One of the phenomena of the 20th century church, that continues today, is what is referred to as "the prosperity gospel". The basic premise is that if we give more to God (through the particular "ministry"!), then He will "reward" us abundantly. Of course, that is not an offering from a grateful heart, but an investment! Father God is not in that business!
However, the disciple of Jesus does know prosperity, even if not always of a financial nature! Paul writes to the Ephesian believers: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places," (1:3; emphasis added).
Yes, our blessings are spiritual rather than material - and spiritual blessings last! Of course, given our high position in the Christ, it follows that the Father would provide whatever is necessary to accomplish His purposes in and for us.
The "Beatitudes" of Matthew 5:3-12 (please read!) provide a good illustration. Each "blessing" is designed to meet a need or fulfil a desire of God's "chosen" (Eph.1:4). The poor, meek, and persecuted are given ownership in the kingdom. The mournful are given God's special comfort. Those who hunger for righteousness are filled. The merciful will obtain mercy, the pure in heart will see God, and the peacemakers are identified as God's children. The longings of our souls and characters are all met by God.
The practical needs of "knowledge and discretion." are met, too (Eph.1:8). Wisdom is knowledge focused toward useful application, and prudence is the ability to develop successful activities based on wisdom. The Word of God is the source of wisdom (Deut.4:1-6; Prov.1:1-6) and is inspired of God to be "... profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (II Tim.3:16-17).
Furthermore, "He has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of His will," (Eph.1:9). "kept secret" in the days of the Old Testament prophets (see Rom.16:25-26), it is now made clear to us so that "through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. " (Eph.3:10). These spiritual resources are available for every believer "for the common good." (I Cor.12:7). Let us pray that we do not waste these resources like the "wicked and slothful" servant in the parables of the talents and the pounds (Matt.25:26; Luke 19:22).
