Articles, Devotionals, and encouraging thoughts
Left Image: Jesus Carrying the Cross
Article #1
The Prosperity Gospel and the Gospel of the Suffering Servant.
Pastor Brian Drummond
July 18, 2025
Unfortunately, over the past several centuries many people have read Biblical text and have unintentionally read it in a way that distorts the message of the original author’s intent. Some have purposefully used and manipulated scripture in a way to use its meaning for personal gain or to mislead people. Many of the groups leading people astray with scripture, are called by solid Bible believing churches cults, such as Jehovah witnesses, Mormons and even the prosperity gospel type ministries and messages. They have become a danger to the church, people looking to follow sound Biblical Theological dogmatic doctrine in a way that is considered orthodoxy and non-heretical. Unfortunately, many people being led astray do not know scripture or understand it in a way that they could tell the difference between manipulation and non-manipulated Bible teaching messages. In the following paragraphs are verses that have been used for the prosperity gospel, and reasons why they are being misinterpreted and manipulated for a heretical type of message and ministry.
Exegesis of 3 John 2
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”
In this passage, John is introducing his 3rd letter and is writing this to his “beloved” brother Gaius. He prays for him for a few reasons. He prays for him, his health, and his soul. This is not explicitly in the text but often in the Biblical text there are 3 parts of the human, mind, body, and spirit/soul. I believe that John is praying for Gaius overall and praying a blessing over him. It is important to take into context that this is one prayer that is not a prescription on how to pray, rather it is a description of what John specifically prayed for, for Gaius. Unfortunately, according to Dr. O’Donnell, “Some prosperity teachers have seized on this verse as supporting the idea that faithful Christians should expect good health at all times.”[1] It is important to notice the language of this passage, John is not commanding or exhorting Gaius or anyone else to an action, John is just simply praying for Gaius as a person and friend. Also, it is important to note that often in Greco Roman culture, this was the way a letter would be written with some type of salutation and blessing, similar to how Paul greets various churches in his letters. According to Yarbrough, “It is both Hellenistic letter convention and human decency for John to move to good wishes for Gaius health.[2] People have taken this text in the past and misused it as a way to say that God promises all people will receive health, wealth, and prosperity. However, that is not what John’s authorial intent is, as Yarbrough states, most careful interpreters could not responsibly encourage anyone today to anchor an exposition of God’s intent for His people to prosper on 3 John 2.[3] Church history shows that most believers during this time did not end up by prospering, and throughout the New Testament were told they would suffer and face persecution. It is dangerous to utilize this text to say something that God did not say and that He did not intend for. John simply was extending a prayer and blessing to Gaius, and not a promise to every believer. “The evidence of Gaius’ spiritual well-being, which had caused John great joy, had been brought to him by certain brothers. They are mentioned in this verse and verse 5.”[4] John was praying for Gaius’s health because Gaius was spiritually a strong believer, and his health condition was worse than his spiritual soul’s condition. “Life for him had been a spiritually prosperous Journey up to the time John had written to him, and there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that Gaius had ever departed from the straight and narrow way.[5] Clearly the man according to John was spiritually mature, but without reading in between the lines too much, either John was praying for Gaius physical health to improve like his spiritual health, or that Gaius was healthy physically but that his physical health would continue to be healthy just as John considered him to be a spiritually healthy individual.
Exegesis of 2 Corinthians 8:9
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
When it comes to exegeting this text, or any Biblical text, context is key. This is where literary and historical context come into play. Paul spends the first 8 verses explaining about how a church in Macedonia that was giving to him even though they were financially struggling in poverty, they were still giving of their finances to Paul for gospel kingdom ministry. This text is actually saying that we should be giving to others out of our abundance. There is no promise of blessing in this passage, just like the church of Macedonia struggled financially, Paul did not promise them health, wealth, or prosperity. Paul himself at times struggled financially and suffered greatly at times. Paul was even martyred, if the prosperity gospel was true, he would be a sad example when it came to health, wealth, and prosperity. Paul in this passage, of verse 9 is talking about money, but in a spiritual sense. Jesus had everything all the power in the world, but he gave it up, he even came to the earth poor and gave up all He had because He desired to save us. “It is one thing for a billionaire to suffer impoverishment at the hands of bad fortune. It is another for a billionaire to willingly embrace impoverishment for the sake of others.”[6] The riches we receive is the new inheritance we receive as adopted sons and daughters of the king. Peter tells us, “To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,” [7] The inheritance believers are promised is not a material temporary type of blessing and inheritance, it is having Christ forever. Paul also was making it clear that when they give it is to give sacrificially. Paul gives the believers two examples in this chapter, the church in Macedonia and Jesus Himself. Harris asserts, “The Macedonians gave when they were desperately poor; Christ gave when He was incalculably rich.”[8] This is quite the opposite of what people have intended to take the text to mean. Jesus became poor so we could be rich, it means in Spirit. Jesus became poor in Spirit as our sacrifice, he even said And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”[9] These was when Jesus became poor for us, at calvary he lost his life, and took on the debt of the world, so the world would be saved through Him. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.[10] The whole point Paul is making is that Jesus died so we may live for Him, in the richness of His grace and mercy, walking in light and freedom. Barnett says it well, “He picks up the theme of grace shown by the Macedonians in their poverty (v.1-5) but applies it to Christ’s incarnation and crucifixion, as the climax of his appeal to the Corinthians to exhibit such grace.”[11]
