Jesus’ ministry had a lot of money. When He healed people, many gave Him offerings and gifts. Jesus and His disciples often took care of the poor. Scripture shows us that Jesus’ ministry had money to give away.

John 13:27-29
²⁷ Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” ²⁸ But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. ²⁹ For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.

Satan’s plan is for the church to be poor. He wants people to believe that Jesus was poor and that they should be poor. He wants to deceive people. He wants the church to give itself permission to be poor so that they can look holy. But poverty isn’t holy. Poverty is fruit of sin and judgment.

When disaster strikes, the church should be able to send food and provide help for people. The church should be able to help the poor and ministry freely, without being concerned about money. That is God’s desire. God wants the church to save the souls and build His kingdom. To do that, the church must have money. It takes money to travel and ministry and take care of people.

God will release His prosperity and blessing so that His people can move forward. God always wins. He wants to give to His people.

Poverty is a choice.

Choosing to be poor by giving your money to take care of others is not a sin. Choosing to give everything away so that others can be saved and blessed is not a sin. When those people get to heaven, they will be abundantly blessed on earth and in heaven. That is different. We’re not talking about that. We’re talking about people who are poor for no reason, just because of their choices and their sin.

Many times people are poor by their own choice. Why?

1. They make the choice to disobey God
2. They make the choice to have an undisciplined mind
3. They don’t understand God and His will

It is our choice to discipline our minds or not discipline our minds.

The Bible doesn’t tell us to be poor to please God. The Bible says that God wants to prosper us. The Bible commands us to take care of others, including the poor and needy.

Proverbs 20:7
⁷ The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children are blessed after him.

Proverbs 10:22
²² The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.

We must move in faith to take dominion over this world. We must be obedient.

What actions do we need to take (in the physical) in order to prosper?

1. Believe that the work you do will have an effect
2. Be faithful and diligent – have passion for what you do
3. Always see and think through the eyes of God
4. Know the purpose of your work – why are you doing what you do
5. Focus on what you are doing – push it through to the end – don’t stop
6. Ask God’s blessing on the work that you are doing
7. Stay humble
8. Overcome trials – take charge over trials – don’t let them take charge over you
9. Think about others – don’t just think about yourself
10. Memorize, study and give your best

What is money? Money is a vessel, an instrument to do God’s work. Money is a tool that is used to bring down His kingdom. Money is an instrument that God uses to do His work through you.

God sees money as a vessel, an instrument, and a tool. Money is not our goal, our desire.

God bless you,
Pastor Sun East

More in this series:
Part 1: God wants you to prosper and here’s the key
Part 2: Was Jesus poor?
Part 3: God didn’t create beggars in the Garden of Eden
Part 4: Take dominion over yourself first
Part 5: What are the keys to remaining prosperous?
Part 6: Poverty is a Choice
Part 7: Givers are more blessed than takers