In this second part of our Sermon Series “Kingdom Increase,” “A Prosperous Mindset – Money Matters”, we dig into the critical aspect of cultivating a prosperous mindset towards financial increase, abundance and success in all we do, guided by divine principles from Scripture. Today’s reflection draws from pivotal moments in the biblical narrative of Abraham, particularly in Genesis 17:1-7, where God unveils His Covenant with Abraham—a promise not just of Kingdom expansion through souls but of immense prosperity and influence in the process.
Genesis 17: The Foundation of Prosperity
Genesis 17:1:7 NKJV
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My Covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: “As for Me, behold, My Covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My Covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generation(s), for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.“
God appears to Abraham, affirming His Covenant which sets the foundation for a significant promise: “I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you” The directive here is clear: God desires to increase and do so exceedingly.
“Increase is not about the material, it’s the covenant.” – Shaun Smit.
The Promise of Multiplication
Multi-Dimensional Increase: The term ‘multiply’ in the original Hebrew text, ‘raw-baw’, extends beyond numerical growth to encompass abundance in various forms—offspring, wealth, influence, and capacity. This is about holistic increase and blessing in all areas of our lives.
The Posture of Reception
Intimacy with God: When Abram fell on his face before God, it wasn’t just a sign of reverence but a posture of readiness to receive and listen (Genesis 17:3). This deep intimacy with God is where the direction for growth and increase is obtained. We have an invitation to experience the fullness of this Covenant. However, it’s for those who walk in an intimate place with God.
Identity Transformation
From Abram to Abraham: The change from ‘Abram’ (Exalted Father) to ‘Abraham’ (Father of a Multitude) signifies more than a mere name change—it represents a shift in identity and destiny, aligning Abraham’s character and purpose with God’s promises (Genesis 17:5). God calls His Church to align in the same way. Our character and purpose must align with God’s to see the fullness of the blessing flow for increase.
Everlasting Covenant
Covenant as Guarantee: God’s Covenant with Abraham was a pledge of blessings and a multigenerational promise of partnership and prosperity, binding this pledge across the ages (Genesis 17:7).
The Apostle Paul extends this Abrahamic Covenant to all believers, indicating that through faith in Christ, we are Abraham’s seed and, consequently, heirs to these promises of prosperity and increase (Galatians 3:29). God is not a man He should lie nor alter what He promised, what was true for Abraham is true for us as believers today.
Galatians 3:26-29 NKJV
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.“
What It Means to Be an Heir
Entitled to Prosperity: As heirs, we inherit the promise of abundance. This isn’t about mere survival; it’s about thriving. It’s about being so abundantly blessed that we are in a position to bless others.
As heirs, we are sharers and inheritors of the same Covenant that Abraham experienced, which is fulfilled and accessed through Christ Jesus, our Saviour.
Jesus Christ underscored this promise of abundance in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This abundant life encompasses all spheres—spiritual, soul, and physical.
Abundance refers to the fact that Jesus came to give us access to a superabundant, overflowing life in quantity and quality.
Manifesting Divine Prosperity
Multiplication and Fruitfulness: Mirroring the miracle of the loaves and fishes, where Jesus not only met the immediate needs but also created an overflow, we are reminded of the potential for divine multiplication in our resources when we place them in God’s hands. When we put what we have in the Hands of Jesus, the Covenant works supernaturally and can achieve more than our efforts, talents and abilities.
The Practical Steps to Kingdom Increase
1. Believe in God’s Word: Faith in what God has promised is the first step to seeing His promises manifest in your life.
2. See Yourself as a Joint Heir: Understand and accept your identity as an heir to God’s kingdom and His promises.
3. Renew Your Mind: Constantly align your thoughts and words daily with the reality of God’s promises.
4. Expect Daily Increase: Live expecting God’s continuous blessings and increase.
5. Obedience: Follow God’s directives and leadings through His Word and Spirit. This can only be achieved through intimacy with Him.
Conclusion
God’s Covenant with Abraham is not an ancient text detached from today’s reality but a living promise that continues with us, the heirs of such profound divine assurances. As we understand being Abraham’s seed, let us embrace the abundance that is part and parcel of our heritage in Christ, cultivating a prosperous mindset not just for personal gain but for the expansion of His Kingdom.
In reflecting on this, let us remember the words from Psalm 89:34, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” God is committed to His promises, and as we align ourselves with His Word, we open the doors to the true prosperity that He has ordained for us.
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 5th of May 2024. You can watch the full message below.