The Rebuke Against Prosperity Gospel Preachers: A Biblical Perspective

In the contemporary landscape of Christianity, the prosperity gospel has gained significant traction, attracting countless followers with promises of health, wealth, and success. However, this theology, often propagated by prosperity gospel preachers, has been criticized and rebuked historically and scripturally. In his epistle, the Apostle Jude provides a scathing critique of such false teachers, drawing parallels to their existence even in the days of the prophets and apostles. Let’s delve into the biblical rebuke against prosperity gospel preachers by examining various scriptures that challenge their teachings.

Jude 11–13: The Condemnation of Greedy False Teachers

The Apostle Jude warns about false teachers who mislead others through their deceptive teachings. He describes them as:

“Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” (Jude 11-13)

Jude’s description highlights the dangers of greed and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of genuine spiritual growth and service to others.

Luke 9:23–24: The Cost of Discipleship

Jesus Himself emphasizes the actual cost of discipleship, which stands in stark contrast to the prosperity gospel’s focus on material prosperity:

“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.'” (Luke 9:23-24)

Jesus teaches that true discipleship involves self-denial and a willingness to sacrifice worldly desires to follow Him.

James 1:9–11: The Transience of Wealth

James warns about the fleeting nature of wealth and material possessions:

“Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.” (James 1:9-11)

This passage underscores the temporary nature of earthly riches and the importance of prioritizing eternal values over material wealth.

Mark 10:25: The Difficulty for the Rich

Jesus clearly states the challenges the wealthy face in entering the kingdom of God.

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25)

This statement highlights the potential pitfalls of wealth and the spiritual dangers associated with pursuing material prosperity.

Matthew 6:19–21: True Treasures

Jesus encourages His followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

This passage emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual riches and eternal rewards rather than temporary worldly possessions.

Mark 10:17–25: The Rich Young Ruler

In the encounter with the rich young ruler, Jesus challenges the man’s attachment to his wealth:

“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.'” (Mark 10:21)

This story illustrates the potential barriers that wealth can create in one’s relationship with God and the importance of surrendering everything for the sake of the Kingdom.

1 Timothy 6:5, 6–8: Contentment and Godliness

The Apostle Paul warns against those who see godliness as a means of financial gain:

“Useless wrangling of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Now, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:5, 6-8)

Paul emphasizes the importance of contentment and warns against pursuing wealth as the goal of faith.

Proverbs 30:8: A Prayer for Contentment

The writer of Proverbs offers a prayer for contentment and moderation:

“Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches—feed me with the food allotted to me.” (Proverbs 30:8)

This prayer highlights the value of contentment and the dangers of extremes in either poverty or wealth.

Isaiah 10:3: True Riches is to know the Lord

Isaiah speaks of the true riches that come from knowing the Lord:

“But what will you do in the end?” (Isaiah 10:3)

This verse reminds us that our ultimate satisfaction and wealth come from our relationship with God, not material possessions or worldly success.

Isaiah 45:3: God’s Hidden Treasure

Isaiah also emphasizes God’s provision and the hidden treasures He provides:

“I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” (Isaiah 45:3)

God’s treasures are not necessarily material but spiritual blessings from a relationship with Him.

Jeremiah 9:23: Boasting in the Lord

Contrary to the prosperity gospel’s emphasis on boasting about wealth and success, Jeremiah reminds us where our true boast should lie:

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Our actual value and worth are found in our relationship with God, understanding His character, and experiencing His love and righteousness.

Conclusion

The prosperity gospel, with its focus on material prosperity and success, contradicts the teachings of Scripture. The Bible consistently emphasizes earthly wealth’s transient nature, greed’s dangers, and the importance of prioritizing spiritual riches and a relationship with God. As followers of Christ, we are commanded to put God’s righteousness and Kingdom first, believing He will meet our needs and give us genuine happiness and contentment. Scripture forbids us from following the prosperity gospel preachers’ false teachings, so let us heed their warnings and steer clear of them in favor of pursuing the real riches that come from knowing and serving the Lord.