In this discourse, we elucidate the fundamental principle that "God blesses you so you can bless others." This assertion serves as the cornerstone of our exploration into the notion that prosperity is inherently purpose-driven rather than self-centered. We delve into the scriptural basis, particularly Genesis 12:2-3, which conveys that divine blessings are bestowed not for personal gain but to enable individuals to extend their influence and support to others. Through illustrative narratives and incisive arguments, we confront the pervasive tendencies of selfishness that can afflict our perceptions of prosperity. Ultimately, we are called to reassess our motivations and engage in actions that reflect a commitment to serving a greater purpose, thereby affirming that true blessing is realized through the act of giving and uplifting those around us.

Takeaways:

1. The essence of prosperity lies not in self-indulgence, but in being a conduit for blessings to others.
2. God's blessings are intended to flow outward, creating impact rather than being hoarded for personal gain.
3. When we align our financial increase with our divine assignment, we foster a culture of generosity and service.
4. The biblical principle teaches that true fulfillment comes from serving others, not from the pursuit of fame or materialism.

Brothers and sisters, welcome, welcome, welcome.

Today we're starting a series that will rescue people from a very popular trap.

A trap that sounds holy but it's selfish.

A trap that sounds like faith, but it's pride.

This series that we're starting is called it's not about you.

And the subtitle is Prosperity is not self Centered.

Now listen, we're not here on a condemnation mission.

We're here on a correction mission.

Because correction is love in work clothes.

And if God is going to prosper you, he must first purify your motives.

Because if your heart is crooked, money won't make it right.

Money will make it louder.

Can I get an amen?

Let's open with scripture.

In Genesis 12, 2, 3, I will make you into a great nation.

And I will bless you and you will be a blessing.

And all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Brothers and sisters, did you catch that?

God didn't just say I, I'll bless you.

God said I'll bless you and you will be a blessing.

That means blessing has a direction.

Blessing must move.

Picture a taxi rank.

Early morning.

It's cold.

People are standing in a long queue.

A gogo is counting coins slowly.

The student is checking data.

Unes is watching the time because if she's late, the whole ward suffers.

A security guard is scanning the crowd.

Now imagine taxi driver pulls up right next to the queue.

But this is not a normal taxi.

This taxi is clean, it's warm, it's got space, it's got seats.

And people look and think, yo, yo, yo, thank you Lord, this one is for us.

But then the driver says something crazy.

He says ay, no no no.

This taxi is only for me.

I don't want passengers.

I just like sitting inside it by myself.

Now tell me, what would you say to that man?

You'd say, boss, are you okay?

Because a taxi is not built to be a lounge.

A taxi is built to carry people.

And here's the tension.

Some of us are treating God's blessings like a lounge when God intended it to be a vehicle.

And if you keep the taxi for yourself, people stay stranded and you start becoming strange.

Here's a big idea.

Simple enough for a child, heavy enough for a grown man.

God blesses you so you can bless others.

Say it with me.

I am blessed to be a blessing.

Can I get an amen?

Lets break Genesis 12 down like we're sitting in the lounge at home.

God speaks to Abraham.

Abraham.

Later, Abraham.

God calls him out.

God promises him blessing.

But God doesn't Promise blessing so Abraham can become a celebrity.

God promises blessings so Abraham can become a channel.

God is basically saying, I will put something on your life that will touch families, nations and generations.

And by the way, this is how the Bible works.

Jesus became known because he obeyed the Father, not because he chased fame.

David became known because he fought the battle assigned to him, not because he loved attention.

Joseph became known because he stayed faithful in prison, not because he networked.

Assignment first, attention later.

Now let's go into a bit of a debating mode.

Simple and sharp.

God's prosperity is not self centered.

It is purpose centered.

But some people may say, but I suffered, I deserve to enjoy and God must bless me.

For me, yes, God is a father.

Yes, he provides.

Amen.

But the first prosperity promise we see clearly includes a mission.

You will be a blessing.

The Bible does not teach.

God will lift you so you can look down.

The Bible says, God will lift you so you can lift others.

Blessing is not the finish line.

Blessing is the tool.

