Are Offerings Part of a Financial Reward System? Question 27.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, argues that offerings are part of a financial reward system instituted by God. He cites 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, Ephesians 6:8, and Mark 10:28-30, claiming that giving in faith guarantees a multiplied return, including financial enrichment.

While partially grounded in Scripture, this perspective oversimplifies and distorts biblical teachings on generosity, stewardship, and the nature of blessings.

This blog critically evaluates Shuttlesworth’s claims, examining his interpretation of key passages and providing a biblically and theologically sound understanding of offerings and their rewards.

1. Shuttlesworth’s Claims About Offerings

Claim 1: Giving Guarantees Financial Rewards

Shuttlesworth asserts that giving is part of a transactional system where offerings result in personal financial gain.

Biblical Passages Cited

1. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (v. 6).

   
   

   • This passage emphasizes the blessings of generosity but focuses on the heart and purpose of giving rather than a promise of wealth.

     
     

2. Ephesians 6:8: “Because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”

   
   

   • Paul highlights the principle of eternal rewards, not guaranteed material returns.

     
     

3. Mark 10:28-30: “‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus replied, ‘no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.’”

   
   

   • Jesus promises blessings to those who sacrifice for the Kingdom, but these blessings include spiritual, relational, and material aspects, often intertwined with challenges and suffering.

     
     

2. Theological Analysis

Does the Bible Teach a Financial Reward System?

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping

1. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7:

   • Paul teaches that God blesses generosity but does not promise wealth as a reward. The emphasis is on cheerful, voluntary giving as an act of worship.

     
     

2. Galatians 6:7-10: “A man reaps what he sows… Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

   
   

   • The principle of sowing and reaping applies broadly to spiritual, relational, and material aspects but does not guarantee financial gain.

     
     

The Nature of Blessings

1. Spiritual vs. Material Rewards:

   • The New Testament prioritizes spiritual rewards and eternal treasures over earthly wealth.

   • Matthew 6:19-20: Jesus teaches believers to store up treasures in heaven, focusing on eternal blessings.

     
     

2. Contentment in All Circumstances:

   • Philippians 4:11-13: Paul learned to be content in both abundance and need, emphasizing reliance on Christ rather than material wealth.

     
     

Does Mark 10 Promise a Hundredfold Return?

Shuttlesworth interprets Jesus’ promise in Mark 10:28-30 as a guarantee of financial multiplication.

Contextual Analysis

1. Relational and Spiritual Blessings:

   • Jesus’ promise includes homes, family, and fields, but it also mentions persecutions, highlighting the challenges of discipleship.

   • The focus is on the communal and relational benefits of following Christ, not a literal financial return.

     
     

2. Eternal Perspective:

   • The ultimate reward is eternal life, pointing to spiritual and eternal blessings rather than immediate material wealth.

     
     

Critical Insight

Shuttlesworth’s interpretation risks distorting the text by presenting it as a formula for financial gain. Jesus’ teaching emphasizes sacrifice, faith, and eternal rewards, not guaranteed material abundance.

3. Misrepresenting the Biblical Purpose of Giving

The Heart of Giving

1. Cheerful Generosity:

   • 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

     
     

     • Giving is an act of worship motivated by gratitude, not a means to manipulate God.

       
       

2. Supporting the Needy:

   • Acts 2:45: The early church sold possessions to meet the needs of others, reflecting selflessness and community care.

     
     

Warnings Against Greed

1. Dangers of Wealth:

   • 1 Timothy 6:9-10: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires.”

   • The Bible warns against viewing financial gain as a measure of faith or blessing.

     
     

2. Exploitation of the Vulnerable:

   • Matthew 23:14: Jesus condemns religious leaders who exploit others for financial gain, a caution against manipulative fundraising tactics.

     
     

4. Evaluating Shuttlesworth’s Argument

Transactional Theology

Shuttlesworth’s emphasis on financial rewards risks promoting a transactional view of faith, where giving is seen as a means to secure personal gain.

Biblical Response

1. Faithful Stewardship:

   • Luke 16:10: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

     
     

     • Stewardship is about faithfulness, not accumulation.

       
       

2. Eternal Treasures:

   • Colossians 3:1-2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

     
     

Exploiting Scripture

Shuttlesworth selectively interprets Scripture to support prosperity theology, ignoring the broader biblical emphasis on humility, sacrifice, and eternal rewards.

Conclusion: Are Offerings Part of a Financial Reward System?

Offerings are a biblical practice rooted in worship, gratitude, and generosity. While Scripture affirms that God blesses faithful giving, these blessings are not always material or financial. Shuttlesworth’s teaching distorts the biblical purpose of offerings by presenting them as a means to secure financial gain.

The Bible calls believers to give cheerfully and sacrificially, trusting in God’s provision and prioritizing eternal treasures over earthly wealth. True prosperity is found in faithfulness to Christ and alignment with His Kingdom purposes, not in the pursuit of financial rewards.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)