Began with reading Paul's view of wealth in Philippians 4:10-13. Then contrasts it with what the prosperity teachers claim. While the prosperity message contains some important truths, it is contains three problems:

1. Poverty is not the curse that Christ died for, Umasikini  sio laana ambayo kristo alifia (Galatians 3:13-14; Deuteronomy 27:26; 28:15-68). Rather, this is the general curse on Adam and the land from Genesis 3:17b-19a. Christ died for sin, not for material wealth. The claim that Jesus was a rich man is patently false (Luke 8:1-3; John 12:6; 13:29). Quotes Jim Bakker in I Was Wrong (Nelson, 1996), p. 535. Notes that poverty is not simple, but the result of many causes. Nevertheless, being a Christian brings financial blessings from living right -- as well as promises of financial blessing as a result of giving to God. 
2. A motivation of Greed, Tamaa (Matthew 6:19-21, 24; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 1 John 2:15-16).
3. The fruit of Pride, Majifuno, Kiburi.

This teaching was given by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson at African Renewal Pastors' Training Conference in Eldoret, Kenya, October 26-29, 2011. It is available as part of a DVD set in PAL format. It is part of a series of videos on YouTube on giving and tithing.

• About Dr. Wilson
• Contact Us