The Gospel

17Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Philippians 3:17-21

This is why the prosperity gospel is so contrary to the Gospel of Christ. If an abundant life consists of the fulfillment of our earthly desires, the justification of gluttony and greed, what is Paul doing in a jail cell suffering for proclaiming the gospel? It's not that the Lord won't supply all of our needs (and many of our wants), because he most certainly will, but that's not the point. Christ didn't come to die for our sins, to bring us into a right relationship with God so that we could enjoy every earthly pleasure. He died to make us citizens of heaven, so that we could spend eternity with God and no amount of fleeting earthly pleasure or pain can possibly compete with that. If He did nothing else, if He withheld every other blessing, He would still be utterly worthy of our eternal praise.