THE DAY OF PROSPERITY
A. "IN THE DAY OF PROSPERITY BE JOYFUL" - Eccl. 7:14
  1. Among the varied excellent qualities of a Christian is the ability of adoption and adjustment to all circumstances and conditions in this life:
    1. Paul was a master in this - "I have all and abound" - Phil. 4:11-13; "I am made all things to all men" - 1 Cor. 9:22
    2. John had to learn this lesson - Acts 13:13
  2. Prosperity, its blessings and dangers are a very timely subject:
    1. To some, a state of success in the undertaking of an enterprise is considered prosperity - Luke 12:16
    2. Possession of material wealth or gains is looked upon, by some, as prosperity.
    3. Spiritual frugality can be considered real and abiding prosperity - 3 John 2.
    4. Growth in grace and usefulness is an indication of true prosperity.
    5. Promotion from lesser to greater responsibility and trust is a major element of prosperity - Gen. 39:1- 6
  3. Elements or essentials for prosperity:
    1. There must be a measure of competency -
      1. A successful farmer is one who is able to get a maximum result out of his farming.
      2. That is true of any profession.
    2. A state of health, body, soul, and spirit, is a must for one to enjoy the day of prosperity - 3 John 2
    3. Peace of mind and the favor of the Lord are imperative to true prosperity - Luke 1:30
    4. The interchange of true friendship with other people is another must to be truly happy. Think of some who possessed material wealth but were miserable -
      1. The prodigal's brother - Luke 15:28
      2. Nabal the fool - 1 Sam. 25:1-38
      3. The rich young ruler is still another case to remember - Matt. 19:16-22
B. THE DAY OF PROSPERITY, ITS PRIVILEGES AND ITS SNARES
  1. Its privileges:
    1. Be joyful and happy -
      1. God gives us of the abundance of the material things of life to enjoy them.
    2. He provided ancient Israel with a set time when they were to rejoice and be happy - Deut. 14:23-26
    3. Such joy should be a special occasion to give thanks and praise to Him who gives power to have riches - Eph. 5:20; Deut. 8:18 EXAMPLES -
      1. David set a good example of gratitude to God for all material blessings - 1 Chron. 29:11-17
      2. Let us ponder his statement in Ps. 116:12
  2. Snares of prosperity:
    1. A prosperous man is tempted to forget God - Luke 12:19; Prov. 30:7-9
    2. "If riches increase, set not your heart upon them" - Ps. 62:10
    3. "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall" - Prov. 11:28
    4. Pride is one of the dangers that prosperity may bring - Dan. 4:30
    5. Worldliness or conformity to the world are definitely to be guarded against - 1 John 2:15, 16
    6. Earthly or carnal mindedness is still another danger we must guard against - Jas. 5:1-9
    7. But most of all, if we are not careful, we may lose our own soul - Matt. 16:26; 19:16-22
  3. Moderation is in place:
    1. "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." Phil. 4:5
    2. Prosperity, in itself, is no evil; it is a blessing, if used rightly - EXAMPLE -
      1. Abraham was very wealthy, and God wanted it that way; but Lot, who also was wealthy, used it the wrong way, and it was against him.
    3. If the day of prosperity comes to us, let us rejoice on it, and use the power given to us to the glory of God.


Design © John Bryant 2011