Should Christians Desire To Be Rich? (100 Days Of Discipleship — Day 66) by Apostle Emmanuel Iren: MP3 Download & Sermon Notes

A Doctrine of Devils — Forbidding What God Gave to Enjoy

1 Timothy 4:1-3: "The Spirit speaks expressly that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of devils... forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving."

Read the context carefully. The departure from faith the Spirit warns about is not only outright moral failure — it also includes an extreme emphasis on strictness that makes believers feel guilty for things God gave richly to enjoy. Forbidding marriage. Abstaining from foods. And by extension: feeling guilty for having money, or being taught that desiring prosperity is unspiritual.

The poor are not holy. The rich are not holy. Holiness is by faith — not by poverty.

Contentment Is Not Mediocrity

1 Timothy 6:6-8: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." Contentment is a heart posture — not a ceiling on what God can do through you.

Think about the children of Israel as slaves in Egypt. When God promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, was their reluctance contentment? To say "at least we had garlic and onions in Egypt" while God is offering abundance — that is not holiness, it is fear or false humility dressed as virtue.

If God brings opportunities your way for more — and has not given you a clear instruction otherwise — do more.

Selfless Ambition

God told Abraham: "I will bless you, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:2-3). Everything God was doing in Abraham, He was doing for the people around him. By being mediocre, you deprive others. By not fully deploying your gifts, you leave needs unmet that God intended you to meet.

Call it selfless ambition — not the desire to accumulate for ego, but the willingness to believe God for more so that more people can be helped. When Solomon asked for wisdom, God said: even though you didn't ask for wealth, I will add it. It is possible to have God bring wealth to you as an addition, not as a pursuit.

You Can Defraud God

Your parents paid your school fees with the expectation of good results — that is a verbal contract. If you are lazy, lackadaisical, not giving your best at work or in your studies, you are a fraud. The company has not felt your impact because of you. Christians who are at the office and are not giving their best are defrauding God.

• Learn about resources — deliberate and consistent effort is required to build wealth
• Excel in your field — be the best version of yourself where God has placed you
• Give generously as you grow — help more people, fund more gospel work

God is raising a breed without greed — people whose hearts He has prepared to handle resources and not be moved by them. Be that person.