There are many strong teachings in the Christian community concerning prosperity. These teachings delve into the area of personal finance and divine health and comes from prominent well known Evangelists that has audiences of thousands of peoples watching them from television, satellites, or go to their crusades.

I am not saying that these people do not believe what they teach but on the contrary it has worked for them as many people tithe to their Ministries in the amount of millions of dollars a year.

Anyone can be sincere about something and still be wrong. I know, because I have been there so many times myself. That is why God gave us his Word. The Bible is God's Word and God says in His Word that He watches over His Word to perform it and that He has actually put His Word above His own name.

Jeremiah 1:12
Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.
Psalms 138:2
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Some people think that they are the only one that they are the only one able to understand scriptures, but the Bible says the Word is for our instruction and that it is not to be used for private interpretation. This is why we are to Study His Word and not be deceived by any type of doctrines that come up. The Bible does not say that you should have other people doing your studying for you. That is Your Job, This is the same with prayer. This does not mean not to listen to others in the Gospel or not to let them pray for you but it is our responsibility to learn God's Word and develop our relationship with Him through Prayer, study, and meditating on His Word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Tim 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Ephesions 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

One of the main prosperity teachings is that if you have enough faith you would be health and wealthy just by what is known as the name it and claim it doctrine.

A lot of people believe this due to the many scriptures that are used in this prosperity teaching, but that is why we have to look at the whole Word of God and not just take portions out of context.

Scripture 1 (2 Corinthians 8:9) says that Jesus was poor for our sake that we may be rich. Sounds good by itself but lets look at this scripture in context. Look at verse 14,This speak of any abundance or left over to be a supply for others and with verse 15 having nothing over and no lack.

2 Corinthians 8:9-15
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Jesus said God would take care of our needs. In case you are wondering, needs is not the same as wants. As you can see in the scriptures below we are supposed to be seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we are not supposed to seeking things. God knows are needs and will take care of them.

Matthew 6:24-34
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Scripture 2 Phil 4:13 & 19 is constantly repeated out of context. Alone they sound very much as prosperity keys. Lets look at them by themselves.

Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:19
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Sounds pretty good that you can do all things. First that's not what it says. It says, "I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST". We already talked about God will provide our needs but first remember that these scriptures are speaking to the active church doing the work they are called to do, not the name it and claim it coach potato sitting at home watching TV and doing nothing. Let's look at these verses in context.

Philippians 4:10-19
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

First they gave a sacrificially to help Paul. Was Paul filthy rich? Look at verse 11 and 12 where He states no matter what state He is in he is content and even when he is lifted up or is down, full or hungry abound or suffering need he can still do all thing through Christ. He was rich in Christ and we will get to that a little later.

Scripture 3 Another scripture taken out of context is that of Romans 8:37 which state We are more than conquerors. Christians almost every where use this scripture along with the one we just talked about in Philippians as a positive confession. I can do all things through Christ and I am more than a conqueror.

Romans 8:32-39
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Looking at this scripture we see that we are more than conqueror "THROUGH CHRIST" but the first part of this verse says "IN ALL these things". What things? Verse 35 says in tribulation, distress persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword and verse 36 says we are accounted as sheep to the slaughter.

If total health and wealth was the true riches that many claim why does the Word talk so much about us going through hard times. Jesus himself said that while in this world WE WILL have hard times (tribulation) and Paul even talks more on this subject.
John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

2 Timothy 3:12
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Mark 4:17
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

Any person living in Christ WILL go through persecution, but Jesus has overcome this world. You see that once you are born again you are no longer of this world. The world will hate you and that is why we must remain in Christ and have fellowship with one another, as we are all part of the same body. Edifying each other esteeming each other better than ourselves and most of all loving one another.

John 17:14-16
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

1 Corinthians 12:12
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Philippians 2:3
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Scripture 4 Tithing. Actually there are many verses used here and that mostly on tithing. This part of doctrine teaches that if you are faithful in giving and have faith you will have an abundance of supply. The first one comes from the Old Testament.

