The Principles of Prosperity

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 11So many of us are living just to work and working just to live, drawing our breaths and drawing our salaries. But God has a plan for us, and it includes prosperity. While that does not necessarily mean many riches, it does mean financial responsibility and blessing.The eight principles of prosperity, God’s way, are revealed in Ecclesiastes 11.Ecclesiastes 11:1: InvestmentKing Solomon was the wisest man apart from Jesus Christ. Solomon himself was an investor; likewise, Jesus taught us to invest (see Matthew 25). First, we must examine our motive, ensuring we are not feeding our own greed or pride. Then, we should get wise counsel.Ecclesiastes 11:2: DiversificationDon’t invest everything in one place; when it comes to stocks and bonds, we should open ourselves up to new ideas and opportunities.Ecclesiastes 11:3: PreparationSooner or later, we will face unforeseen circumstances; they will catch us off guard if we have not been wise about saving. We can trust in the Lord to provide, while also preparing for a rainy day.Adrian Rogers says, “Faith and prudence are not in competition one with the other.”Ecclesiastes 11:4: VentureThere are never any guarantees in life, but if we don’t sow, we will not reap; sometimes, we have to take the risk. But we must remember, gambling is never a risk worth taking.Ecclesiastes 11:5: TrustThere are some things we don’t know—yet everything is under the sovereign control of Almighty God; we have to trust Him.Ecclesiastes 11:6: WorkThere is no sure formula for wealth. It is good to be honorably employed and earn an honest wage. When done right, work should grant us dignity, joy, and reward.Ecclesiastes 11:7-8: PerspectiveWe are encouraged to enjoy life but remember that bad days are coming; don’t forget that this is not all there is.Ecclesiastes 11:9-10: AccountabilityWe are stewards of the things God has given us, and one day we will stand before God and give an account for what we did with it.Adrian Rogers says, “What you call your own is not yours; you are a steward—a manager. Owners have rights, but stewards have responsibilities.”Apply it to your lifeHave you considered the eight principles of prosperity? Remember them as you prayerfully work through your finances.