Prosperity in Laodicea

 “Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” -Jesus, from Mark 10:24.

Many may not recall the name of the church, but the Laodiceans are usually remembered for being LUKEWARM toward God, and Jesus saying He would vomit (spue) them out of His mouth!

But there's more we can learn from this brief account of the Laodiceans (Revelation 3:14-20); they were the last of seven churches addressed in this book, churches which are also often thought to represent ages of the church. If such is the case, then the message Jesus gives them would be meant for us now, in these last of the LAST DAYS.

Unlike the other 6 churches in Revelation chapters 2&3, the Laodiceans are the only church with nothing good said about it; 2 of the others had nothing bad said about them, with 4 having some good mentioned, but much needing to repent (please read all of Revelation 2&3). To the Laodiceans specifically Jesus had said,

“19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” -Revelation 3:19,20. Bold type added.

Yet it's interesting that this last church isn't even addressed like the others, and there's meaning behind it. The first church, Ephesus, is called the church of Ephesus, while the next 5 are said to be the church in the city mentioned; but this last one is referred to as “the church of the Laodiceans;” meaning that in GOD'S eyes, there's no difference between these professing Christians and the world around them; they fulfill well 2 Timothy 3:5 by “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”

But while it's easy to remember the condition of lukewarmness, and Jesus response in spewing them out, we need to know WHY these things occurred in order to repent, and avoid them in the future.

Thankfully, the Lord doesn't make us wait for the answers, and says in Revelation 3:16&17A;

“16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing...”

The Laodiceans see themselves as “rich, increased with goods, and needing nothing;” they likely claim God has blessed them, but rely on their own wisdom & wealth they have stored to deal with the issues they face. And it's here we begin to see the Laodicean connection to the flourishing Prosperity Gospel of today; teachings that say,

“we are rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing,” but “knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” in God's eyes (from Revelation 3:17).

A reliance on material wealth (mammon) opposes God's will by it's very nature; we must have FAITH in order to please God, and faith is to believe in what isn't seen. The Laodiceans grew tired of living by unseen faith, and substitued visible means they controlled; valuing the gift above the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17), who gave even His only Son for our redemption (Romans 5:8;)

“...faith is...the evidence of things not seen.” -from Hebrews 11:1.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe...he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” -from Hebrews 11:6.

Prosperity Teachings of Christianity teach their adherents that in following Jesus they can expect to be healthy, wealthy, and loved; not all the teachings are the same, and vary in anticipated degrees of prosperity. MONEY, a.k.a. Mammon, is the big thing, because health and popularity usually come along with it! It's a very appealing type of teaching (wishful thinking), if it were true, but Jesus said that we cannot serve both God and mammon; we'll always have favor toward one or the other.

“19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also...24 No man 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. -Matthew 6:19-21,24.

We need to consider the full message of the Bible (Matthew 4:4) to understand GOD'S truth, but many today simply pick out the parts they like and claim them for themselves, while discarding or ignoring those parts which refute them. The Prosperity Gospel sometimes takes verses out of context, or might mistake spiritual riches for material ones, but it's what people want; and fulfills prophecy;

“3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” -2 Timothy 4:3,4.

Suffice it to say, the Laodicean error embodies mistakes of prosperity teaching pretty well. Both are basically exchanging the Bible's Faith for something visible, and trying to take rewards on earth instead of waiting for Heaven. I think scripture's very clear on this, and in keeping this message to a reasonable length, only a portion of relevant points can be covered, so take advantage of the scriptures!

Worldly love. God saw the Laodiceans as part of the world, not those separated in Christ;

“He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” -John 12:25. See also Romans 8:8, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15,16.

Reward in Heaven. The Prosperity Gospel wants its wealth here & now.

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” -Matthew 19:21.

See also Luke 14:12-14, Hebrews 10:34.

Those rich in mammon. Prosperity teaching claims the rich are being blessed by God.

“But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.” -Luke 6:24.

See also Psalm 73:12, Mark 10:23-25, James 5:1-3.

Those poor in mammon. Prosperity teaching says real Christians won't be poor.

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.” -Luke 6:20. See also Luke 1:53, 16:25, 21:3&4, James 2:5.

God provides for needs. In the Bible, God promises to meet needs; false doctrine promises abundance.

“29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” -Luke 12:29-31. See also Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:19.

Being healthy. The prosperity gospel claims God gives Christians good health.

“26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” -Philippians 2:26,27.

See also Psalm 103:3, 1 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 4:10.

Being hated. Prosperity leaning says Christians will be loved and respected by nearly everyone.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” -2 Timothy 3:12.

See also Matthew 5:11, John 15:8,9, Acts 14:22.