Erroneous Views of the Prosperity Gospel
To start, the prosperity gospel takes the entire metanarrative of the Biblical storyline, reshaping it to focus on health, wealth, and prosperity as the purpose for life and what Jesus brings to those who ask in faith. The prosperity gospel has a name it and claims it type of ideology. Directly from Joel Osteen’s book, I declare: 31 Promises to speak over your life, he states, “"You will produce what you say. If you want to know what you will be like five years from now, just listen to what you are saying about yourself. With our words we can either bless our futures, or we can curse our futures.”[12] This type of belief is also called word of faith belief, in which if you declare it with your tongue it will happen, for example becoming wealthy. Another prominent figure in prosperity gospel theology is Joyce Meyer. She wrote a bestselling book called the Battlefield of your mind and focuses much on mind positivity, focusing on the negative and forgetting the negative. She says this about a very negative thing in her mind, sin “I'm going to tell you something folks, I didn't stop sinning until I finally got it through my thick head I wasn't a sinner anymore. And the religious world thinks that's heresy and they want to hang you for it. But the Bible says that I'm righteous and I can't be righteous and be a sinner at the same time". [13] No one becomes perfect overnight when they come to Christ. We are still sinners saved by grace. This is also problematic signaling back to a heretical group of doctrines known as perfection Theology. According to the Gospel Coalition, “Sinless perfectionism is not only untrue but also dangerous. People don’t tend to win battles that they don’t even realize they are supposed to be fighting.”[14] What about sin? What about our brokenness? What about our great need for a savior. The prosperity gospel distracts people from the real and true meaning of the Bible. It is both a dangerous and scary theological doctrine. My own family believed in it for years. It is infiltrating many modern American churches today.
Secondly, it gives false hope. Much like the hope people have when they purchase a lottery ticket to win the lottery, the odds are a lot different than they hope and realize. Unfortunately, just like the lottery seems to take advantage of poor people by giving them the hope and possibility that they will win the jackpot, millions of people have bought tickets with whatever little income they had. The prosperity gospel does this and in some instances, the people supporting these prosperity churches are widows and people living off social security and pensions. It is unfortunate to see how Joel Osteen and others can smile while they live lavishly while others are suffering and struggling, believing that they will receive a big Costco sized blessing.
Finally, it leads people down a wrong path. Who is this Jesus that people speak about? Is he a genie that grants fortunes and blessings if you pray to Him? Or is He Lord of Your life and ruler of all creation? This type of prosperity theology is appalling, turning Jesus into a godmother, fairy, or genie. It is completely evil, taking the savior of the world, the one true theocratic sovereign ruler and turns him into an item of personal gain. It is completely disgusting and is not the Jesus of the Bible who died and resurrected so we could have a new life in Him!
Substantial, Solid, and Significant Views of the Gospel of the Suffering Servant.
We will suffer, not if we suffer but when we suffer, whether its physically, emotionally, and spiritually, we will suffer. James tells believers that we will suffer and experience trials in this life. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. It is not just James the brother of Jesus that teaches on this but throughout the Bible we see that there are several other passages of scripture that teach this Theology of surrender, sacrifice, and suffering. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.[15] We too suffer as Jesus Christ was spoken of in the book of Isaiah as the suffering servant. We will face trials, difficulties, and hard times but Jesus will not forsake us. We are called to suffer but, in our suffering, we are not abandoned. Paul puts it well, We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair;[16] persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.
Scripture passage that counter prosperity gospel theology and doctrine.
Romans 5 does a great job of explaining that we will suffer. The people Paul was writing to within the Roman church, both Jews and Gentiles, suffered for Christ. He gave them this encouragement, and his words still ring true today.
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.[17]
How should a believer view prosperity in life?
A believer should view their financial success, their health and wealth as a blessing. It does not make them better than another person, but it is a greater responsibility to steward it wisely and well. It also is more difficult to be as reliant and dedicated to God, as many wealthy people feel they are self-sufficient. I believe this is a key reason why Jesus said, Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”[18] Jesus also in another parable talks about Biblical stewardship when he talks about the parable of the talents. We all have been given a certain amount of time, talent, and treasure. We will answer to the Lord on how we utilized those things while we were living on the earth.
Whenever confronted by an individual that has stated they have given their life to Jesus, I carefully listen to what they say and dig deeper. I also would respond in love and then, point them to the truth.[19] We are as Christian leaders to live and lead in love. That is how we can reach others for Christ well, by leading and living in the love of God.
