This message was inspired by: Abel Damina
Introduction
Brothers and sisters, today we are going to delve into a topic that is often misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misused by many in today’s society. It’s a topic that deals with the true purpose of the Bible, its message, and what it truly offers us as believers in Christ. As I share this message with you, let us keep in mind the powerful teachings of Pastor Abel Damina, who has often emphasized the need to understand the Bible not just as a book for prosperity in this world but as the key to eternal life and fulfillment in Christ.
Too often, the Bible is treated as a manual for wealth, success, and material prosperity. But, my dear friends, let me tell you this truth: If you follow the Bible with the expectation of worldly wealth, you’ll be poor for life. That’s right—if you approach the Bible as a tool for getting rich or becoming wealthy by the world’s standards, you will miss the true riches it offers, which are eternal and far beyond anything money can buy.
The True Message of the Bible
The Bible is not a book that teaches you how to make money. No, the Bible is the story of God’s redemptive plan for mankind. It is the narrative of how God, in His mercy and love, entered into the mess of humanity and provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. As Pastor Abel Damina often says, the Bible is not a book about material wealth but about eternal life. The Bible does not promise us riches in the form of gold and silver. Instead, it offers us the riches of grace, mercy, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
If we read the Bible with a materialistic mindset, we are missing the point. The true purpose of the Bible is to teach us how to live in harmony with God, to understand His will, and to prepare ourselves for eternity. Jesus Himself said, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36). The Bible teaches us that the things of this world are fleeting, and we are not to set our hearts on them. As Pastor Damina often emphasizes, the Bible is about eternal realities, not temporary, earthly gains.
The Misinterpretation of Wealth in the Bible
Let’s take a moment to address the misconception that many have regarding the wealth of biblical figures. For instance, we read in the Bible about Abraham, Solomon, and Job, and many believe that these men were wealthy because of their obedience to God. However, the reality is far different. As Pastor Abel Damina rightly points out, Abraham was a shrewd businessman, and much of his wealth came from secular means. He was not wealthy because of his faith in God, but because he was a smart and successful businessman. The Bible does not present Abraham as a model of financial success through divine favor, but rather as a man who followed God’s plan and trusted in God’s promise.
Solomon, too, was wealthy, but not because of his offerings to God. Solomon was a king, and as Pastor Damina often teaches, no king was ever poor. Solomon’s wealth came from his position of power and the taxes he levied on the people. Solomon was not giving offerings to God in order to gain wealth—he was already wealthy by virtue of his kingship. Solomon’s story is a reminder that the pursuit of wealth for its own sake leads to oppression and dissatisfaction, not fulfillment.
The True Fulfillment Found in Christ
Let’s consider the message of fulfillment that the Bible truly offers. While the world may chase after riches and success, it is only through Christ that we find true fulfillment. Pastor Damina often reminds us that the reason many wealthy people are still dissatisfied is because they are seeking fulfillment in the wrong places. Wealth, power, and material possessions can never satisfy the deep longing of the soul. As Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well, “The water I give will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). True satisfaction is found in Christ alone.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon himself acknowledges that all of life is meaningless apart from God. He writes, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). This is the reality of life when we seek fulfillment in material things. The pursuit of wealth will never bring true contentment. But when we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33).
The Danger of Misusing the Bible
Many preachers today misuse the Bible to promote a prosperity gospel that is far removed from the true message of the Bible. They teach that God wants us to be wealthy and successful in this life, and that our faithfulness to God will result in financial blessings. But, my friends, this is not the message of the Bible. As Pastor Damina has often said, if you follow the Bible with the goal of becoming rich, you will be poor for life. You may gain material wealth, but you will miss the true riches of grace, peace, and eternal life.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of loving money. In 1 Timothy 6:10, we read, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” It is not money itself that is evil, but the love of money. When we prioritize wealth over our relationship with God, we are setting ourselves up for spiritual bankruptcy. We must learn to put God first in our lives and seek His kingdom above all else.
The Call to Repentance and Restoration
Now, I want to challenge you today, as we have been challenged by the teachings of Pastor Abel Damina. If you have been seeking fulfillment in the wrong places—whether through money, success, or material possessions—I urge you to repent. Turn away from the pursuit of earthly wealth and seek first the kingdom of God. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). There is rest and peace in Christ that the world cannot offer.
If you have been using the Bible to justify a materialistic mindset, I call you to restoration. The Bible is not a tool for wealth-building in this world—it is the word of life, leading us to eternal life through Jesus Christ. Repent and turn back to the true purpose of the Bible: to know God, to follow His will, and to be transformed by His grace.
A Renewed Commitment to God’s Will
As we conclude, I encourage you to make a renewed commitment to God’s will for your life. Let go of the pursuit of wealth for its own sake and seek the eternal riches that come from knowing Christ. Let your life be a testimony of His grace and goodness, and may you find fulfillment not in what you possess, but in who you are in Christ.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts that are open to Your truth. We repent of any materialistic mindset that we have had, and we ask for Your forgiveness. Help us to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Fill us with the peace and fulfillment that only You can give. We commit our lives to You, and we trust that You will provide for all our needs according to Your riches in glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the Lord bless you as you walk in His will and experience the true riches that come from following Him.