Stop praying only Lord, increase me.

Start praying, Lord, assign me.

And then align your money with your mission.

Here are three main points to consider.

Point 1.

Blessing has a direction.

Blessing is not a dead end.

It's a road.

It must lead somewhere.

Imagine if your salary increases.

It's not only for trip.

It's also for stability, for debt to decrease, for your home to breathe, for your family to rise and for someone else to eat.

Blessing must move.

Point 2.

Prosperity without purpose becomes a poison.

Now if money only feeds ego, it doesn't bless you, it becomes poison.

Now you've seen people get money and become rude.

They get money and become proud.

They get money and forget where they came from.

They get money and start treating people like furniture.

If it's only for me, it will break me.

Say that with me.

If it's only for me, it will break me.

And point three.

Assignment before attention.

God makes people known when they carry what he sent them to do.

You can reference John 6:38 and Philippians 2:9 11 in any sport.

Who gets selected?

Not the guy who talks big, the guy who trains, the guy who is disciplined.

The guy who plays the team plan.

Same with life.

If you obey the assignment, God can trust you with influence.

Repeat this line.

Do the assignment and God handles the spotlight.

Let me talk to you straight.

Some of you are praying for increase, but you ignore instruction.

Some of you want overflow, but you don't manage what you have.

Some of you shout blessing, but your life is shouting self.

And hear this line, write it down.

Not blessing for bragging, but blessing for building.

Y' all don't hear me?

Not blessing for bragging, but blessing for building.

And this is where it gets real.

In your mind, in your mouth, in your money.

God must be first let me ask you if God doubled your income today, would you give double or only your lifestyle?

Who is better because you are blessed?

Name them.

And if your blessing stopped this month, would anyone feed it besides you?

Are you a pipeline or a pocket?

Here's what breakthrough obedience looks like.

Simple and practical.

Do a blessing direction list Home debt giving, saving and impact Track your spending for seven days every rand.

No lies.

Choose one person or family to bless this month.

Groceries, a taxi fare, airtime or school fees.

Start a basic budget.

Income minus needs minus giving minus saving.

Cut flex spending for 30 days.

Takeaways, impulse buys and just because and serve somewhere weekly church or a community.

Pray this prayer daily.

Lord make me useful, not just comfortable.

Let us cross examine the heart.

Answer these questions honestly without any pretense.

1.

When you say God bless me, what do you picture impact or upgrades?

2.

What do you spend on looking good?

What do you spend on looking good versus doing good?

3.

Are you hiding selfishness behind the word self care?

4.

What purchase controls your mood?

5. Who did you bless in the last 30 days?

Practically 6.

I are you faithful with small money or only dreaming of big money?

7.

What assignment have you been postponing if your child copies?

8.

If your child copies your money habits, will they be proud and will you be proud?

9.

What do you need to stop buying immediately?

10.

What must change this week?

Specific not one day.

Here's your 7 day assignment.

Simple and measurable for the next 7 days.

Track every rand you spent.

Give something intentional to someone in need.

Set one boundary.

No flex spending.

Serve with your time or skill at least once.

Then write one sentence at the end of the week.

I am blessed to be a blessing by doing not thoughts, not vibes, action receipts.

Let us pray.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we repent for our selfish motives.

Forgive us for turning blessing into a mirror instead of omission.

Your word says you bless us so we can be a blessing.

So today we surrender our money, our desires and our plans to you.

Give us wisdom to steward.

Give us discipline to budget.

Give us courage to obey.

Break greed in us.

Break comparison in us.

Make our hands clean and our hearts soft.

Increase us for impact so homes are strengthened, debts are reduced and people are helped.

Use us Lord.

Assign us and Let your name be honoured through our lives.

In Jesus name.

Amen.

Some of you are binding demons, but the real demon is called Atticat.

And don't tell me you're waiting for millions to give.

You can't even share airtime.

Don't be stingy.

And blessing is not an Instagram caption.

Blessing is a responsibility.

Brothers and sisters, the next message.

Your hands are a pipeline, not a museum.

Because God doesn't bless statues, he blesses channels.

Stay ready, stay humble, stay obedient.