Introduction
The subject of prosperity vs materialism has become one of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in the Body of Christ today. While the Bible undeniably teaches prosperity as part of God’s covenant blessing upon His people, much of what is preached today as the “prosperity gospel” has drifted from its apostolic foundation and has become entangled with the spirit of materialism.
There is a vast difference between Kingdom prosperity and worldly materialism. True prosperity flows from covenant relationship with God and serves Kingdom purpose, whereas materialism exalts self, greed, and the lust of the eyes, leading believers away from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. See also my book on Dominion in your Giving.
1. The Apostolic Foundation of Prosperity
God’s desire has always been to prosper His people. From the beginning, man was placed in a garden of abundance and dominion.
“Genesis 2:8–9 (NKJV) – The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed…”
Prosperity, therefore, began as part of God’s intent for stewardship — not self-indulgence. The apostolic understanding of prosperity is rooted in purpose, assignment, and obedience to divine order.
“Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV) – And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant…”
2. The Corruption of Prosperity: The Rise of Materialism
Materialism is the counterfeit of Kingdom prosperity. It replaces Christ as the center of blessing and enthrones the self. The modern-day message of material gain often promotes wealth as a measure of faith, reducing the power of the Cross to a means of personal enrichment.
“1 Timothy 6:5–6 (NKJV) – Men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Apostolic wisdom teaches that the measure of a man is not his possessions but his obedience. The spirit of materialism distorts truth by focusing on what God can give us, rather than who God is in us. You are invited the study the difference in The Gospel of Salvation and Condemnation vs The Gospel of the Kingdom
3. True Prosperity: The Prosperity of the Soul
The apostolic definition of prosperity begins with the inner life. External wealth must be the overflow of internal transformation.
“3 John 1:2 (NKJV) – Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
The prosperity of the soul precedes the prosperity of the hand. When the soul is aligned to Kingdom order — free from greed, envy, and pride — then material blessings can be entrusted without corruption.
4. Prosperity Has Purpose
The apostolic church understands that prosperity is for purpose, not personal luxury. God blesses His people to advance His Kingdom, support His work, and manifest His glory in the earth.
“2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) – And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
5. The Apostolic Call to Stewardship
In the apostolic dimension, every resource belongs to God. The believer is a steward, not an owner.
“Psalm 24:1 (NKJV) – The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”
We do not possess to display — we possess to dispense. The early church in Acts understood this principle profoundly.
“Acts 4:34–35 (NKJV) – Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds…”
6. The Warning Against Mammon
Jesus made it clear that the spirit of Mammon is a rival deity that demands loyalty and worship.
“Matthew 6:24 (NKJV) – No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other… You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Mammon is not money — it is the spirit behind money that seeks to control the heart. Many in the modern church have unconsciously bowed to this spirit.
7. The Balance: God Delights in the Prosperity of His Servants
While we reject materialism, we must not reject prosperity itself. God takes pleasure in blessing His people.
“Psalm 35:27 (NKJV) – Let the LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
True prosperity glorifies God, not man. It manifests His covenant, not carnal ambition. It uplifts others, not self.
Conclusion
The apostolic call is to return prosperity to its rightful context — as a manifestation of covenant blessing, stewardship, and Kingdom purpose. The church must once again discern between prosperity born of the Spirit and prosperity corrupted by the flesh.
“Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) – But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
You are greatly encouraged to take the time to study Practical Righteousness