Bibliography
Allen, David Lewis, and R. Kent Hughes. 1-3 john: Fellowship in god’s family. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2013.
Barnett, Paul. Second epistle to the Corinthians, New International Commentary on the New Testament. W.B. Eerdmans Pub, 1997.
ESV study bible: English standard version. Wheaton, IL, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016.
Harris, Murray J. The second epistle to the Corinthians: A commentary on the Greek text. Grand Rapids, Mich: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co, 2005.
Hunter , Bob. “Joyce Meyer in the Twenty-First Century.” Christian Research Institute, May 11, 2023.
Koukl, Gregory, and Lee Strobel. Tactics: A game plan for discussing your Christian convictions. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Reflective, 2019.
Ortlund, Dane C. ESV Expository Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020.
Osteen, Joel. I declare: 31 promises to speak over your life. Philadelphia, PA: Running Press Book Publishers, 2014.
O’Donnell, Douglas Sean. 1-3 john. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Pub, 2015.
Payne, Matthew, Izaac Cowling, Mitch Everingham, Simon Camilleri, Sarah Phillips, David M. Shaw, Patty Guthrie, Jane Tooher, Greg Cooper, and Jonathan Holt. “The Godly Heresy of Sinless Perfectionism.” The Gospel Coalition | Australia, August 11, 2023.
Stott, John R. W. The letters of John - Tyndale NT commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1988.
Straus, Lehman. Epistles of John. New York, New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1962.
Yarbrough, Robert W. Baker exegetical commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2008.
[1] O’Donnell, Douglas Sean. 1-3 john. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Pub, 2015.
[2] Yarbrough, Robert W. Baker exegetical commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2008. 366
[3] Yarbrough, Robert W. Baker exegetical commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2008.
367
[4] Stott, John R. W. The letters of John - Tyndale NT commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1988. 223
[5] Straus, Lehman. Epistles of John. New York, New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1962. 161
[6] Ortlund, Dane C. ESV Expository Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020.
[7] 1 Peter 1:4
[8] Harris, 581
[9] Matthew 27:46
[10] John 3:17
[11] Barnett, Paul. Second epistle to the Corinthians, New International Commentary on the New Testament. W.B. Eerdmans Pub, 1997. , 407
[12] Osteen, Joel. I declare: 31 promises to speak over your life. Philadelphia, PA: Running Press Book Publishers, 2014.
[13] Hunter , Bob. “Joyce Meyer in the Twenty-First Century.” Christian Research Institute, May 11, 2023.
[14] Payne, Matthew, Izaac Cowling, Mitch Everingham, Simon Camilleri, Sarah Phillips, David M. Shaw, Patty Guthrie, Jane Tooher, Greg Cooper, and Jonathan Holt. “The Godly Heresy of Sinless Perfectionism.” The Gospel Coalition | Australia, August 11, 2023.
[15] 1 Peter 2:21
[16] 2 Corinthians 4:8
[17] Romans 5:3-5
[18] Matthew 19:24
[19] Ephesians 4:15
Devotional #1
Devotional 1: Pastor Brian Drummond
How can I trust God in difficult times?
I have gone through some pretty rough times, moments, and seasons in life already. I have seen high hilltops spiritually and been in deep valleys as well. As I have faced change and challenges I have found David’s writing in the fourth Psalm to be greatly encouraging.
Read Psalm chapter 4:
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. 1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Point 1: David calls upon the Lord (v.1)
Point 2: David questions his circumstances. (v.2 )
Point 3: David trusts in the Lord (v.3) (Psalm 1, 1 Peter 2:9, Proverbs 3:5-6)
Point 4: David follows and obeys the Lord (2 Timothy 1:7)
Point 5: David points people to the Lord. (v.6) (Numbers 6:22-26, Psalm 31:14-16)
Point 6: David finds joy, security, and rest in the Lord. (v.7-8) (Isaiah 9:2-7)
Here are some ways you can trust God in difficult times
1: Call upon God in your difficult and uncertain circumstances.
2: Look at how God could possibly use your circumstances for good (Romans 8:28 mentality)
3: Trust in the Lord.
4: You can be frustrated but turn to the Lord for hope and help.
5: Obey the Lord.
6: Use your circumstances as a way to share your faith with others.
7: Find your joy and rest in the Lord.
These application steps all come from Psalm chapter 4.
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
— CS Lewis
“My hope lives not because I am not a sinner, but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died; my trust is not that I am holy, but that being unholy, HE is my righteousness. My faith rests not upon what I am or shall be or feel or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me. Hallelujah!”
- Charles Spurgeon
“We are not saved by theological ideas about Christ; we are saved by Christ himself”
— D.A. Carson
“Loving and living for God is not only the best choice on how to live, it is the only choice that creates and sustains a good life.”
—Brian Drummond