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Continuity between OT and NT : Prosperity

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by christianyouth, Nov 13, 2007.

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  1. christianyouth

    christianyouth New Member

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    I've been reading in the OT, and everywhere I go I find promises to God's covenant people, Israel. These promises say basically this: obedience to God brings blessing and prosperity and disobedience brings cursing and destitution. And then in Proverbs and Psalms, i see verses that say things that seem so encouraging, like ," Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way or sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night, and he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of living water, that brings forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.(ps 1)

    And there is so much more! Proverbs - Honor the Lord with the firstfruit of thine increase, so shall thy barns be filled with plenty and thy vats burst forth with new wine.

    Take heed to my commandments - For it shall be health to thy navel and marrow to thy bones.

    A verse in Ecclesiastes says this - To the man who pleases him, he will give wisdom, knowledge, and happiness(NIV)

    So I see all of thse verses in the OT, and they really prompt me to obedience. But then I was thinking, is this principle still true? Does obedience bring about blessings/prosperity?
     
    #1 christianyouth, Nov 13, 2007
  2. Joshua Rhodes

    Joshua Rhodes <img src=/jrhodes.jpg>

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    I think obedience brings blessing, hands down.

    Now whether that blessings is physical prosperity (wealth, health, etc.) is entirely up to the Lord.
     
    #2 Joshua Rhodes, Nov 13, 2007
  3. TCGreek

    TCGreek New Member

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    Outside of Jesus, Paul should have been the richest man in all of Scripture, but we find no trace of that--not even in his theology. That ought to mean something, Don't you think?
     
    #3 TCGreek, Nov 13, 2007
  4. christianyouth

    christianyouth New Member

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    I know, that is why I've been wondering about this. I know PastorSBC or SBCPastor, don't remember which one, started a thread on this awhile back. I don't think the question was ever conclusively answered. I'm just wondering, because I do believe God wants us to be happy, wise, sanctified, and obedient, but I wonder if this extends to being financially secure, having a good reputation(Prov 3 speaks of this), so on.

    I guess, as Joshua said, I'm wondering if this blessing is spiritual(which for sure it is,) and physical, or just spiritual.
     
    #4 christianyouth, Nov 13, 2007
  5. npetreley

    npetreley New Member

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    If we use Paul as our example, doesn't that mean we're not obedient enough unless we get stoned and left for dead? (And by "stoned", I mean rocks, not drugs.) Maybe we ought to settle for Peter's level of obedience and get crucified upside-down.
     
    #5 npetreley, Nov 13, 2007
  6. TCGreek

    TCGreek New Member

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    1. In OT the blessings to Israel were tangible most of the time, but when we come to NT, the emphasis is on spiritual blessings.

    2. One of the sins mostly condemned in the NT is the sin of covetousness or greed, taking pride and so on in material possessions.

    3. In the health and wealth gospel circle, Scriptures are ignored and distorted whenever treated to fit this prosperity gospel mold.
     
    #6 TCGreek, Nov 13, 2007
  7. TCGreek

    TCGreek New Member

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    1. The poor members are left wondering what else they have to do to be faithful to earn some more money.

    2. It's like one of those shows I watched sometime back where this couple said that the Lord tol them, after listening to TD Jakes, to sell their house where they were living and move to a bigger house, putting them in more debt, close to a $1mil---Are you kiddin' me?
     
    #7 TCGreek, Nov 13, 2007
  8. christianyouth

    christianyouth New Member

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    I think we both agree, TC, that the health and wealth gospel is a distortion of the Bible's message. :thumbs:
     
    #8 christianyouth, Nov 13, 2007
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