Many Christians struggle with misconceptions about wealth, believing that God wants them to live in poverty or that riches are inherently wrong. The Bible, however, shows that God’s plan includes prosperity—not just for our comfort, but so we can further His kingdom.
The promises in Galatians 3:16 were not only given to Abraham—they are for you as well. If you belong to Christ, you are a seed of Abraham, and His blessings through Jesus Christ are yours. God promised Abraham that he would be prosperous, and even Abraham’s cousin Lot became wealthy. Jesus Himself benefited from the anointing of wealth on His family.
Galatians 3:16 – “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say ‘unto seeds’ meaning many people, but to your seed meaning one person, who is Christ.”
When you prosper, those around you are also blessed. One reason Jesus was crucified was to make us rich:
2 Corinthians 8:9 – “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”
2 Peter 1:3 – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
If a child does not know they are an heir, they may live in poverty. God has given us the ability to create wealth:
Deuteronomy 8:18 – “But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors.”
God’s covenant with Abraham was meant to bring prosperity, so living in poverty often reflects a misunderstanding of God’s promises.
Genesis 12:2 – “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.”
Do you see yourself as a child of Abraham, a seed of promise?
3 Misplaced Beliefs About Prosperity
Here are three common misconceptions about wealth:
1. God Can Make Me Poor to Teach Me Something
What loving parent allows their child to suffer poverty as a lesson?
Matthew 7:11 – “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?”
God’s discipline is not about making us poor; His gifts are for our good.
2. Being Rich Gives the Wrong Impression
Some fear wealth will make people think they are dishonest. Remember, God only blesses those who value prosperity. You can be extremely rich, blameless, and still fear God, as Abraham and Job demonstrated.
3. Jesus Was Poor as an Example
Jesus became poor so that we might become rich:
2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Through His poverty, we might become rich.”
God calls us to His glory and goodness. The cross did not leave us in poverty—it secured our abundance.
Why God Gives Us Wealth
God’s purpose for wealth goes beyond personal comfort—it’s for His kingdom. The Israelites received silver, gold, and clothing during their 40-year wilderness journey to prepare for building the tabernacle:
Exodus 12:35 – “The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing.”
Exodus 25:8 – “Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, and I will dwell among them.”
Exodus 29:5 – “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.”
When the tabernacle was built, the people gave willingly from abundance:
Exodus 35:21 – “And everyone whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting.”
The Willingness of the Heart
God sees the willingness of our hearts. He blesses generosity and obedience:
Exodus 36:5 – “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.”
Just as a farmer anticipates a harvest with joy, we should give willingly and abundantly. The Israelites prospered because they recognized their wealth came from God, not themselves.
God wants us to live a supernatural, abundant life—not merely to survive, but to thrive and advance His kingdom.