work 'as unto the Lord,' expecting reward from Him, not just their earthly boss.
- V. The Impact and Outward Manifestation of Prosperity
- A. The 'shine' on a believer's face and their generosity as visible signs.
- B. Generosity and a non-calculative spirit reflect soul prosperity.
- C. The prayer of 3 John 2: 'I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.'
- VI. The Gospel of Grace and Peace (Call to Salvation)
Scripture references
- Romans 10
- Genesis 39
- Genesis 24
- Psalms 1
- Proverbs 31
- Ecclesiastes
- 3 John 2
- James 1
- Acts
- Romans 9
- Romans 11
- Daniel 1
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
1 And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.
2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
1 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.
1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
Insights
God's presence defines true prosperity in every season of life.
Worldly circumstances cannot hide the light of God within.
Wisdom and discernment are gifts from God, not just human effort.
Questions & answers
What is 'Bible prosperity' according to the sermon?
Bible prosperity is defined by the Lord's presence with an individual, which enables them to succeed and flourish in all areas of life, regardless of their external circumstances. It is not limited to financial wealth but covers every area of one's being and work.
How did Joseph demonstrate Bible prosperity?
Joseph demonstrated Bible prosperity by succeeding and being entrusted with responsibility even as a slave in Potiphar's house and later as a prisoner. The Bible repeatedly states, 'the Lord was with Joseph,' highlighting that God's presence was the source of his flourishing in every situation he faced.
What is the significance of the Hebrew word 'salak' in the sermon?
The Hebrew word 'salak' translates to 'prosper' or 'successful' and is used to describe Joseph's prosperity and the meditator in Psalms 1. The sermon emphasizes that 'salak' applies to success in any station of life, including non-academic skills and personal interactions, not exclusively to financial gain.
How does the sermon address the 'prosperity gospel' critique?
The sermon states that the 'gospel is not prosperity gospel; the gospel is a gospel of grace and peace.' While acknowledging extreme teachings focused solely on money, it advocates for a balanced understanding of Bible prosperity rooted in God's presence, which enables blessing beyond just material wealth, including spiritual and relational flourishing.
What is the main takeaway for parents regarding their children's success?
Parents should recognize their children's unique, God-given gifts and talents, rather than solely focusing on academic excellence. The sermon encourages trusting God to prosper children in their specific callings, emphasizing that success can come through various skills and wisdom from God, not just traditional schooling.
How does the sermon connect a believer's outward appearance and generosity to God's presence?
The sermon notes that the Lord's presence can cause a 'shine' on a believer's face, making them visibly distinct and lovely, as seen with David and in a personal anecdote. It also links generosity to a prosperous soul, asserting that a calculative spirit, even among the wealthy, indicates a lack of true inner prosperity.
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