Jesus Became Poor That We Might Become Rich (2 Corinthians 8:9) – Esther Ogundipe

There is a dangerous perverted gospel spreading like wild fire in Christendom today, the gospel of mammon called Prosperity Gospel. The preachers of this perverted gospel have made material riches pivotal to the Christian faith. They have elevated it – advertently or otherwise, to the level of a demi-god. They have accorded it a position that places it either higher or side by side with the true (spiritual) riches of the kingdom. This class of preachers believe that a Christian’s material condition is a reflection or degree of his/her faith, or faithfulness to God. They measured faith largely by one’s tithing and bountiful offering or other financial support to their denomination, which God is obligated to reward. Christian giving has been exclusively tied to tithes and offerings brought to their churches (denominations) with the aim of receiving financial or material blessings in manifold from God. Otherwise, one cannot attract God’s “blessing(s)”.

These preachers, like the Pharisees, (in Matthew 23, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and the Scribes for their hypocrisy in paying more attention to tithing and neglecting the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faith) cherry-pick the scriptures, manipulate and harp on the ones that suit their quest for materialism, affluence and fame in order to dominate and control their congregations. They intimidate their followers by saying that God will curse them with devourer if they fail to pay their tithes. This is because, according to them, the individuals are robbing God. They cleverly quote Malachi 3:8 out of context, to back up their claim. Some will even tell them there’s no heaven for tithes defaulters.

The spirit behind this is witchcraft. Witchcraft is an art of using other spirit to manipulate, intimidate in order to control others to do one’s bidding and to have dominion over them. This is different than how the Holy Spirit operates, and in any case, He cannot be used. Please note the operative words of witchcraft spirit: manipulation, intimidation, control and dominion. Some of them hypnotize the people with their false humility. This is also witchcraft. They also manipulate members through cajolement by making references to people who they claimed are doing well in their career and business, because they are faithful in paying tithes and offerings. Again, this is witchcraft. The Holy Spirit will neither intimidate nor manipulate people to do anything.

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The Prosperity Preachers, as famously called, erroneously or pretentiously believe that God’s blessing to his children is mostly + manifest in material riches and physical comfort. Some misinterpret the dominion given to believers to entail world conquest politically and materially. One famous Pentecostal preacher even said recently that the church would take over the world if there’s enough money in the hands of God’s people. This is like expecting the blessings of the Promised Land before crossing the Jordan.

Interestingly, the supra/mega ‘Christian’ religious institution that claims supremacy over other Christian institutions globally and has amassed so much wealth and political power cum influence over the centuries, has not been able to impact the world for righteousness. Rather, what they have impacted is false religiosity, moral codes and religious charity. Today, the Nigerian Pentecostal churches are speeding towards that direction. They have instituted a pseudo gospel cum idolatrous religious system. Their gospel has promoted mammon worship, which the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles vehemently warned against (Luke 16:13-15; 1Timothy 6:6-10; 1John 2:15-17 etc). Surprisingly, with the humongous amount of material wealth these Prosperity Preachers have amassed, through exploitation of course, and their world’s ratings as highly influential people, they have not been able to impact their country talk-less of the world for righteousness.

At this juncture, it is important to underscore that God’s blessing(s) to his children, has ever transcended material things. The blessing that Adam and Eve carried was God’s presence with them, which departed when they sinned. They died spiritually as God had warned, before physical death followed. They were to live on God and not on self, and maintain the garden, which signifies life and ministry.

Even though God blessed Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with material wealth, His covenant with them is beyond material blessings. Besides, God’s relationship with man in the Old Covenant (Old Testament) after the Fall, was partly infantile. The almighty had to descend low to relate with man like a father would relate to a toddler. God had to use material blessings to get their attention the same way Christ used signs and wonders to get the attention of unbelievers before introducing them to the true riches i.e spiritual blessings, of the kingdom. Such blessings are administered same way candy and chocolates are served to attract children. Adults are expected to go for matured meal. So, it is for Christians (Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:13).

Stages of God’s dealing with man

Let’s examine the subject at dispensational level. In the garden of Eden, the covering of the first couple was spiritual not material. God’s glory was their covering. After the Fall, however, the spiritual was replaced with a material covering in form of animal skin. Their accursed labor to survive later degenerated into selfish and competitive struggle and acquisition of material things – by their descendants. As God began to take steps to recover mankind, which would culminate in the redemption through Christ, he entered into covenant relationship with Abraham to bless him and through him bless the entire humankind. The covenant was not materially inclined or focused. It was pointing to the blessing of the perfect restoration of mankind to God through Christ.

