Paul was certainly not immune to suffering. He was aware of the tribulations he was going to face as he proclaimed the name of Jesus. After all, he had once been the persecutor of the Christians. No one understood this more. Yet, some might try to say. Well certainly Paul might have faced persecution; but that was in his time. We live in a different time and God wants each of us to prosper. God does want us to spiritually prosper. However, without the trials, can we truly grow in our faith? How can we truly come to realize that He is the only true source of our joy and our “being”? Yes, this is a new kind of prosperity that includes suffering now for eternal gain later.
The journeys of Paul were arduous and filled with danger. Yet, his only desire was to spread the good news that Jesus Christ, the true Messiah paid the penalty for our sings. Only therein was there a new kind of prosperity. A prosperity of the heart, soul and spirit was what Jesus offered to the world. A new way of life freed from the chains of sin. Forgiven, redeemed and filled with the love and joy of the Holy Spirit. This was a new kind of prosperity that the world searched for vainly outside of Christ.
Today in the United States we are surrounded by great financial prosperity compared to that of many people in the world. We have basked in the freedoms of speech and religion, at least until now. Yet, instead of peace, hope and joy these prosperities have led to division, destruction and anger. Instead of standing firm for Jesus Christ, Christians have become “comfort-seeking, entertainment-addicted, security-craving, approval-desiring Christians”.[1] As such we risk everything.
A New Kind of Prosperity
Indeed, within our churches today, there are many who attend in hopes to gain prestige, health, wealth and social status. They do not truly love or even know Jesus Christ. Not as Lord and Master of their life; hence, not as Savior. For to be saved one must accept Him and His sacrificial gift. He, who knew no sin, paid the ultimate price that He might be able justly to save all who come to Him. Those who come desiring earthly gain by worshipping Him, do not really know Him. They are seeking the gift, not the giver of the gift. Therefore, the sad news is they do not really know Him.
Paul left Athens and went to Corinth where he taught the gospel. He remained for 1.5 years training the new converts to continue the church growing in the truth of the gospel message. Corinth was a city built on wealth, prosperity, and sexual pleasures. Yet, Paul found many there who recognized that human prosperity was not satisfying, they sought for a new kind of prosperity. A prosperity that filled the spirit and the soul, even if it came through tribulations and trials.
Brought before the tribunal another important thing that happened in Corinth was that the Roman Government accepted Christianity as a sect of Judaism, thereby legitimizing it as an acceptable religion.
Furthermore, Paul wrote his letter to Thessalonica while there in Corinth after Timothy and Silas joined him. He had sent them to minister to the churches and now they returned to him.
The New Kind of Prosperity Revealed in 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 1: 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
Paul presents to them a New Kind of Prosperity. One founded upon the joy, hope, and treasure of knowing Jesus Christ. For this reason, we suffer here; that we might let go of earthly pleasures and find our joy in Him. John Piper wrote: “Christ is most magnified in us when we are most satisfied in him, especially at the moment of suffering and death.”[2] Our Joy is fulfilled in Him, greater than it could ever be with earthly things. So, even our suffering brings Joy as Paul proclaimed.
All the suffering and affliction, the trials, the beatings, the rejection was worth it just to know the joy of witnessing your salvation and your faith (I Thessalonians 3:7-9). Glory be to God!
So, what is this new kind of prosperity?
It is the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. Whatever trials we face on this earth, He is all sufficient. He is our hope, peace, love, and greatest treasure. If I lose everything else and have Him, I am truly blessed. For He is my Steadfast, Abiding Joy forever.
True Suffering would be spending both this lifetime and eternity separated from God. So, the new fangled prosperity gospel proclaiming wealth, riches and fame here and now leads to the worst suffering. Whereas the true prosperity of knowing Jesus Christ both brings joy here and now, as well as into eternity. Which prosperity do you truly desire? The counterfeit one or the real one.
Twitterable quotes:
[bctt tweet=”Paul knew and taught of a new kind of prosperity. Knowing Jesus Christ is the greatest joy of all. He is our greatest treasure. Nothing else!” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”True Suffering would be spending both this lifetime and eternity separated from God. So, the new fangled prosperity gospel proclaiming wealth, riches and fame here and now leads to the worst suffering.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”the true prosperity of knowing Jesus Christ both brings joy here and now, as well as into eternity. Which prosperity do you truly desire? The counterfeit one or the real one.” username=”effiedarlene”]
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
PREVIOUSLY
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Books Available
If you want to know more about books I have written, click on this link to discover my Book Resources.
Another option is going to Amazon.com. There you can find my books by searching for Effie Darlene Barba. Or click this link to be taken there
Furthermore for inspirational photos or home decor click here.
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
[1] John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-plundering-of-your-property-and-the-power-of-hope accessed 10/18/2019
[2] John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/whats-the-origin-of-desiring-gods-slogan accessed 10/19/2019
Photo by Ryan Moreno on Unsplash