BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FINANCIAL PROSPERITY (PART THREE)

TITLE: BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FINANCIAL PROSPERITY (PART THREE)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Deuteronomy 8:18
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:9-10, Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

INTRODUCTION:
In the previous parts of this study, we have examined various biblical figures who exemplified the principles of financial prosperity, including Isaac, Boaz, Jacob, and Nehemiah. In this third part, we will look at additional examples, including King David, Zacchaeus, Lydia, and Barnabas, who experienced wealth and success and used their resources to honour God and bless others. Each of these individuals demonstrated that prosperity is not only about personal gain but about advancing God’s kingdom and helping others.

1. DAVID: BLESSED WITH WEALTH AND SUCCESS

a) God’s Favour on David
1 Chronicles 29:28 – David’s wealth and success were a direct result of God’s favour. He ended his life as a prosperous king, full of honour and riches.

b) Generous Heart for God’s House
1 Chronicles 29:3-5 – David used his wealth to prepare abundantly for the building of the temple, showing that financial prosperity is meant to support God’s work.

c) God Honours Generosity
2 Chronicles 1:11-12 – David’s wealth was passed on to Solomon, demonstrating that when we honour God with our resources, He blesses us and the generations after us.

d) Blessed with Victory
2 Samuel 8:6 – David’s financial success was linked to his victories in battle, showing that God brings success in every area when we walk in His will.

Biblical Example:
David’s life of financial prosperity teaches that God’s blessing brings both material wealth and honour when we are faithful and generous toward His kingdom.

2. ZACCHAEUS: WEALTHY TAX COLLECTOR, USED RESOURCES TO BLESS OTHERS

a) A Wealthy Man with a Change of Heart
Luke 19:2-8 – Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, encountered Jesus and experienced a radical transformation. His decision to give back to the poor and repay those he had wronged demonstrates the importance of using wealth for righteous purposes.

b) Restitution and Generosity
Luke 19:8 – Zacchaeus offered to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay four times what he had taken unjustly, reflecting the biblical principle of restitution and generosity.

c) Salvation and Prosperity
Luke 19:9-10 – Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house, showing that true prosperity begins with a transformed heart and willingness to do good with one’s wealth.

d) Wealth as a Tool for Restoration
Zacchaeus’ story highlights the power of financial resources to restore relationships and honour God’s righteousness.

Biblical Example:
Zacchaeus shows that financial prosperity, when surrendered to God, can lead to restitution, blessing others, and advancing the kingdom of God.

3. LYDIA: SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSWOMAN, SUPPORTED EARLY CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES

a) A Prosperous Businesswoman
Acts 16:14 – Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, was a successful businesswoman whose wealth came from her skill and enterprise. Her prosperity enabled her to be a supporter of the early Christian church.

b) Opened Heart, Opened Home
Acts 16:15 – After receiving Christ, Lydia opened her home to Paul and other missionaries, using her wealth and resources to support the spread of the gospel.

c) Hospitality and Prosperity
Acts 16:40 – Lydia’s home became a gathering place for believers, showing how God uses those who are financially blessed to further the work of the church.

d) Financial Prosperity for Kingdom Work
Lydia’s success in business allowed her to play a key role in the growth of the early church, demonstrating that God blesses individuals so they can contribute to His mission.

Biblical Example:
Lydia’s story emphasizes that financial prosperity can enable believers to be generous supporters of God’s work, showing hospitality and advancing the spread of the gospel.

4. BARNABAS: SOLD PROPERTY TO SUPPORT THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

a) A Man of Encouragement and Generosity
Acts 4:36-37 – Barnabas, known as the “son of encouragement,” demonstrated his commitment to the early church by selling a piece of property and giving the proceeds to support the community of believers.

b) Sacrificial Giving
Barnabas’ willingness to give up his own property reflects the principle of sacrificial giving, showing that financial prosperity is meant to be shared with others in need.

c) An Example for Others
Acts 4:32-35 – Barnabas’ generosity inspired others in the early church to share their resources, creating a community where no one lacked anything.

d) Giving to Meet Needs
Barnabas’ actions highlight the role of financial prosperity in meeting the practical needs of the church, ensuring that believers can focus on spiritual growth and mission.

e) Biblical Example:
Barnabas teaches that financial prosperity is a tool for encouraging and supporting the body of Christ, especially during times of need.

CONCLUSION:
In this final part of the study on biblical examples of financial prosperity, we see that God blesses individuals like David, Zacchaeus, Lydia, and Barnabas with wealth for a purpose. Their stories teach us that prosperity is not simply about personal gain, but about using resources to bless others, support the church, and advance the kingdom of God. Whether through generosity, restitution, or hospitality, these figures exemplify the biblical principles of financial stewardship and selflessness.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, like David, help me to use my wealth to build Your kingdom.

2. Father, transform my heart like Zacchaeus, that I may use my resources to bless others.

3. Lord, grant me the wisdom and success in my work like Lydia, to be a supporter of Your mission.

4. Father, help me to be generous and sacrificial like Barnabas in giving to those in need.

5. Lord, let my financial prosperity serve as a tool for expanding Your kingdom.

6. Father, help me to always seek Your favour and direction in my financial decisions.

7. Lord, I declare that my wealth will bring glory to Your name.

8. Father, grant me a heart of generosity and a spirit of encouragement like Barnabas.

9. Lord, use my home and resources like Lydia’s to advance the spread of the gospel.

10. Father, bless me with the grace to support the needs of the church and the mission of the gospel.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that I will be a channel of God’s blessings to others like David.

2. I prophesy that my wealth will be used for kingdom purposes like Zacchaeus.

3. I declare that God will bless the work of my hands like He did for Lydia.

4. I prophesy that my generosity will inspire others to give like Barnabas.

5. I declare that my financial resources will advance the kingdom of God.

6. I prophesy that God will open doors of prosperity for me to support His mission.

7. I declare that my heart will be open to give sacrificially like Barnabas.

8. I prophesy that I will always have enough to meet my needs and bless others.

9. I declare that I will be a blessing to my community and the church.

10. I prophesy that my wealth will be a testimony of God’s goodness and favour.

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This concludes Part Three of the Bible study on "Biblical Examples of Financial Prosperity." These stories remind us that financial prosperity is a tool for advancing God’s kingdom, blessing others, and demonstrating generosity in every season of life.