Sermon Central
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A Prosperous Hand Is Seldom Pious
Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 13, 2019 (message contributor)
Summary: Should we not resist to flaunt wealth or even seek it as a pastor when the world and even poor Christians think we lack integrity loving mammon rather than God?
"Piety and prosperity seldom go hand in hand..."
"We live in a day when the temptation to the indulgence of the flesh is very great. Luxuries are common. Piety and prosperity seldom go hand in hand, and in many a case the prosperity that piety and power have brought has been the ruin of the man to whom it has come. Not a few ministers of power have become popular and in demand. With an increasing popularity has come an increase of pay and of the comforts of life. Luxurious living has come in, and the power of the Spirit has gone out. It would not be difficult to cite specific instances of this sad truth. If we would know the continuation of the Spirit's power, we need to be on guard to lead lives of simplicity, free from indulgence and surfeiting, ever ready to "endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim 2:3). I frankly confess I am afraid of luxury -- not as afraid of it as I am sin, but it comes next as an object of dread. It is a very subtle but very potent enemy of power. There are devils today that "go not out by prayer and fasting." - R A Torrey 1856-1928
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He would have an easier time citing instances of supposed men of God indulging in luxuries today than he did back then. He thought his was an age of indulgence. He would weep bitterly over today's preachers ad churches that build multi-million plants, live in multi- million dollar houses, have $23K marble toilets, gold faucets, dog house with A/C, etc, etc.
Just because a man/woman has charisma and can build a huge following and generate massive amounts of money does not mean they are gifted by God with His charisma or even on His payroll, so to speak. There have been many over the years that could manipulate the masses who were devils appearing to be Messiahs. Paul says that even the devil can appear as an angel of light and his ministers appear as ministers of righteous. (2 Cor 11:14,15)
Once such large abuses of money have been found in any ministry that person's or organizaton's funds should dry up because no one should donate or participate in those ministries anymore. They were either never of God in the beginning or their pride and greed has caused the power of God to be removed as Torrey said. To continue to support such folly would be at best bad stewardship and at worst a complete lack of discernment on the part of the giver. No spirit filled person would be directed by God to spend money on such ridiculous things.
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. KJV
Big houses, marble toilets, private jets, etc, etc are not being faitfhful with that which others committed unto them. It was given to help them perform real ministry, not live in luxury. Being unjust with widows' mites is proof that you will only be unjust with larger funds so why give them more to waste?
Phil 3:17-19
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) KJV
One must eat, be dressed and be sheltered but when you are a minister using the funds given to you to live like a movie star or some other rich and vain group that is not consistent with the Gospel message. That is more in line with minding earthly things.
No wonder so many lost people think preachers are only in it for the money. So while they live high off the hog, people are rejecting Christ and going to Hell at a far greater rate than conversion. Not because of the message, but because of the messengers. I don't see the blessing of God anywhere on that and certainly not His leading thus making their message not His message.
