Podcast Summary: Developing For Prosperity, Part Four
Speaker: Morgan Dufresne
Host: Dufresne Ministries
Location: World Harvest Church, Murrieta, CA
Date: December 13, 2021
Overview
In this episode, Morgan Dufresne continues a series on "Developing for Prosperity," focusing on how believers can spiritually and practically position themselves to live prosperous lives according to biblical principles. The teaching centers on the idea that prosperity isn't just about receiving wealth or material increase, but about developing character, spiritual maturity, and alignment with God's will—emphasizing reverence, obedience, and reliance as critical components. The episode uses scriptural examples, particularly from the lives of Old Testament kings such as Asa, to illustrate these points and connects the principles to both personal and corporate church life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. True Prosperity is a Process of Development
- Morgan opens by stressing that prosperity isn't something one merely calls into being; rather, it requires spiritual and personal development (00:43).
- The comparison is drawn to organizations seeking leaders to develop what already exists, not just maintain it.
"God's plan is not just for us to believe and call for prosperity, but to develop for it." (01:00)
2. Distinguishing Scriptural Prosperity from Extremes
- Morgan critiques both the lack of prosperity teaching and flawed teachings, clarifying that God desires holistic advancement for His children—spirit, soul, and body (02:22).
- Emphasizes peace, not just material riches, as a true sign of prosperity.
"He's interested in the whole man to develop... He’s interested that you live a happy, joy-filled life. Not that God is just looking to get you money..." (03:12)
3. From Parroting to Authority: The Power of Faith-Filled Words
- Using a humorous personal story about a talking bird, Morgan contrasts mere repetition of scripture ("parroting") with speaking God's word in faith and authority.
- Highlights that spiritual authority comes from position and relationship, not rote recitation (06:02).
"We are not made to be parrots of God's word... If you just see Mark 11 as, 'I need to hear something and repeat it,' you're missing the whole thing." (07:15)
4. Being Positioned in Christ
- Prosperity and authority flow from understanding and operating from one's position "in Christ"—not just from trying to “move” mountains, but from knowing we are seated above them (09:00).
5. The Three Keys to Developing for Prosperity
Morgan reviews the three core principles already explored in the series:
a) Reverence (12:12)
- Reverence is maintained not just in moments of spiritual excitement but especially under pressure and adversity.
- Scriptural examples include Job, Moses, David, and certain kings who honored God and, as a result, brought peace and prosperity to their people.
- Reverence is closely tied to peace—both personal and communal.
"Peace in your home is going to be determined by the reverence that you give to God. You cannot manufacture God's peace, you cannot pay for it..." (18:55)
- Reverence is not about being "sin conscious," but recognizing the ease with which the flesh can lead one astray and maintaining an honest self-evaluation.
b) Obedience (23:50)
- True prosperity comes not from bold leadership alone, but from humility and obedience to God's word and Spirit.
- If there’s struggle in obeying God’s Word, there will be a struggle receiving His provision.
"If you can't receive His Word, you can't receive His provision. God is His Word." (24:28)
c) Reliance (29:30)
- Complete reliance on God is necessary. The teaching focuses on Old Testament kings as models for our own positioning as "kings and priests" now in Christ.
- Examines King Asa as a case study.
Scriptural Illustrations
King Asa’s Example: Building & Prosperity (2 Chronicles 14)
- Asa did "what was good and right" in God's eyes, not just adhering to rules but acting from a heart of genuine desire for God.
- He removed idols and called Judah to seek and obey the Lord, resulting in peace for the nation (32:48).
- Idolatry is described as allowing personal will or material pursuits to come before God, even under the guise of “blessing the kingdom.”
"Man's own will and personal desire is the number one idol that comes before God." (37:02)
- Morgan stresses the importance of balancing diligence at work with Spirit-led living, and the danger of pursuing prosperity by mere human effort, thereby neglecting one's place in the body of Christ.
Fortifying What God Has Given
- Asa not only removed idols but also fortified cities—symbolizing stewardship and protection of God’s blessings (45:05).
- Emphasis on corporate fortification, using the church building payoff as a practical example (47:13).
"We’re not just paying off the building. We’re paying off this land that no man can touch... Fortifying this place means paying it off. No one can come in and tell us, 'You can't be here anymore.'" (50:20)
Flow of Prosperity vs. One-Time Blessings
- Prosperity is best understood as a continual flow, not just isolated miracles:
"I'm interested in the flow. I am not interested in the moments. Amen." (01:06:13)
- God’s provision comes as we seek Him first, put His kingdom as our priority, and fortify what He entrusts to us.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On True Authority and Faith:
"It’s not words alone that changes it. No, it’s faith-filled, power-filled words. That’s what we’re interested in." (08:02)
- On Idols and Prioritization:
"If those hours (at work) take the place over what He’s told you to do, you have an idol... You clocked in so much prosperity, you clocked out of your position in the body." (41:12)
- On the Source of Victory:
"It makes no difference to you whether the one you help is mighty or powerless. Prosperity is not about anything natural, but everything to do with His kingdom and your spiritual standing." (01:09:34)
- On Influence of Parental Reverence:
"It matters, parents in your home, where you set your affection, it matters. It matters what you have as an idol in your home." (01:14:06)
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:43 – 03:20: Introduction, purpose, distinguishing good & bad prosperity teaching
- 06:02 – 10:30: Parroting vs. authority in faith; anecdote about Petey the bird
- 12:12 – 21:00: Reverence as Key #1, biblical examples, and peace
- 23:50 – 29:29: Obedience as Key #2, humility, and reception of God’s provision
- 29:30 – 39:10: Reliance as Key #3, Old Testament kings as models
- 39:10 – 56:50: King Asa’s life: removing idols, fortifying blessings, work vs. being led
- 59:00 – 01:15:01: Flow of prosperity; Asa’s victory; implications for the church and families
Conclusion / Call to Action
Morgan closes by encouraging listeners to put these teachings into practice—revering God under pressure, staying obedient, and relying wholly on God. The teaching isn’t about instilling a sense of heaviness, but rather to inspire active pursuit and development in these areas, resulting in continuous, kingdom-focused prosperity. The coming episode promises further exploration, particularly into the life of King Jehoshaphat.
"I want everybody in this place to such a degree that the flow of prosperity through you this next year is going to exceed every other year. Every other year. The flow through you. Not just to you, but through you." (01:10:25)
For further messages or resources, listeners are directed to dufresneministries.org.