Nonetheless God blessed the patriarchs materially as a foreshadow of the true riches (spiritual) to come through Christ (Hebrews 10:1). Hence, Abraham was rich, Isaac was rich, and Jacob eventually became rich. God enriched them materially but what was counted as blessings for them was the spiritual. (Check Genesis 30:43 and 32:26-29; and other scriptures). Remember that Esau too was very rich. Till today most of the Arab descendants of Ismael are rich, without knowing Christ. Donald Trump was even reported to be jealous of the riches of the Arab countries he visited recently.

Despite the riches Jacob had gathered, he was still a miserable lot spiritually. The change of name and the blessing that followed was the game changer of his life. He transformed from a man of struggles – self dependency, deception, and manipulation to a man delivered from self into total dependence and rest in God. Read Hebrews 4 especially vs 10. Abraham was called to be blessed – by having God as his inheritance in life – to be a blessing to the nations of the earth and to serve as God’s vessel to reconnect mankind to God through faith in Christ (Galatians 3: 1-9).

Then came the law. God’s blessings and curses/judgment on his people was mostly manifest in physical terms – in form of material blessings, or physical punishment, like penal death or disease, and poverty. And the designation/erection of physical places of worship and instruments of worship, special garments for worship, festivals, and acceptable and forbidden foods. The book of Hebrews tells us that these physical things are mere shadows of the real substance – the spiritual/heavenly things. Book of Galatians also, spoke extensively about the old covenant under which the children of Israel operated and the new covenant which undergirds the faith of believers in Christ.

It is +apposite to stress that the Old Testament and its rules, regulations and ordinances which include tithing to support the Levitical priesthood, has been discarded in favor of a better covenant (Hebrews 7-10). The old is of the law (given through Moses) while the new covenant is of grace through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17). And please note that everything written in the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation is about Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27; John 5:39) by whom, for whom and through whom all things are created. (Hebrews 1; John 1; Colossians 1). Revelation 3:14 calls him the ruler of God’s creation.

It is for this reason that Paul rebuked the Galatians for jettisoning the grace that came through Christ by faith and reverting to the Law. Why? Because the Law with its rules and ordinances could not save its adherents. It was meant to only show them that their human/fallen nature would not allow them to obey God satisfactorily no matter how hard they try. The Law was thus pointing them to their need for a Savior. That is why Jesus said he came to fulfil the purpose of the law not the ordinances (Matthew 5:17). What is that purpose? To enable obedience to God’s law, by setting people free from strangulating religious obligations and bring them into loving relationship with God through faith.

Let’s fast-track to the new covenant and its blessings. What kind of riches did God promise believers in the new covenant dispensation under which Christians of today should operate? It is spiritual. Please note that the New Testament mention of riches is often associated with the abundance of spiritual things in God’s kingdom. Ephesians 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” (emphasis added). Romans 11:33 speaks of the riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge. Romans 2:4 mentions the riches of God’s goodness, forbearance, and long-suffering. Ephesians 1:7-8 highlights the riches of God’s grace.

Spiritual riches in Christ often highlight the blessings and gifts bestowed upon believers, enabling them to live a victorious Christian life. Ephesians 3:16-17 and Philippians 4:19 speak to the power and provision that comes from Christ’s glory and riches and that God will supply all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus, offering peace and contentment. Colossians 2:2-3 highlights the wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ, which are invaluable for navigating life’s challenges. Romans 4:5 explains that faith is credited as righteousness, a key component of spiritual wealth granted through faith in Christ. 1 Peter 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 describe the divine power granted to believers for life and godliness through knowledge of God.

Invariably, God displays his riches in believers through the abundance of the fruit of the spirit -what God’s spirit produces in a believer- genuine and deep love for others – especially fellow believers-, joy and peace even in the midst of worldly troubles, and contentment and generosity even in lack. These are the riches that God promises to believers in Christ to showcase his character. These are the things that would make the world to wonder and stand in awe. It is to see a dying Stephen that would pray forgiveness for his murderers. It is to see a Peter and John that had no gold or silver but could do what money and medical science could not do – heal a man lame from his mother’s womb. It is to see a poor woman gave all she had without prompting or preaching by anyone. These are the true riches that God produces for his children. Not material abundance that is accessible to even the most ungodly. Remember, Satan can give riches but can’t give righteousness and godliness. Matthew 4:4.

