The primary assertion of this discourse revolves around the notion that the provisioning of wealth and the capacity to relish it, as delineated in Ecclesiastes 5:19, is unequivocally a divine gift rather than a source of guilt or shame. We embark on an exploration aimed at dispelling two pernicious fallacies that have ensnared believers: the extreme reverence of money as an ultimate entity and the misguided belief in its inherent evil. Instead, we propose a paradigm of biblical prosperity, characterized by purposeful provision, integrity in increase, wisdom in wealth, and a spirit of gratitude in enjoyment. Through this lens, we shall examine the intrinsic value of work as an act of worship when anchored in divine sovereignty, as well as the understanding that money functions as a tool rather than a throne. Ultimately, we encourage a life of stewardship that embraces enjoyment without guilt, thereby fostering a holistic understanding of prosperity that aligns with divine intentions. The discourse presented elucidates the profound theological insights found within the book of Ecclesiastes, particularly concerning the dichotomy of wealth and enjoyment. The speaker delineates the two pernicious lies that plague believers: the exaltation of money to the status of a deity and the vilification of it as inherently evil. By invoking Ecclesiastes 5:19, the message asserts that wealth, when accompanied by the capacity to relish it, is an unequivocal gift from God. This perspective reframes the narrative around financial prosperity, challenging the notion that material abundance is synonymous with spiritual depravity. Hence, the sermon advocates for a balanced approach to prosperity, one that fosters gratitude rather than guilt. The exposition further explores the concept of work as an act of worship, emphasizing that toil itself is not a divine curse but rather an integral aspect of God's design for humanity. The speaker passionately argues against the modern misconception that work is inherently oppressive, instead suggesting that diligent labor, when approached with a heart dedicated to the Lord, transforms mundane tasks into sacred offerings. This transformative view of work is reinforced by scriptural references that promote diligence as a pathway to prosperity, illustrating that true fulfillment arises from a purpose-driven life rather than from fear or compulsion. Ultimately, the sermon culminates in a clarion call for believers to embrace their financial stewardship responsibly. It delineates practical steps for achieving biblical prosperity, urging listeners to eschew both shame and greed, develop skills, and practice generosity. By framing wealth as a tool rather than a throne, the message empowers believers to navigate their financial journeys with integrity and purpose, thereby exemplifying a life that honors God through both material success and spiritual authenticity.

Takeaways:

• The dual misconceptions that money is everything and money is evil hinder believers' spiritual empowerment.
• Ecclesiastes teaches that wealth and the ability to enjoy it are divine gifts meant for believers.
• Work is not a curse but part of God's design, meant to be fulfilling and purposeful.
• Biblical prosperity encompasses God-given increase and integrity, orienting wealth towards divine purposes.
• Rejecting shame and greed is essential for healthy stewardship and a balanced view of prosperity.
• Character is revealed by how we handle wealth; diligence and generosity are marks of true prosperity.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Ecclesiastes 5:90
• Ecclesiastes 5:19
• 1 Timothy 6:17
• Colossians 3:23
• Ecclesiastes 2:24
• Ecclesiastes 5:10
• Proverbs 10:4
• Proverbs 21:5
• Deuteronomy 8:18

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil, this is a gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 5:90.

Brothers and sisters, today we are going to correct two dangerous lies that have robbed believers of power.

Lie number one, money is everything.

Lie number two, money is evil.

Both are demonic extremes.

One makes money your God, the other makes poverty your identity.

But Ecclesiastes steps in with a balanced, spirit filled truth.

When God gives a person wealth and the ability to enjoy it, that is a gift, not a curse, not guilt, not shame, a gift of God.

God is not glorified by your suffering if your suffering is sponsored by disobedience and laziness.

Now listen before someone misunderstands me.

We are not preaching greed.

We are preaching biblical prosperity.

Provision with purpose, increase with integrity, wealth with wisdom and enjoyment with gratitude.

As we continue our series on the book of Ecclesiastes with the second message, the gift of God.

Work, wealth and enjoyment without guilt.

Let me tell you something that happens a lot in church.

A believer works hard, they pray, they develop skill, they get promoted, they start earning well.

But when they finally buy something decent, a reliable car, a better home, a family holiday, they feel guilty, like God is angry with them for enjoying his blessing.

And then there is another believer.

Same blessing.

But they become proud, loud, stingy, arrogant and careless.

So what happens?

One side lives in shame, the other lives in idolatry.

Ecclesiastes says there is a narrow road.

Enjoyment without guilt, wealth, worship, work without slavery, and prosperity without pride.

Point number one of the message God gives power to enjoy.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 says, God gives wealth and possessions and also the ability to enjoy them.

That second one is massive because some people have money but no peace.

They have assets but no joy.

They have access but no rest.

So God doesn't just want to bless your pockets, he wants to bless your soul.

And listen carefully.

Enjoyment is not sin.

Ingratitude is sin.

Idolatry is sin.

Pride is sin.

Greed is sin.

But you receive God's provision with thanksgiving.

Now that's sin.

That's worship.

1 Timothy 6:17 says, God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

There it is.