There are some times God allows a rare Christian to have material riches, but they aren't seeking them; they will instead recognize that all good gifts come from God (James 1:17), and He has a purpose in bestowing them. We need to remember that Satan is the god of this world, and the riches of the nations are largely in his hands to reward with, and we need discernment;

“5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.” -Luke 4:5-7.

The Lord does warn that the love of money is the root of all evil (1Timothy 6:10), and some even turn from true faith from coveting it. Jesus also revealed that no one can serve God AND money (Luke 16:13), and in accounts of the rich young ruler, He repeated seven times how hard it is for the rich to be saved!

But in spite of this, scripture notes that sometimes prosperity is sent as help for a future adversity (Ecclesiastes 7:14), reminding us to be rich in doing good works, and ready to distribute that provision for God's intended purpose; our spiritual treasure isn't material pleasure.

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God...that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute...Laying up...for themselves a good foundation...that they may lay hold on eternal life. -from 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

When Zacheus found real wealth in Jesus, he immediately gave half his goods to the poor, and pledged to repay fourfold anyone he had wronged; such is the legacy of those that discover God's wealth; for whom the wealth of this world truly seems to be as nothing.

The devil will seek to puff up your pride by deceiving you into thinking that you're one of the few God wants to make rich; do not believe him, but PRAY, and follow the guidelines we've been given in God's Holy Word.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” -Romans 7:18. Bold type is added.

“9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” -1 Timothy 6:9,10.

“7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” -Proverbs 30:7-9. Bold type is added for emphasis. May God bless you today!

Please follow this link view my YouTube videos on the subject of the prosperity gospel.

Being Contented in Christ

 “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” -Philippians 4:12.

How often have you heard Philippians 4:13 promoted, and this preceding verse ignored? This is one example of prosperity teaching in the body of Christ; v.12 is reality, v.13 by itself is prosperity;

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13.

Most are familiar with the Prosperity Gospel (a.k.a. “Health & Wealth), teachings promising their adherents good health, abundant riches, and loving acceptance. Whether or not groups openly claim to preach the Prosperity Gospel in name, Christian teachings are often twisted that way; it's like a type of bribery, urging people to live for Jesus through promises of earthly reward;

“But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.” -Luke 6:24.

Jesus told us plainly that we CANNOT serve God and mammon (money/material wealth), but if you bribe people into serving Him, the type of “Christian” you'll get will try serving God & mammon; which is impossible in God's eyes, no matter how we deceive others and ourselves;

“No man 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.” -Matthew 6:24.

Yet the Prosperity Gospel is alluded to prophetically by mention of the related character trait of covetousness here in the last days; seen among lists in Romans 1:29, 2 Timothy 3:2, and the whole chapter of 2 Peter 2, the word being in v. 3&14. Jesus warned us about covetousness in Luke 12:15;

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

See also Ephesians 5:3-5, Colossians 3:5, and 1 Timothy 6:10 for other warnings about this.

Professing Christians usually understand that the Gospel is all about the forgiveness of sins through repentance, and the cross of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38); yet this is another aspect of “prosperity” teaching, in that it ignores unpopular truths concerning sin, and our fallen nature;

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing...” -Romans 7:18A.

“8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” -Romans 5:8,9. Bold type added for emphasis.

How is it that the Prosperity Gospel has gained such an extensive audience? If Jesus said we'd have trouble in the world (John 16:33), that we must DENY ourselves & take up the cross (Luke 9:23), suffer persecution for Him (2 Timothy 3:12), and that family will be our enemies (Matthew 10:34-36), why do some claim that prosperity teachings are based on scripture?

The problem first of all relates to the words Jesus spoke in Luke 4:4;

“It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Bold type is added.

We need ALL of God's Word, and people just don't take time to study it.

The second issue is related to the first, in that people get caught in “chapter & verse,” so they won't see the context of a verse in relation to the passage it's in, or its relation to the rest of the Bible. The opening scripture from Philippians 4:12 is a good example. This book of the Bible was actually a letter written from Paul to the Christians in Philippi. It was adopted as part of the Bible later, and eventually chapters and verses were added to help with locating & memorizing parts of God's Word. Just think of how the context of Philippians 4:13 changes when included with the preceding verse! Yet it will also relate to other passages in other books of the Bible.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15.

A third influence could be the WAY in which a teacher presents the scriptures they claim prove their viewpoint. They will often add meaning to verses which are just men's opinions, or take away a part of a text to emphasize their view; to do such will bring God's judgments (Revelation 22:18,19). It is our responsibility to test the validity of our teachers, and their claims about God's Word (Acts 17:11);

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” -Deuteronomy 4:2.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” -1 John 4:1.

