the Keys to

Happiness

 

Week 3 – Prosperity in a Broke World

 

 

I. Godliness with Contentment

           

            Question:  What kind of wealth are we really after?

           

            Scriptures:  Prov. 17:16, Ecclesiastes 5:8-15, II Chron. 1:11-12, Ps. 49:16-20      

           

            Some people work hard all their life without ever asking, “What am I really after?” Our culture tries to tell us that we can’t be happy unless we have a lot of money and things, but if we ever get “enough” money and things… then we’ll be happy.  But what is enough?  Meditate on why people want so many physical things.  Take time today to think about why you want the physical things you want. Ask God to give you the right heart toward money and things.

 

II. The Root of All Kinds of Evil

           

            Question:  How can our attitude toward physical wealth be dangerous?

           

            Scriptures:  I Tim. 6:6-10, Rom. 13:7-8, Prov. 22:7, Mark 4:18-19, Col. 3:5-6

 

Enjoying a life of physical comfort can be a pleasant thing, but money and the love of material possessions can easily infect our souls and steal our happiness.  Greed (the coveting of physical wealth) is called “idolatry.”  Think about some of the ways money can be dangerous to our spiritual lives.  In what ways can it entice, entangle and enslave us?  As you focus on the desires of your own heart, ask God to help you keep the right attitude toward money and things.

 

III. The Glory of Success

           

            Question: Does our work, success and prosperity bring glory to God?

           

            Scriptures: Col. 3:23-24, Matt. 25:14-30, I Thes. 4:11-12, Job 42:12-17, Jer. 29:10-11

           

Even though the lust for wealth can be dangerous, it is not wrong for Christians to be successful and blessed in physical ways.  In fact, the scriptures teach that God is glorified when we are successful in using our talents for Him.  Think about your work ethic, your career progress and your financial health.  Which areas need improvement in order for God to get the glory He deserves?  Pray for your personal growth and success.

 

 

IV. Giving to God

           

            Question:  What does God promise to those who give to Him?

           

            Scriptures:  Mal. 3:6-12, Neh. 10:37, II Cor. 8:1-15, II Cor. 9:6-15

           

At times, many of us have considered our financial giving to God and His church as a burden or obligation.  But in truth, the gifts we give (big or small) are not something God needs, they are for us! The Bible is full of promises for those who cheerfully give their first and best blessings to the Lord.  Focus today on your financial giving to God. Think about the tremendous promises He has made to you.  Ask Him to help you with your attitude and not just your amount.

 

V. Giving to Others

           

            Question:  Are you sharing your physical blessings with others?

           

            Scriptures:  Luke 6:38, Ps. 37:25-26, Ps. 112:5-9, I Tim. 5:8, Prov. 19:17 

           

Most of us have struggled at times to even meet our own needs.  When we hear the commands about meeting needs of others, we can really get stressed!  But as with giving and tithing to God, there are also awesome Bible promises about the blessings that come our way when we learn to be generous with what we have.  Do you have a reputation for being generous with others?  Think about ways you can encourage others by being generous this week.

 

VI. How to Get Physical Wealth

           

            Question:  Are you following God’s prosperity plan?

           

            Scriptures:  II Thes. 3:6-11, Prov. 13:4,11, 21:20-21, Haggai 1:2-11, Jer. 29:7      

           

While the Bible doesn’t promise that every disciple will be blessed into the “rich” category, it does imply that some will.  (“Why not me, Lord?” we’re all thinking).  But even if we never retire with the rich and famous, we can all glorify God by doing the best with what He has given us.  What weaknesses in your life might work to hinder your progress toward the measure of financial success the Lord has planned for you?  Pray to make the changes you need to make.

 

VII. True and Lasting Wealth

           

            Question:  What are the true riches that last forever?

           

            Scriptures:  Luke 12:16-21, James 2:5, I Pet. 1:7, I Tim. 6:17-18 , John 4:34-38

           

When we picture physical wealth we may envision fine cars, big houses and huge bank accounts.  But the Bible points out that true wealth is being “rich toward God.”  Read the above scriptures and list some of the things that make us “wealthy” Christians.  What is “gold” in God’s eyes?  What makes us rich?  What kind of harvest is the most precious?  Pray that God will fill you with “greed” for the right kind of riches.