Malachi 3:8-15
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?
15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

The word Tithe means a tenth but many churches use this scripture to promise financial prosperity. That's not what it says first it says in verse 10 that he will pour you a out a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. A blessing may contain money but not necessarily.

This scripture in Malachi is used in many Churches to bring many people under conviction and make them feel guilty about not giving to their Church or Ministry.

The second thing to look at is what type of Tithe is being talked about here, it is the storehouse Tithe. The Storehouse Tithe has different provisions that that of other Tithes.

Deut 14:22-29
22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,
27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:
29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

The Storehouse Tithe was given to the priest that had no salary, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow. In other words the poor that are among you and the pastor that has no salary. Not only that, you and your family eat part of the Tithe with them in a place that the Lord shall choose and the difference between the store house Tithe is that it is every three years when you bring the poor and the pastor not every year. See the differences between verse 22 to verse 28.

Scripture 5 Giving and Receiving. This part of Scripture deals with reaping and sowing and used a lot of times in conjunction with the Tithe. This doctrine speaks of if you give money you will receive money as long as you give cheerfully in Faith. Luke 6:38
Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

In context this scripture is talks about being merciful, forgiving, and not judging or condemning, and giving. The main message is to bear good fruit out of the heart not finances as some may claim.

Luke 6:35-45
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Going to the next scripture that deals with this is that of sowing and reaping which claims that if you sow a lot of money you will reap a lot of money. This is a scripture that is often used along with Malachi in Tithing. When using this scripture most churches talk about Tithing for your future finances, job or any other want at that time and that sacrificially. They usually ask you to make a commitment of paying so much a month on a vow to their church.

2 Corinthians 9:6
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

But what does the scripture say? Look at verse 5 when sowing seed it should not be done for things or covertness and verse 7 says that a man should give that which is from the heart not grudgingly or out of necessity.

If you have a need it isn't something you tithe for. God can not be bought. He is not a Genie that will do as you say if you do things in a certain way. There is no doctrinal formula that will get you what you want. That would be sorcery, which is totally forbidden in the Bible.

2 Corinthians 9:5-15

5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

God does bless His people with many things including finances but it is because it is His will not just ours.
1 John 5:14-15
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
1 John 3:22-24
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

The reason that I mention this is that there is a strong teaching in the church that if we ask we receive as long as it is in faith. In matter of fact part of this teaching is that we should think that we are equal with God.

Philippians 2:5-6
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Putting this verse to the light we see that those who teach this forget to quote the rest of the chapter which says but made himself of no reputation but took on the form of a servant and humbled himself and became obedient unto death. Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:5-10
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Now lets look at what other scriptures say about giving. First lets look at the rich man that came to Jesus
Luke 18:18-27
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Notice in verse 22 that Jesus didn't say give me all your money, or put it in my ministry, or even to give it to the church but to give it to the poor. This will throw a lot of churches in for a loop but the true ministry in this world is to the people that need help not just to make you feel good and have pretty air conditioned buildings with good carpet.

Jesus often gave to the poor.

John 13:29
29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

I want to thank God for many people that teach God's Word on TV. Millions hear the truth. One that was very instrumental in my life was that of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. Kenneth Copeland said not to believe him but look to God's Word. Which I did like I never done before. Last year when listening to Gloria she stated that if all your needs are not met then you are not in God's will and that you were not walking in faith (sincerely wrong). But what does the scripture say?
James 2:5
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

God chose the poor. If God chose them, then it means they are in His will and it also says that they are rich in faith. How can that be? This is where the true riches come into play.

What are true riches? Jesus talked money not being true riches.

Luke 16:9-13
9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

True riches is knowing God, hearing His voice. Fellowship in the Holy Ghost and with each other. It is not things it is the person. You see prosperity comes from knowing God not by trying to manipulate Him to having your way.

