Mary's Favorite - Pt 2

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:16-21 ESV).

President Theodore Roosevelt said, “Americanism means the virtues of courage, honor, justice, truth, sincerity, and hardihood—the virtues that made America. The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living and the get-rich-quick theory of life.” The commander of the Rough Riders Roosevelt may have been right in more ways than we care to admit. The subtle preaching of some of the most prominent preachers today has misinterpreted our reading today as they center their message around “prosperity.” It is known as “the Prosperity Gospel.” The prosperity gospel goes by many names: Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It. This “different gospel” teaches that God provides rewards, including personal happiness, financial wealth and physical health, for believers who have sufficient faith. Prosperity theology developed in America in the last century and is little more than a “baptized” form of capitalism. It is a misplaced trust in material things rather than the true riches of the spiritual life. Christians are rich. Paul makes it very clear in our text today that we have been given the riches of his glorious inheritance. We cannot make light of this incredible truth. It is a foundation of the apostle’s prayer life for those whom he has written to in the churches scattered across Asia Minor (cf. Philippians 1:9-11; and Colossians 1:9-12). There are two basic principles that are essential for us to understand. First, enlightenment comes from the Holy Spirit. With man’s natural mind, he is unable to understand the things of God. We must have the Holy Spirit to enlighten us. Second, enlightenment comes to the believer. This involves the mind, the emotions, and the will of man. It brings understanding and truth to the very soul of a man. Only a believer can experience this. This gives us incredible riches. There is no need that has not already been given to us. We are rich indeed!