Q.
Should I, as a believer, be seeking riches to gain abundant life?
A. No. We are told by Jesus Christ, in
Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you," to seek first the Kingdom of
God and his righteousness and they will be added unto us as a result. In
Deuteronomy 28, we find that the blessings of God will overtake us, that they
are chasing us. We are not to chase them. We are to center everything we do
around the Lord Jesus Christ and work as unto God, as a result, prosperity will
follow. 2 Corinthians 8:9, "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."
Q.
What is prosperity or abundant life?
A.
Prosperity or abundant life is not to be equated with a life consisting merely
of material riches, but rather a fullness of life. In John 10:10, the Greek word
for life is Zoe, meaning life in every dimension; spirit, soul, body and
material world. Outward fulfillment being a result of inward fulfillment. In
other words, prospering even as our soul (inner man) prospers. (3 John 2)
Q.
Can a consistent walk with health and prosperity be obtained?
A .
Yes, but it is something that one must develop through seeking first the Kingdom
of God by meditating on God's word, confessing it and praying concerning it.
Over a period of time, spiritual development and a walk of abundant life can be
obtained on a consistent level.
Q.
Did Jesus come to save souls only?
A.
No. Throughout the life of Christ in the four gospels, we see that Jesus healed
the physical body, He prospered men financially, or in the material realm by
giving great catches of fish. John 21:6, "And he said unto them, cast the net on
the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they
were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes," and healing
relationships. He also gave His Word and Holy Spirit for the healing and
restoration of the spirit and soul (inner man).
Q.
Is it wrong for me, as a believer, to desire to prosper and be in health?
A.
No, quite the contrary. John's wish, above all things, was that we would
prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper. 3 John 2, "Beloved, I wish
above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul
prospereth." Too many times the thought of being spiritual is equated with the
denial of abundant living.
If this is true then why did they covet
the garment of Christ, John 19:23-24, "Then the soldiers, when they had
crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a
part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top
throughout. They said therefore among themselves, let us not rend it, but cast
lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which
saith, they parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots.
These things therefore the soldiers did." It was obviously not a worthless
rag. Jesus was not a poor beggar as many have portrayed Him.
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