Page 23 - The Prosperous Way _ (APRIL 2024 v3)

DOES GOD REALLY WANT US TO BE RICH?

• In this way, the man [Jacob] grew exceedingly prosperous and
came to own large flocks, maidservants and men-servants, and
camels and donkeys. (Genesis 30:42-43)

• “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “…You have
blessed the work of his hands so that his flocks and herds are
spread throughout the land.” (Job 1:9-10)

• The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this [i.e.
wisdom]. So, God said to him; ‘Since you have asked for this and
not for long life or wealth for yourself...I will do what you have
asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart. Moreover, I will
give you what you have not asked for - both riches and honour.’
(1 Kings 3:10-13)

Throughout the Scriptures, therefore, we see God blessing His faithful
servants with material wealth. The Bible tells us that God does not
change (James 1:17). Therefore, we have good reason to believe that
He also bless us with material wealth in this present age, in the same
way that He did in ages past.

THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM

Let’s consider more carefully God’s blessing to His servant Abraham.
God makes the following promise to Abraham at the very beginning of
Israel’s history:

I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make
your name great, and you will be a blessing… all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you. (Genesis 12:2-3)

The Hebrew word used for “blessing” in this passage also means
“prosperity,” or a “present.” So, part of the blessing that God bestowed
on Abraham when He made this promise to Him was a blessing of
prosperity. Galatians 3 then tells us that God has also extended the same
promise of blessing that He made to Abraham to those who believe in
Jesus.

“Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of
Abraham … those who have faith are blessed along with

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