Breaking the Spirit of Poverty (Intro)

1. God’s Attitude
2. Characteristics of a Poverty Spirit
3. Characteristics of a Generous Spirit
4. Breaking Free
5. Living Above Your Income
6. Let’s wrap it up

Breaking the Spirit of Poverty
By Jan L. Grace
copyright 2014

God’s Attitude

Poverty, according to the dictionary, is the state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions. But according to biblical principles and examples, poverty is much more than just the lack of funds or possessions. It is a spirit, a force, that enslaves men and women. It becomes their mind set, the reason why they live the way they do.

God’s people may or may not have a lot of money. At times, they may be downright poor. But being poor and under the curse of the spirit of poverty are two completely separate things. NEVER does God want his people (or anyone, for that matter) living under the curse of poverty.

God’s attitude toward abundance and lack can be summarized in the following passage:

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 – 9:10 NKJV)

Many people have the idea that God is very much against wealth and riches. If that were the case, why did he put so many resources in the earth? He has created every precious gem, every valuable mineral, every costly metal and fossil fuel. He has given mankind the knowledge to find and refine such commodities; and the knowledge to use them for the betterment of his people.

God is extremely wealthy! And yet, no one is more generous. He does not wring his hands, or shake his head, when he thinks about our needs. He is rich to all who call upon him (Romans 10:12). He is so rich; he never runs out of anything!

“God is able (and willing) to make all grace ABOUND toward you and I; so we’ll have the ability and the resources to have an abundance for EVERY GOOD WORK.”

“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV)

The power to get wealth includes the wisdom to use it, and not abuse it. The poverty spirit will abuse it, waste it, and blame God for his stinginess. But the heart free from the spirit of poverty will allow God full access to everything they have; everything they are. And that leads to one, very exciting life!

Characteristics of the Spirit of Poverty

“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. “And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ “So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:15 – 12:21 NKJV)

Covetousness is an indication that the spirit of poverty is lurking close by. Notice the certain rich man’s focus. Himself. No one else. Not a wife, a child, a parent, a church, a beggar; no one else was even considered when he was contemplating what to do with all his good fortune. His chief concern was how he should store all he had gained. God called him a fool. And that was putting it mildly.

Here is a list of characteristics, indicators, of the spirit of poverty.

Lazy
“How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:9-11 NKJV)

People who have an “entitlement mentality” can fit into this category. I’m not referring to people who CAN’T get out of bed, or those who have had financial, social, or some other kind of trouble. This is about those who WON’T get up, get to work, or do something for someone else. Yet this spirit loves to scream, “I have my needs!” Too bad the prowler has stolen everything they ever had – including their dignity.

The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the street.(Proverbs 22:13 NKJV)

Laziness declares – I can’t. It isn’t safe. I have to stay clear of that area UNTIL SOMEONE COMES AND GETS RID OF THE LION. Yep, that’s lazy; and sad.

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