The churches in Smyrna and Macedonia are the prototype of true riches. They were well commended for their richness in faith and generosity despite their material lack, while the Laodicean church (a type of today’s Pentecostal boasters) that was materially rich but lacked true spirituality, was reproved. I know that many of our prosperity promoting churches would swiftly argue that they are rich in both. I dare say that this is not true. Many of them are pretentious and talk tongue – in – cheek. Some claim they are not seekers of riches but that God decided to rain wealth on them. Yet we know from their lifestyles and teachings and the effect they produce on their spiritual children and congregants that they subtly covet and love riches. They appeal so well to the old covenant blessings that manifest mostly in terms of material riches while despising the old covenant obligations and responsibilities that also prescribe stiff penalty including instant death, diseases, famine and other retributions for infractions.

The materialistic gospel hammers so much on tithing as a means of attracting God’s favour and blessing. Interestingly, the New Testament Church was never commanded to tithe, either in the gospels or the epistles. Invariably, there is no record of tithes paid by believers in the early church. Where then did our new covenant brethren get their concept of tithing from? Again, some quote Matthew 23:23 to support their argument. Lo and behold! Christ’s comments there were simply to address the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who practice Mosaic law partially – a sort of cherry picking. We thank God that the resurrected Christ has freed believers from the weak old covenant and its rules. Hence, the new covenant only requires believers to give voluntarily and generously, not out of obligation and by percentage, fear or guilt, but by faith and love (2Cor.9:6-8).

Of course, while God’s promises may include financial provision and other blessings, the primary emphasis is on the spiritual riches and the eternal rewards for those who follow Him. Unfortunately, the Prosperity Preachers have shifted emphasis from mostly spiritual to physical – thus causing great damage to the eternal faith of many and promoting cross-less Christianity. They thought they are doing God’s service, whereas they are, inversely, constituting a stumbling block to the cause of the gospel. They set mammon before their followers and cause them to be double- hearted against Mathew 6:24 and Luke 12.15. Since they have told them that poverty is evidence of unbelief and it’s a curse, they must do all that is possible to extricate themselves – even in the name of Christ, from this misfortune.

1Timothy 6: 8-9 says, “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.”. This admonition offers no attraction for such desperados and their mentors. Most of them pursue/obtain riches in a “godly” way as they testify how the Lord is raining manna from heaven. They forget that the truth will be uncovered on the last day. One preacher once said that God commissioned him to enrich Christians after his agony against poverty in the church. That must be a Balam-kind of deceit disguised as God’s revelation. Which revelation will canvass something different from what Christ and his apostles and even Old Testament prophets preached?

Today, our wealth peddling Pentecostal preachers would have despised Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), the widow (Luke 21:2-3), the Macedonian Christians (2Cor. 8:1-5) and the church in Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-10) who though poor materially, were rich spiritually. They earned the greatest commendation. Are we then saying that God does not bestow material blessing(s)? He does to meet his people’s critical needs and gives material abundance only in certain instances and for a particular purpose.

Evidently the scriptures do not discriminate against the rich as God is not a discriminatory God. But to follow Christ according to God’s own terms, even the rich must become poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3). He must subjugate his riches to the word of God (Luke 18:18-27) and treat his riches as if they don’t exist or matter much (1Cor. 7:29-31). No doubt, some would come into the faith already rich – like Joseph of Arimathea (Matt. 27:57-60) and Lydia the purple seller (Acts 16:14,15). 1Timothy 6:17 instructs such to use their riches to cater for the poor- and support the gospel. They’ll surely minister to the material needs of the ministers of the gospel, but not make them rich. (1Corinthians 9:9-10; 1Timothy 5:18; Philippians 4:11-13).

In summary, the Bible presents a balanced view of spiritual and material blessings, encouraging believers to prioritize their spiritual well-being while responsibly managing and sharing their material resources. Importantly, ministers of the gospel are to be good examples to believers in all things – in self-control, modesty, contentment, perseverance, endurance, patience, love and faith, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles. Paul says, follow me as I follow Christ.

Esther Olaitan Ogundipe , a retired Diplomat and Public/Security Analyst lives in Abuja