Jeremiah 29:11 and prospering

[TK]

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)

This verse is one of the most common verses I hear quoted in contemporary Christian circles-- it's a lot of people's favorite verse-- you just hear it everywhere. Let's face it, it is a very nice verse.

My question is this: is it proper to take this verse and apply it as a blanket statement? Or was it meant to apply to the people of Israel at that time?

Not long ago (somewhere), on a similar note I queried whether the blessings outlined in Deut. 28:1-14 applied to Christians today. My thinking was that since God doesnt change (at least I dont THINK that He does) then there is no reason that this attitude of His outlined in these verses would not apply to us today. After all, is He less fond of us than he was the Israelites at that time? However I received mixed responses to this sentiment. Here are the Deut verses:

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands that I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: 3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. 4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. 5 Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. 6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. 7 The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. 8 The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. 9 The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways. 10 Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you. The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you. 12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. 13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. 14 Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.

I guess it boils down to this: does God want Christians to prosper? (gasp!). To hear some people talk they would think such an idea is blasphemy.

What do you all think?

TK

[Suzana]

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)

My question is this: is it proper to take this verse and apply it as a blanket statement? Or was it meant to apply to the people of Israel at that time?

In my understanding, I don’t think the verse can be used as a blanket statement today, if taken literally (in reference to material prosperity) – it was specifically given to Israel during the Babylonian captivity as a promise of return to their own land after seventy years.

Having said that, I think the Holy Spirit can take any verse of scripture & use it, even out of context, to speak to people anytime anywhere & apply it on an individual basis, as needed.
-That particular scripture (Jer 29:11) was given to me once many years ago as a prophecy/word of encouragement by a pastor’s wife (& inwardly confirmed by the HS to me), but not anything to do with material prosperity; rather an affirmation of God’s concern for me, of His love & promise of continued care to give me a future in general of hope, after a particularly traumatic event.

Regarding the question of whether God wants Christians to prosper as described in the other verses from Deuteronomy – I think this was specific to Israel applicable during the Old Covenant – promises of physical & material blessing in their own land, contingent on their continued following of God’s commands.

In the New Covenant, I think we are given different types of promises, and are called to ... "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Mat 6:33 KJV)
-in context, "all these things" are food, drink & clothing.

God is certainly promising spiritual blessing;
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Eph 1:3 KJV)

As to whether God wants anyone to prosper materially (as we generally define the term today), – maybe, but not necessarily - at least, I don’t think there is a universal promise, beyond having our basic needs met generally.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(1Ti 6:7-8 KJV)

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
(1Th 4:11-12 KJV)

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
(Rom 12:4-8 KJV)

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
(1Ti 6:17-18 KJV)

(doesn't sound like Paul thinks we all should be prosperous or that we all have been given a promise of riches in this world).

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
(Mat 10:24 KJV)
And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
(Mat 8:20 KJV)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(Joh 16:33 KJV)

Surely tribulation may at times include a lack of prosperity? Like Paul and countless others since?
“In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. “
(2Co 11:27 KJV)

[TK]

good response, suzana- thx!

[mattrose]

I think God wants Christians to prosper, but I think He has clarified over time what His ideas of 'prosperity' really are!