3/26/23 Rentz
Potential Pitfalls in Prosperity
Deuteronomy 8:6-20
Introduction—We are blessed to live in a land that has enjoyed many years of abundance. I fear that we have grown so accustomed to our prosperity that we take it for granted. Perhaps this is a contributing factor to the downward slide that we are experiencing spiritually. Many have lost the urgency to seek and trust God. May God help us to remember the source of our blessings!
I. Never Neglect Appropriate Praise (6-10)
A. America is not Israel, but God maintains His
principles (Prov.14:34)
1. America was founded upon
Judeo-Christian principles
2. We have enjoyed the abundant blessings
of God
B. Only a blessed nation will draw both legal and
illegal immigrants—to what country do Americans
seek to flee?
C. We must not forget to bless the LORD
(Ps.103:1-5)
II. Never Forget the Author of Possessions (11-16)
A. Don’t forget the LORD your God! (Prov.30:7-9)
1. We must never take the blessings of God
for granted
2. We need to maintain a constant
dependence upon the LORD
(Neh.9:25-27)
B. We are blessed by “His” goodness—we must
never deceive ourselves into thinking we deserve
the goodness of God
C. He never abandons His people in the time of trial
(Is.41:10, 13)
III. Never Focus upon an Attitude of Pride (17-20)
A. Our ability comes from God
1. God has a purpose for us even from our
conception (Ps.139:14-16)
2. We could never accomplish anything
apart from the equipping of God
B. Don’t let pride separate you from the love of God
(Lk.12:16-21)
C. No other god can deliver!
1. Don’t trade temporary pleasure for eternal
comfort
2. There is only One Way to Heaven—
Jesus!
Conclusion—Most of us are addicted to our pleasures and our possessions. Sadly, most of us are much more dependent upon the Lord when we are facing great trials and needs. All of us enjoy prosperity, but don’t allow it to draw your heart away from the Lord Jesus.