Text – Deuteronomy 28:1-14

1. Introduction
   1. Today I open a new series I’ve titled “Scriptural Principles of Prosperity.” I have fussed with God for a month over this series. My concern is that the message I am bringing, you are already practicing. My other concern is that the sermon will deteriorate into a lesson in economics that you are not interested in. However, in my research, the Lord has made it very clear that some of the things I will be bringing will put words around some things you feel and will help you pray more specifically.
   2. Before I start, this is not Health and Wealth gospel. As we move through the study it will become apparent that in order for God to give us certain blessings we must go through trials, reverses, and temptations. Furthermore, it is not God’s will that we all be wealthy.
   3. So, I start today with the first principle of prosperity. It is better to be blessed than to be wealthy.
2. The distinction between prosperity and wealth
   1. Both of these terms are relative.
      1. If we would go to Haiti even the poorest among us would be considered wealthy. Average annual income is $350. In urban areas, 37% of the population has an annual income of $409/yr.
      2. They got married. He wanted to be rich. She wanted to be comfortable. He got rich and she ain’t comfortable yet!
   2. Prosperity is being content with enough. Whereas wealth assumes abundance beyond what the person can consume.
3. What it means to be blessed
   1. Just because a person is wealthy does not mean they are blessed.
      1. What we will find as we work through this series is that wealth may be accumulated by using wisdom. However, one does not have to be a Christian or even a good person to accumulate wealth. Some people become wealthy through dishonesty. Some by oppression.
      2. However, one may be relatively poor and be blessed.
         1. Pr. 21:9 (NLT) It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
   2. Explanation of the text
      1. God’s intention and desire to bless humanity is a central focus of his covenant relationships.
         1. V. 1 blessing is dependent upon keeping the commandment.
      2. Two distinct ideas are present.
         1. First, a blessing was a public declaration of a favored status with God.
            1. V. 10 Then all the people of the earth will see that you are called by my name . . .
         2. Second, the blessing endowed power for prosperity and success.
            1. Vv. 3-7
            2. City and country
            3. Womb, crops, livestock
            4. Basket and kneading trough
            5. Going in and coming out
            6. Victory over enemies
         3. In all cases, the blessing served as a guide and motivation to pursue a course of life within the blessing.
4. Application
   1. I am of the opinion that God has not abandoned us, but I do believe he has withdrawn his blessing from our nation and from our area around here.
   2. Let us pray and work for revival, specifically asking God for us to return to Him so that he can once again bless us.