There is no doubt that biblical obedience unlocks blessings. After all, the Bible gives us a framework for understanding that God is generous with those who revere Him and obey His commandments. In fact, throughout scripture, some stories are helpful examples of how following God’s instructions can result in immense blessings.
For example, think of the story of Abram (Abraham), whose obedience was rewarded with land and descendants more numerous than stars in the sky. Looking back through scripture teaches us that obedience brings true blessing from the Lord.
Table of Contents
- A Closer Look at Christian Obedience to God
- The Power of Obedience
- A Better Covenant
- Here’s Why Obedience Unlocks Blessings
- Recap
- Prosperity Principle 1 – Seek God
- Prosperity Principle 2 – Obey God
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Prosperity Gospel
- Outsmart the False Teachers
A Closer Look at Christian Obedience to God
OBEYING GOD IS the 2nd Prosperity Principle. In the previous lesson, I explained that ancient Israel practiced obedience to God by following the commandments of the Mosaic Law. A condition of the Law was that ancient Israel would be blessed for its obedience to the Law. This shows us that there is a direct link between obedience and blessings.
Since Christians are not under the Mosaic Law (or Law of Moses), we must ask this question:
How do Christians obey God?
What law and commandments must Christians follow to receive blessings or to prosper?
The Power of Obedience
In answering these questions, we must first understand that, in essence, a commandment is an instruction. The Most High gives you instructions. And how do you discover what those commandments (or instructions) are?
Hebrews 8:10
This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people (NIV).
Let’s put this verse in context.
In chapter 8, the author explains that the Mosaic Law is flawed. God found fault with the Law.
Hebrews 8:7-8, KJV
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
Thus, it was necessary to establish a New Covenant. By establishing the New Covenant, the old covenant (or Mosaic Law) is no longer necessary.
A Better Covenant
Hebrews 8:13, KJV
17 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
God establishes a New Covenant (or New Testament) through Jesus Christ, and according to scripture, God considers the New Covenant a better covenant. And unlike the Mosaic Law, which was written in stone, the commandments of the New Covenant) are written in your heart.
Although the Book of Hebrews author speaks to ancient Hebrews, scripture clarifies that the New Covenant extended to Gentiles (or non-Hebrews). Thus, as a Christian, you are under the New Covenant, and the laws/commandments (or instructions) of this covenant are also written on your heart.
In essence, the author of Hebrews explains that each person will know God in a personal, intimate way. In other words, knowing God is no longer based on following the Mosaic Law but on a personal relationship with The Most High.
Hebrews 8:11, NIV
No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
So, what does this mean?
Here’s Why Obedience Unlocks Blessings
It means God placed his laws, commandments (or instructions) in your heart and mind. Everything you need, want, or desire is already inside of you.
You possess everything you need to live a prosperous life. And the way you manifest prosperity is by applying the Prosperity Principle of Obeying God and the other two principles: Seeking God and Serving God.
The Most High gives you commandments (or instructions) in the form of ideas, gut feelings, hunches, intuition, insights, desires, etc. The purpose of these commandments (or instructions) is to keep you on a righteous path because the righteous path is where you will receive your blessings and your prosperity.
The principle of obedience is at the heart of the Mosaic Law. As long as ancient Israel followed the commandments of the Mosaic Law, God blessed them. Even though the Mosaic Law does not apply to Christians, the spiritual principle of obedience still remains, which is…
Obedience = Blessings.
To obey God, you must know God’s voice.
Have you ever had that “Something told me…” experience? Well, that “Something told me” is the voice of The Most High. That was God giving you instruction. This is just one of the many ways God speaks to you.
A commandment (or instruction) should be followed by action (or obedience).
James 1:22-25, NIV
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Recap
Prosperity Principle 1 – Seek God
You can seek God through prayer, meditation, and fasting. These practices will help you tap into the God within you. They will also help you hear the voice of God. Over time, you will develop the ability to recognize God’s voice and the different ways God speaks to you.
Prosperity Principle 2 – Obey God
Every act of obedience is preceded by instruction. God gives you instructions. In essence, these instructions are the commandments that replaced the Mosaic Law commandments. These instructions are ingrained in your heart and mind. They are the keys to your prosperity. They are like signs that guide you down the righteous path of prosperity.
Next, I will discuss Prosperity Principle 3 – Serve God.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Prosperity Gospel
What Is the True Meaning of Prosperity Gospel?
The Prosperity Gospel, often called the “health and wealth” gospel, is a theological belief that God rewards faith with financial prosperity and good health. Proponents of this teaching assert that positive confessions, faith, and tithing will increase one’s material wealth and well-being.
What Is a Prosperity Gospel Church?
A Prosperity Gospel church is a Christian congregation that teaches that God desires to bless believers with material wealth and physical well-being in direct response to their faith, positive confessions, and tithing to the church.
These churches emphasize scriptures related to blessings and prosperity while promoting the idea that financial giving, or “sowing seeds,” will lead to increased material benefits or “harvests” in return.
What Are Other Terms for Prosperity Gospel?
The Prosperity Gospel is also frequently referred to as the “health and wealth” gospel, the “name it and claim it” theology, or the “blab it and grab it” doctrine. These terms reflect the belief central to this theology: God desires to reward believers with material riches and physical well-being in response to their faith and positive declarations.
Another associated term is the “Word of Faith” movement, which encompasses more than just the Prosperity Gospel. However, there is a focus on speaking positive confessions and declarations. The teachings of the Prosperity Gospel and its various offshoots remain controversial within the broader Christian community.
Outsmart the False Teachers
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