Sunday 16 September 2001 - Blessing and prosperity?

(Summary of sermon by Rev Wilfred Mabizela)

James 1:25; Ps 1:3

"... this man shall be blessed in his deed."
"... and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

What kind of man is this that prospers in whatsoever he does and is blessed?

In Psalm 1 we see that it is he who delight himself in God's law and God's Word, and does not walk in unrighteous ways, who prospers. Peter also compares this Word of God as a seed that is implanted in a person.

We also find that in Ps 33:12 a nation is blessed who follows God and serves Him

In Ps 122:6, we are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those that love Jerusalem, they shall prosper. We see these blessings of God in America's history. We know that the USA was  founded on God's Word and prayer. Everything they did in building up America from nothing was done by prayer. And we see God's blessing on America up to today. But this is just the good side of America. Unfortunately, they started to forget God. They firstly excluded prayer and Bible reading from their schools in the 60's. And later, they started to abort babies. And we don't know how many millions of babies have already been killed up to today. But, if America itself will also turn from their wicked ways, God will heal and bless them again.

Prosperity and blessing depends on our doing God's Word. That we do not only hear God's Word, but do it. The Lord compares the one who hears God's Word and does it to a wise man who builds his house on the rock. But the one who hears God's Word and does not do it, is compared to a foolish man who builds his house on the sand. We need to hide God's Word in our heart as David in Ps 119:11. But if we hide sin in our heart, we will not prosper as we find in Prov 28:13.

Do you want to prosper? Do you want blessing and prosperity? I am not preaching health, wealth and prosperity. No, true prosperity is when God is on your side, even when the whole world is against you. It might go tough and difficult at times, but you'll have perfect peace and contentment in God. Even as God calls true widows the apple of His eye. How He will guard over them and care for them and He will be as a husband and closest friend to them. This is true prosperity.

Let God be truly your God at all times and hide His Word in your heart and do it. Clean out your life and confess and forsake your sins. Put God's Word into practice in your life, and see what He will do.

(To listen to the sermon in RealAudio click here)