A Biblical Perspective on the Prosperity of Sinners

Introduction to the Series

This morning we conclude a three-part series on biblical perceptions of key concepts. The series addresses current events and personal issues by providing a biblical framework for assessment. Proper perception leads to proper reactions. When we see reality clearly—not distorted by others' portrayals—we respond appropriately.

We began with God's sovereignty, recognizing His infinite control over creation. This shapes how we view ourselves, the world, and our allegiance to Him. Last week, we examined love and acceptance from a biblical viewpoint. Today, we consider the prosperity of sinners, especially when it seems to surpass believers' experiences.

We are all sinners, so this applies to our own prosperity too. But the focus here is on unbelievers who prosper while rejecting God. Why do they succeed in health, finances, relationships? Why do the wicked appear to thrive while believers struggle? How should we respond?

God Has Not Failed

To understand sinners' prosperity, Christians must first know that God has not failed. Sinners are not rising because prayers are removed from schools, anti-Christian curricula introduced, or the Ten Commandments taken from courthouses. This is not God's failure to reach America, New Mexico, or Albuquerque.

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”

He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 2:1-12 (ESV)

The nations have always plotted against the Lord and His Anointed—from Cain onward. It is vanity to reject God's bonds. God has installed His King on Zion, who rules the earth unconquerably. We live as exiles in a world not our home.

Christians are the only people who can be persecuted, tortured, mocked, and yet remain on the winning side.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

1 John 5:4 (ESV)

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ... Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:31, 33-35, 37 (ESV)

No matter the wicked's prosperity, God has not failed. Ultimate prosperity—holiness and salvation—is secured in Christ for believers. Sinners' earthly gains are meaningless in eternity. True prosperity is Christ's achievements and the deeds prepared for us.

Yet there is danger: Serve the Lord with fear, rejoice with trembling, kiss the Son lest His wrath kindle. True blessedness is refuge in Him; outside that, only wrath awaits.

Grieve the Sinners' Judgment

Christians should grieve sinners' judgment. An increase in wickedness is not their prosperity but God's judgment.

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. ... Since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Romans 1:26-32 (ESV)

Sinners heap sin to drown God's wrath revealed in conscience. God gives them over to it—sin's ruin and misery. This is judgment, not prosperity.

True Christianity offers the highest morals, justice, and equity. Unbelievers benefit from its fruits in covenant community. Removing Christian influence unleashes wickedness, injustice, grief, and misery—the just recompense for rejecting God.

We grieve the sin itself, like Sodom's blind groping. Any good sinners experience is God's general grace, a fleeting breath. True prosperity is enjoying God eternally. Apparent wickedness prevailing is God's grace to keep us from earthly comfort.

Jesus promised: I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail.

Pray for Rulers

Christians should pray for rulers, who hold authority by divine appointment—even wicked ones.

So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.”

John 19:10-11 (ESV)

God appointed Saul, a wicked king, over Israel. He establishes rulers for His purposes: salvation of His people, condemnation of the unrepentant, to His glory. Trust Him over elections.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)

Prayer—supplications (urgent petitions), prayers (sacred communication in humility), intercessions (real conversation with the existent God), thanksgivings—enables godly peace amid chaos, like Jesus sleeping in the storm.

Prayer changes us, aligning with God's will. It may save rulers, curb riots for evangelism, but persists despite persecution under Nero. Thank God for wicked rulers, for His perfect purposes. He knows best.

Closing Considerations

My response to sinners' prosperity:

1. Remind myself of the gospel. It is ultimate prosperity, like Abraham's faith typifying heavenly riches. Moses esteemed Christ's reproaches over Egypt's pleasures.

2. Know the gospel is the only source of change. Legislation fails without it. It is God's power for salvation.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

Romans 1:16 (ESV)

3. Let my perception of prayer shape my experience. Not as a genie, but intimate encounter with Sovereign God. This brings peace amid sinners' prosperity.