Spiritual blindness is a fourth issue that can come by the god of this world (2Corinthians 4:4), or by our own fleshly inclinations we may not even be aware of, Jesus faced this in Matthew 15:13,14);

“13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Bold type added for emphasis.

Mentioning blindness and “the god of this world” brings me to a fifth consideration I want to point out, which is that material riches should mostly be attributed to Satan, and not God! We can see this in the temptation of Jesus, where all the world's kingdoms and glory really belong to the devil;

“5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.” -Luke 4:5-7.

There is also a sixth point along these lines, but this previous example indicates how little God esteems material wealth; HE created all of it! By this, I mean to say that often when references are made to riches or prosperity in scripture, people start thinking materially about it, when the Lord means it spiritually. Every bit of mammon is temporary, and will fade; God wants to provide what lasts.

But a seventh thing I want to show is that having wealth is the opposite of FAITH, which we need to be pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is about what isn't seen (Hebrews 11:1), and Jesus said in Luke 11:3 to ask God for our daily bread day-by-day; while material lust would stockpile it. We also see faith lacking in the Laodiceans of Revelation 3:15-19 because they were rich, and needed nothing. Many believe this “church” to be a template for the last age, and it's a sobering comparison.

We can also find Jesus' encounter with the “rich young ruler” listed in Matthew 19:16-26, Mark 10:17-27, and Luke 18:18-27, and here the Lord tells us 7X that it's nearly impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of God; so why would the Lord then give us what will likely keep us from Him? After Jesus sacrificed himself to save us, how could it be of Him to “bless” with a spiritual poison?

But I'd like to suggest an assignment before moving on, in which you'll first read Luke 17:7-10, and then Mark 6:30-34, and see how they relate; in Luke, we're to call ourselves unprofitable servants, and in Mark, Jesus suggests the disciples should rest; please read, and see how that turns out!

If you want to see Prosperity Gospel teachers at work, you're welcome to look up the sermons of such, like Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, and Justin Furtick; their teachings are obvious, and they're readily available on-line. My intention is to leave you with two examples of how prosperity gospel teachings have edged their way into more conservative churches that wouldn't claim to be a part of that movement; both shared instances are from my own encounters.

Example 1: The pastor focused his message around Daniel chapter 3; the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. There are 30 verses in this chapter, and the pastor read every one of them except 18, thus giving his sermon a prosperity emphasis.

The issue was that in v.17, the 3 men testified their God was able to deliver them; BUT in v.18 they declared that even if God wouldn't save them, they would not serve the king's idol! This is an important message for believers, that we should love our Lord, even unto death; those 3 Hebrews didn't know what would happen, yet by eliminating v.18, it turns v.17 into a prosperity assertion. I felt the pastor's handling of this account really ruined the message God wanted for us.

Example 2: Pastor took his sermon from Luke 4:16-22, where Jesus went to the synagogue where He'd been raised. It is a beautiful passage, telling how Jesus read an encouraging prophecy from the book of Isaiah, showing the people He was fulfilling it at that time, after which scripture declares that “all wondered at the gracious words Jesus spoke.” Pastor used this section he read to demonstrate how well received Jesus was, and stated, “Everywhere Jesus went, the people were at ease with Him.” Huh? WAIT JUST A MINUTE! Our Lord had a lot of contention in His earthly life, didn't He?

But even worse than that, the pastor had cut this Bible passage in half, and in the second part the congregation tried to push Jesus off a cliff! Not only was pastor's assertion about Jesus wrong, but it was wrong in the very passage he used to affirm it.

The pastor had shared he would be away the next week, but I wrote him a letter to point out his mistake; I wasn't overbearing, because I understood how easy it would be to misspeak while preaching. I looked forward to seeing how he'd handle my correction at church; but he didn't speak directly to me, or to the congregation about it. His solution instead was to choose a scripture that showed the opposite side in Jesus' life; the side when He was facing contention. I do not remember the specific scripture, but we didn't last long at the church after that! So...if you're counting on pastor's message to teach you, were people always at ease with Jesus, or did He sometimes aggravate them to try and kill Him? Why couldn't the pastor admit what I thought was an understandable mistake? It doesn't look good for him.

To receive Jesus as Savior is to trade the misery of this temporary world for the unending bliss God has prepared for us. Let me end this message with several more scriptures related to our subject.

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.” -Luke 6:20. Bold type added.

“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” -Luke 16:25.

“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness; 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” -1 Timothy 6:6-12.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” -Hebrews 13:5.

“24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” -Matthew 16:24-26.

“29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” -Luke 12:29-32.

Here is a link to a playlist on YouTube on my prosperity teaching videos.