The Danger of Spiritual Prosperity

Prosperity can blind the heart—unless we remember who the true source of every blessing really is.

The Scriptures teach that prosperity—especially spiritual prosperity—can quietly become one of the greatest dangers to the people of God.

The Scriptures open with the warning to the church in Laodicea, exposing the deception of believing, “I am rich, I have prospered, I need nothing,” while being blind to true need. From there, the Scriptures lead us to Deuteronomy 8, where Moses prepares God’s people to enter a land of abundance and blessing. The Lord promises to bless them richly yet also warns that fullness can lift the heart in pride, leading God’s people to forget the Lord who brought them out of slavery, sustained them in the wilderness, and provided everything they possess.

The Scriptures describe a dangerous progression: God blesses His people, they initially bless the Lord, then forget the source of their blessings, begin to believe they can maintain them on their own, and eventually believe their own power produced them. When trials come and self-sufficiency is exposed as an illusion, the heart looks elsewhere for help—and whatever becomes the source of help becomes the god that is served.

The Scriptures show this pattern fulfilled in Hosea, where God’s people were filled, their hearts were lifted up, and they forgot the Lord, turning to other gods. The same warning is echoed again in Revelation, making clear that this temptation is not limited to ancient Israel but confronts the church in every age.

The Scriptures call God’s people to remember that everything received is a gift, to practice daily thanksgiving that identifies God as the source, and to examine where they truly turn for help. Only by remaining connected to the source can the people of God resist the danger of prosperity and remain faithful under blessing.

Sermon Text: Hosea 13.4-9

Sermon Date: January 4, 2026

Preacher: Todd Pylant