God provides for enjoyment.

Some of you think God wants you depressed to prove you are spiritual.

Like holiness is a sad face and a broken kettle.

No, my brother, no my sister.

God is not allergic to your smile.

If God gave it, don't call it evil.

If God didn't give it, don't call it yours.

Our second Point.

For the message is, work is worship when God is Lord.

Now let's talk about work.

Because Ecclesiastes is honest about toil.

Ecclesiastes 2:24 says, A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil.

This too is from the hand of God.

Work is not a curse.

Work became hard after the fall, yes, but work itself is part of God's design.

The problem is not work.

The problem is slavery disguised as ambition.

Some people are not productive.

They're oppressed.

They don't rest because they're afraid or they're afraid.

They're afraid of falling behind.

They're afraid of being nothing.

They are afraid of not being seen.

But Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord.

That means your office can be an altar, your craft can be worship, your excellence can be praise.

Stop saying, I'm just a. I'm just a driver.

I'm just a nurse.

I'm just a student.

I'm just a cleaner.

No, no, no.

If God is your boss, then your work is your ministry.

When God is your boss, excellence becomes your language.

Point number three of the message.

Money is a tool, not a throne.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, Whoever loves money never has enough.

My, my, my.

Notice that again, loves money.

Money is not the villain.

Money is a magnifier.

It reveals what is already inside.

If you are generous without money, you'll be generous with money.

If you are proud without money, you'll be proud with money.

If you are lustful without money, you'll be lustful with money.

So prosperity doesn't automatically make you better, it makes you louder.

And Jesus made it plain, you cannot serve both God and money.

So what is biblical prosperity?

It is not.

I have money, therefore I am blessed.

No.

The devil can give money.

Fraud can give money.

Corruption can't give money.

Inheritance can't give money.

Biblical prosperity is God given increase and a God governed character for God directed purpose.

Deuteronomy 8:18 says, Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.

Meaning wealth is not your identity, it is your assignment.

Money is a servant.

The moment it becomes a master, it becomes a monster.

Now here are some applicable lessons for practical stewardship.

Let's see how we live this out.

1.

Reject shame and reject greed.

If you feel guilty for being blessed, that's not humility, that's confusion.

If you feel entitled to be blessed, that's not faith.

That's pride.

2.

Learn skill and wisdom.

Proverbs 10:4 says, lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring.

Well, let me say it plainly.

You can pray and still be lazy.

You can fast and still be undisciplined.

God blesses diligence.

God blesses wisdom.

God blesses stewardship.

3.

Build systems, budget, save, invest wisely.

Avoid debt traps.

Prosperity is not a miracle you wait for.

It's a stewardship you build.

4.

Practice generosity.

The clearest proof money is not your God is that you can release it.

Give support, build help, fund the kingdom.

If you can't tithe when you're small, you won't suddenly become holy when you're big.

Character doesn't appear with increase.

Character is revealed by increase.

Let's correct a lie.

Struggle is not proof of righteousness.

Some struggle is warfare.

Yes.

Some struggle is training.

Yes.

But some struggle is disobedience.

If you keep making foolish decisions and then spiritualizing the consequences.

That's not a season, that's a cycle.

Proverbs 21:5 says, the plans of the diligent lead to profit.

So hear me.

Stop calling laziness, waiting on God.

No, no, no.

Stop calling procrastination.

The Lord hasn't released me.

Stop calling disorder.

I am trusting God.

God is not mocked.

A man reaps what he sows.

Faith without diligence is religious wishing.

But listen.

God's heart is not to condemn you.

God's heart is to correct you so he can increase you.

Say this with me, Lord.

Give me clean prosperity.

Give me wisdom with wealth.

Give me joy without guilt.

Make me a steward, not a slave.

Increase me for your kingdom.

Here are some questions that we can reflect on.

1.

Do I secretly believe God is more pleased with me when I struggle?

Why?

2.

If God doubled my income, what would it reveal about my character, generosity or ego?

3.

Am I working from purpose or am I working from fear and compulsion?

4.

What systems do I need to build?

Budget, discipline, skill, mentorship.

To honour God with increase.

5.

Can God trust me with wealth without losing me to wealth?

Let us pray.

Father, in the name of Jesus.

We thank you that you are not a poor God.

You are the owner of heaven and earth.

Forgive us for idolizing money.

Forgive us for fearing money.

Forgive us for shame around blessing and pride our own success.

Lord, teach us to work with excellence.

Teach us to steward with wisdom.

Teach us to enjoy with gratitude.

Teach us to give with joy.

We ask you for biblical prosperity.

Increase that does not corrupt us.

Wealth that does not harden us and success that does not steal our souls.

Make us disciplined, make us diligent, make us wise, make us generous.

And let our lives prove that you can bless a person and still keep them holy.

In Jesus name.

Amen.

Brothers and sisters, that was message two, the gift of God.

In the next message, we finish the book strong.

The final conclusion, Fear God.

Finish strong and leave a legacy.

Because prosperity without the fear of the Lord is just vanity with better packaging.