ARE SINNERS MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN GODLY PEOPLE?

ARE SINNERS MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN GODLY PEOPLE?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 73:1-17

Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 12:1-3, Job 21:7-15, Malachi 3:13-18, Luke 16:19-31, Matthew 6:33

INTRODUCTION:
Throughout history, one puzzling question believers have asked is why the ungodly seem to prosper while the righteous struggle. It is a dilemma that can lead to discouragement if not properly understood. The Psalmist Asaph honestly admitted this in Psalm 73 when he almost stumbled in his faith upon seeing the prosperity of the wicked.

This question is not new. Prophets like Jeremiah and Job also voiced similar frustrations. They wondered why those who disregard God seem to flourish, while those who fear Him face trials and affliction. Yet, in the secret place of God's presence, the truth becomes clear.

Earthly success without God is temporary and deceptive. True success is measured not by material gain, but by eternal reward, divine favour, inner peace, and lasting impact. The godly may suffer now, but their end is glorious. The sinner may prosper now, but without repentance, their end is destruction.

1. THE PROSPERITY OF SINNERS IS TEMPORARY
What appears to be success is often a trap leading to destruction.

a) Their wealth is fleeting (Psalm 73:18-19):
Though they may seem secure, they are set in slippery places and sudden ruin awaits.

b) God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7):
Every man will reap what he sows, whether righteousness or wickedness.

c) Their prosperity is without peace (Isaiah 48:22):
Material success cannot give the inner peace that comes from God.

d) Eternal judgment awaits the unrepentant (Luke 16:22-23):
The rich man enjoyed wealth but was tormented after death.

Biblical Example: The rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 who stored wealth but lost his soul.

2. GOD TESTS THE RIGHTEOUS THROUGH TRIALS
The temporary affliction of the godly is often a tool for spiritual growth.

a) Trials refine our character (James 1:2-4):
God allows testing to mature us and produce enduring faith.

b) Suffering is not a sign of rejection (Job 23:10):
Job remained faithful despite intense trials, knowing God was purifying him.

c) Delayed success builds dependence on God (Romans 5:3-5):
God uses hardship to teach trust and hope.

d) The righteous are never forgotten (Psalm 37:25):
Though they pass through hard seasons, God sustains them.

Biblical Example: Joseph suffered betrayal and imprisonment before ascending to greatness (Genesis 39–41).

3. GODLY SUCCESS IS DEFINED DIFFERENTLY
The world’s standard of success is not God’s standard.

a) Success in God’s eyes is obedience (Joshua 1:8):
Meditating on and obeying God’s Word brings true prosperity.

b) A godly man has eternal treasure (Matthew 6:19-21):
His wealth is stored in heaven, not just on earth.

c) The blessing of the Lord adds no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22):
What God gives brings joy and peace, unlike worldly riches.

d) God blesses in due season (Psalm 1:3):
The righteous flourish at the appointed time.

Biblical Example: Daniel was faithful to God and was lifted even in a hostile, ungodly nation (Daniel 6).

4. ENVY OF SINNERS IS DANGEROUS
Comparing yourself with the ungodly leads to frustration and spiritual decline.

a) Envy distorts spiritual vision (Psalm 73:2-3):
It nearly caused Asaph to fall from faith.

b) It leads to bitterness (Hebrews 12:15):
Envy opens the door for resentment and ingratitude.

c) God wants us focused on Him, not others (Hebrews 12:2):
Our race is unique, and our reward is from God.

d) The end of the wicked is tragic (Proverbs 24:19-20):
Don’t fret over evildoers; their candle will be put out.

Biblical Example: Cain envied Abel’s acceptance, which led him to murder (Genesis 4:3-8).

5. SEEKING GOD FIRST GUARANTEES TRUE SUCCESS
The godly are called to prioritise God above all else.

a) God rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6):
He honours those who diligently pursue Him.

b) All other things will follow (Matthew 6:33):
When God is first, everything else aligns.

c) Seeking God leads to fulfilment (Psalm 34:10):
Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

d) There’s no lasting success without God (John 15:5):
Outside of Him, we can do nothing of eternal value.

Biblical Example: Solomon initially sought God and received wisdom, honour, and riches (1 Kings 3:5-13).

6. STRENGTHS OF GODLY PEOPLE

a) They enjoy peace with God (Isaiah 26:3)
God gives perfect peace to those who trust in Him.

b) They possess eternal hope (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Their inheritance is incorruptible and reserved in heaven.

c) They receive divine guidance (Psalm 32:8)
God leads His own in the right path.

d) They walk in covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)
Obedience attracts lasting blessings.

e) They are lights in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16)
Their lives point others to Christ.

7.   WEAKNESSES AND CHALLENGES GODLY PEOPLE FACE

a) They may become envious of the wicked (Psalm 73:2-3)
When their own lives seem hard, envy may creep in.

b) They face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)
Godliness attracts opposition.

c) They may question God’s fairness (Habakkuk 1:2-4)
Seeing the wicked thrive can cause confusion.

d) They often struggle with delays (Psalm 13:1-2)
Waiting on God can feel like being forgotten.

e) They sometimes fall into self-righteousness (Luke 18:11-14)
Focusing too much on works can lead to pride.

8.  LESSONS TO LEARN

a) Never judge success by earthly standards (2 Corinthians 4:18)
What is seen is temporary; the unseen is eternal.

b) God is just and will repay each one (Galatians 6:7)
No deed is hidden from His eyes.

c) Keep your faith rooted in God, not wealth (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
Contentment with godliness is great gain.

d) Trust God's timing and process (Psalm 27:14)
Waiting on God brings strength and fulfilment.

e) Stay focused on eternity (Philippians 3:13-14)
Run your race with a vision of the heavenly prize.

CONCLUSION:
Sinners may appear to succeed, but it is a shadow without substance. Their end is sorrow unless they repent. The godly may seem to struggle now, but they are building an eternal reward that cannot be taken away. The true measure of success is not riches or fame, but a right standing with God and a fulfilled divine purpose.

Do not envy the wicked. Rather, trust in God’s timing. Keep your eyes on eternal things. You are blessed beyond what eyes can see, and your reward is sure.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me not to envy the temporary success of the ungodly.
2. Father, open my eyes to see Your purpose in every trial.
3. Let my heart be steadfast in pursuing righteousness and not riches.
4. I receive grace to endure trials and trust Your process.
5. Lord, define success in my heart according to Your Word.
6. Bless me with true prosperity that brings no sorrow.
7. Deliver me from comparing myself with others.
8. Give me a heart that seeks You first in all things.
9. Turn my trials into testimonies of divine elevation.
10. Let my life reflect the glory of God in every season.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall not be discouraged by the seeming success of sinners!
2. Your path shall shine brighter and brighter until your full reward appears!
3. You will not stumble in your faith—you will stand strong!
4. Your suffering today is birthing your glory tomorrow!
5. What the wicked have gained through deceit, God will give you by grace!
6. You will enjoy the blessing of the Lord that adds no sorrow!
7. Your trust in God will not be in vain!
8. The favour of God will distinguish you among the godless!
9. You are being lifted in righteousness to a higher place!
10. You will testify that seeking God pays far more than the world can offer!