How do you like it if you had friends that was always taking and never giving? Sharing and caring for each other. When you pick friends you find those that you enjoy your company and you their company. This is called fellowship. You are there for each other. You help when needed because you care, not because of what you can get out of someone later. You are happy when they are happy and sad when they are sad and have many things in common.

Daniel 11:32
but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

1 John 1:3-4
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

Philippians 2:1
2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

1 Corinthians 1:9
9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Acts 2:42
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 9:31
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

2 Corinthians 13:14
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Acts 4:32
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

True riches is friendship and love, a new born baby, peace, seeing a child play and grow up right before your eyes. The love of a wife or a husband, spending time together. Memories that cannot be replaced. Most of all is KNOWING God, spending time with Him. The love and care He has for us and how much we love him.

We also have freedom in Christ but many people do not understand that freedom. They quote the part of the scripture that says He who the Son sets free is free indeed and And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
But many do not look at the verses above it.

John 8:30-36
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

First these were believers that Jesus told that if you continue in my Word. This condition has to be met before you can be his disciple and know the truth and made free. Not just believing on Jesus brings you to freedom but continuing in His Word starts this process. Lets look at some other scriptures concerning freedom.

Romans 6:16-18
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 8:1-2
8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
1 Corinthians 7:20-23
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

1 Corinthians 9:19
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
1 Peter 2:16
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

We are free in Christ but are also his servants. With this freedom comes responsibility. See 1 Peter 2:16

Now lets look at what God does want us to do concerning giving. Many preachers ask people to give sacrificially not worrying about their own finances but God said to take care of your family first.

1 Timothy 5:8
8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Strong words but that is what the word says and other ministries ask people to make oaths, vows or promises for certain amounts for their ministry in return they get discounts off books, special seats at crusade meetings and other such perks but again what does the word say.

James 2:1-4
2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

A friend of mine invited me to go with him to a Benny Hinn crusade in New Jersey, He had told that he had good seats near the front due to the fact that he was a paying partner into his ministries (He has made a vow to pay a certain amount a month into his ministry).

When we did go, I went separately without the good seats as I thought that it would be wrong. A good half of the service was passing the bucket for money, the other half with testimonies on stage of those that said they were healed without ever a prayer for the sick being made. Many that had come in wheelchairs had left the same way without one prayer. Is this a show? Is there any love? My heart aches for those that are hurting.

The lobbies of these types of crusades are lined up with books and tapes to be purchased so you can get God's anointing or closer to God. Again the word says to by the truth and sell it not, not to make my house a place of merchandise. (Proverbs 23:23 & John 2:15-16)

Matthew 5:33-37
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
James 5:12
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

These acts are all condemned by the word look at James 5:12 where it says above all things. These well meaning preachers are making servants of God's people to their ministries and may bring them into condemnation.

God said to Give to the poor. In matter of fact God says if you give, give to those that can not repay and by giving to the poor you are actually lending to God who gave you the finances to give in the first place.

Luke 14:12-14
12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Proverbs 19:17
17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Isaiah 58:5-8
5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

True riches were explained before but I cannot think of any more joy then giving to those that have a need. The smile on their faces when they know somebody loves them enough to give and share part of their lives with them.

Paul explains one more thing about true riches when he was talking to Timothy.

1 Timothy 6:2-12
2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

You see a lot of people that preach or think that prospering financially or gain is godly do not know what the scripture says. Paul speaks (v 5) that those that think this way, are those we should withdraw ourselves from or in other words avoid.

We must fight the good fight of faith. True riches come from being thankful. Look at verse 6 godliness with contentment is much gain. Be content with what you have. True riches are enjoying the things God has given you. Being content and thankful for what you do have.

That is what Jesus did. He laid down His life for us. We can give because He gave first. For God loved you so much that He gave His only Son, that if you believe in Him you WILL be saved.