Escape from Paradise Chapter 13 Study Questions

Chapter 13 Meanings

The Boys/Wolves with Gold

The three boys with gold illustrate prosperity preachers, who hold money as the greatest treasure of all and see God as a means to attaining that treasure (rather than preferring God above wealth as the ultimate treasure).

They function in the story as dangerous wolves because prosperity preachers propagate deadly doctrines (Matthew 7:15). Love of money is one of the most powerful forces keeping people from God. One cannot be saved while loving money. But instead of rescuing people from that lethal love, prosperity preachers throw gasoline on the fires of greed.

The painful cure for the wolf bites (greed) is repentance. It is painful because it requires humility and letting go of cherished sins.

EXCERPT

“You’re wondering about the gold?” said the first, holding his necklace. “It came from the cottage. Come with us, and we’ll show you how to use the cottage to get more gold than you ever dreamed possible.”
“I was told I had to leave the gold to go to the cottage.”
“You were told wrong. The Ruler—the one who built the cottage—is the wealthiest man in the high country, and he wants his people to be rich. That’s what the cottage is for. It’s the means through which he gives lavish gifts to his people.”
“I’ve seen other children from the cottage. They didn’t have gold.”
“That’s because they don’t have faith. If they would believe the gold is theirs and claim it, they’d receive it.” -p.108

QUESTION 1

Prosperity preachers teach that the goal is to be rich in this life. Evaluate that attitude in light of 1 Timothy 6:9—10 and Mark 4:19.

 

 

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