Arguments for prosperity gospel

Question

Prosperity gospel, as I understand it, is the teaching that God wants to bless us with wealth and health. I can't really see this in the Bible. For example, Paul writes in 2 Cor 12:7-10 (ESV):

⁷ So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. ⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Or, looking at what Jesus has said:

Matt 22:10 (ESV) and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

John 15:20 (ESV) Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

What arguments (biblical or otherwise) can be used to support prosperity gospel? What does prosperity theology say about passages such as the ones I cited?

Answer 1

Some verses the prosperity gospel are built on are:

John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Philippians 4:19 NIV And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

3 John 1:2 NIV Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

While I believe these all do say that Christ's death does allow us to have good in this life, I don't believe they should be our only focus. As mentioned in your question, there are many verses which say we will also face adversity.

I also believe that the life and prosperity God wants for us is most likely not the prosperity of riches and glory on this earth that is being offered in this movement.

I do not pay too much attention to those that preach only prosperity, because it often seems dry and lacking to me. I am just guessing, but I would bet that they avoid the passages you provide. It just wouldn't make people feel good to know that they might have problems. And of course, when people don't feel good, then it just causes more problems, so that wouldn't be good, right?

Answer 2

The main argument as I see it, for the "Prosperity Gospel", comes from the Old Testament. So prayer of Jabez is an example - but this is a flawed application of the prayer of Jabez.

Blessing in the Old Testament is physical. Faithfulness to God, by David, Solomon, Job, Abraham, Jacob etc were was rewarded by having many posessions. The old testament prophets speak of how much physical blessing will ensue if you following God.

However, the New Testament redefines blessing to be spiritual, blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1).

The prayer of Jabez is a prayer calling on God to fulfil his promises - as they were then - That Jabez would enjoy blessing on earth and that the territory promised him would be given to him.

The N.T extends God's promises beyond the mere physical to the eternal.

Answer 3

One reference is from the Prayer of Jabez

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Personal note: I think it is quite a reach to go from asking God for success to expecting success, fame, fortune, etc. We should remember that we are under Grace, so we can't demand from or trade with God for anything. When He answers prayer, that's a bonus.