Jan 8th 2009
Recently, there have been to a lot of prophecies of wealth transfer and on financial gain. These have their main foundations in the Old Testament.
There is a basic difference we need to understand when passing from the Old to the New in this regard. After Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection the focus drastically changed from material, earthly and temporary to spiritual, heavenly and eternal. This is not to say that focus on the natural things is wrong, however they are not the central focus but occupy a minor part only. Scriptures in the New Testament prove this.
One simple scripture for evaluation of such prophesies is I Timothy 6:3 to 11
If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not consent to wholesome words (those of our Lord Jesus Christ),and to the doctrine according to godliness,
he is proud, knowing nothing. He is sick concerning doubts and arguments, from which comes envy, strife, evil speakings, evil suspicions, meddling, of men whose minds have been corrupted and deprived of the truth, supposing that (financial )gain is godliness. Withdraw from such.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we can carry nothing out. But having food and clothing, we will be content. But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which plunge men into destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is a root of all evils of which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But you, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.
Here are a few questions that need to be asked in regards to such prophecies.
Does a ministry given to such prophecies meet the scriptural requirements here or does it have an unhealthy inclination to money and wealth? Is there an unhealthy focus on the natural than the eternal? When the foundations are wrong then the fruit that is produced in every other regard tend to be wrong also.
A few more specific questions. Is the prophecy given to a discontent group of people? Is it portraying Godliness as a means of financial gain? Personally has a prophecy like that produced contentment in you (the hearers) or has it induced you (the hearers) into wanting more (greed)? If the questions asked here cannot be answered in a positive light, then those words are likely false.
This shouldn’t close us to the truth that God intends to bless His people financially. We are talking in the context were several basic fundamentals are ignored and money and wealth is pursued.
Another important area worth looking into is in regards to morals. Somehow we have come to the conclusion that God’s view on sin has changed in the New Testament. God’s view on sin remains the same. It’s just that Jesus has taken the consequence of our sins and is interceding on our behalf. The blood of Jesus is readily available if we error. This makes a big difference in regards to a person in Christ. However this is not a license to sin. God expects (wants) us to leave sin when we stumble. He hates sin!
I will be bold enough and say that any prophesy of blessing given to a group of people (who don’t intend to leave their sin) is not from God. In an extreme case, as an exception; even if there is a prophecy as such from God, then it would lead them to repentance at some point.
There are groups of people who struggle in sin but yet intend to walk right before God. God’s Love is revealed to such as according to their circumstance and situation. The above thoughts don’t relate to this situation
If we can properly apply (with understanding) scripture to a situation we can prophesy.
In reading scriptures we see that when people followed specific Biblical principles they prospered. If they failed to obey God or continued in sin they faced the consequences of their actions.
So, if a person is applying Biblical principles in his life or on the other hand is continuing in sin or disobedience we can predict the out comes in their life, when we understand the Biblical outcomes behind those situations.
By this, we can discern the pathway ahead. This can be applied in our own individual lives also in determining our future also.
