Contentment > Riches - April 23, 2023

This morning is my final sermon in Philippians; next week will be a summary and testimony time. Philippians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to a church in Philippi that he had started. This morning, I will be in 4:10-20, but before we read, let me ask you a question:

What if I told you that it is easier than you think to be a millionaire? What if there were six simple steps that you could follow that would bring you in seven figures in income? And what if I told you that you could achieve this while only working 10 hours a week from home? Just read my book (real book titles): How to become a millionaire: Easy proven methods to rocket your income to the next level. How to become a millionaire online. How to become a millionaire in 12 months. How to become a millionaire (subtitle: If a black guy can do it, so can you). The automatic millionaire: a powerful one-step plan to live and finish rich. And How to become a multi-millionaire.

What’s that? You’re too spiritual for that kind of get-rich-quick scheme? Don’t worry – I can give you the Christian version too. Pray this prayer – Lord, enlarge my territory – and God will bless you. Speak out your “I am’s” and good things will come your way. Claim Proverbs 10:22, that the blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and just see what God does for you. Repeat these promises after me and believe in faith that great wealth will soon be yours. Read my books: Becoming a Millionaire God’s Way. Or the ever popular “You need more money.”

(slide) Does this line of thinking sound familiar? Take a step back and think with me: what is underneath all of these promises and messages? The obvious subtle message underneath all of these books is that your life will be better if you have more money. And it’s not just the world that is chasing after riches. The church often buys into it, with prosperity gospel teachers spinning the message that you will be rich if you just believe and claim the promises of God.