Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, asks:
“How do you define prosperity to make you hate it so much?”
He cites Bishop David Oyedepo, who defines prosperity as “God financially empowering you to meet the needs of a hurting world.” Shuttlesworth agrees with this definition and challenges critics, asking:
“Do you hate that? If God hates prosperity and the devil loves prosperity, how come the Egyptians didn’t bless the Israelites? … When God delivered them, He said, ‘Ask your captors for their silver and their gold. In this way, you will plunder the Egyptians’ (Exodus 3:22).”
Shuttlesworth concludes his defense of financial prosperity with the statement:
“Prosperity empowers people to bless their families and meet the needs of a hurting world. Do you think that’s of the Devil? The Bible is clear on it.”
This blog will respond to these assertions while also offering a biblical definition of prosperity, emphasizing peace with God as the foremost form of prosperity.
Biblical Prosperity: Peace with God
The Bible does speak about prosperity, but its primary focus is not financial. The truest form of prosperity is reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, bringing peace and wholeness to a person’s soul.
Prosperity in Scripture
Spiritual Prosperity: Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” True prosperity begins with peace with God, made possible through Christ’s work on the cross (Rom. 5:1).
Holistic Prosperity: 3 John 2 expresses a desire for believers to prosper in all areas, “just as your soul prospers.” This implies that spiritual health is the foundation of all other forms of well-being.
God’s Provision: Philippians 4:19 assures that God will meet all needs, “according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Prosperity in the biblical sense is God’s provision for our needs—spiritual, physical, and relational—according to His will and purpose.
Prosperity is not merely about financial gain but about living in the fullness of God’s peace, provision, and purpose.
The Israelites and the Plunder of Egypt
Shuttlesworth references Exodus 3:22, where God commands the Israelites to ask the Egyptians for silver and gold during their deliverance. This act, described as “plundering the Egyptians,” demonstrates God’s sovereignty and justice. The wealth given to the Israelites was not for personal indulgence but to prepare them for worship and the establishment of their covenant relationship with God. Much of the gold and silver was later used in constructing the tabernacle (Exod. 25:1-8).
This event reflects God’s provision, not a blanket endorsement of financial prosperity as a universal principle. It highlights that God provides resources to fulfill His purposes, not merely to accumulate wealth.
Who Is Bishop David Oyedepo?
Bishop David Oyedepo is a prominent Nigerian pastor and founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Oyedepo presides over one of the largest megachurch networks globally. His ministry emphasizes faith, prosperity, and healing.
Net Worth and Influence
Oyedepo is reportedly one of the wealthiest pastors in the world, with a net worth estimated at over $150 million. He owns private jets, numerous properties, and operates Covenant University, one of Nigeria’s leading private institutions.
Controversies
Oyedepo has been linked to various scandals, including accusations of financial exploitation and questionable practices around "seed sowing" theology, which emphasizes giving money to receive divine blessings. Critics argue that his teachings sometimes promote materialism over the gospel’s spiritual priorities.
Addressing Shuttlesworth’s Definition of Prosperity
Shuttlesworth’s definition, inspired by Oyedepo, states that prosperity is “God financially empowering you to meet the needs of a hurting world.” While this definition captures an important aspect of stewardship, it overemphasizes financial wealth as the cornerstone of prosperity.
Biblical Critique
Generosity and Stewardship: The Bible calls believers to generosity and meeting the needs of others (2 Cor. 9:6-11), but this is not limited to financial means.
Prosperity in Purpose: True prosperity enables believers to glorify God, serve others, and grow in spiritual maturity, whether they are financially wealthy or not.
Warnings About Wealth: Scripture consistently warns against equating wealth with spiritual success (1 Tim. 6:6-10; Matt. 6:19-21). Jesus Himself modeled a life of simplicity and reliance on God’s provision.
How Should Christians View Prosperity?
Christians should view prosperity as holistic, encompassing peace with God, physical provision, and the ability to serve others. While financial prosperity can be a blessing, it is not the ultimate goal of the Christian life.
Costi Hinn’s Insight
In God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, Costi Hinn critiques the overemphasis on financial prosperity in some ministries, arguing that it distorts the gospel’s message of grace and eternal hope. True prosperity, Hinn notes, is about faithfulness to God and living a life that reflects His glory.
Dr. Michael Brown’s Perspective
Dr. Brown emphasizes that prosperity should never replace Christ as the center of the gospel. He calls for a balanced theology that celebrates God’s blessings without idolizing wealth.
Conclusion: How Should We Define Prosperity?
Prosperity, as defined by Scripture, begins with peace with God and extends to holistic well-being rooted in His provision and purpose. While financial blessings can be part of this, they are secondary to spiritual transformation and eternal life.
Shuttlesworth’s question invites a critical reflection on how we view prosperity. Rather than focusing solely on material wealth, Christians are called to embrace the fullness of God’s blessings and use them to advance His kingdom and serve a hurting world.
Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨
(PhD Student)
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