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The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

Many believers struggle with financial anxiety and a scarcity mindset, even when they know God promises to provide. This isn't just about having money or not having money - it's about breaking free from a spiritual stronghold that keeps us trapped in fear and lack, regardless of our bank account balance.

What Is the Spirit of Poverty?

The spirit of poverty is an influence rooted in the curse, energized by the demonic realm, and clung to by our fallen human nature. It causes people to live with a mindset contrary to what believers should possess - a mindset that operates from fear rather than faith.

This spiritual influence can affect anyone, regardless of their financial status. Even wealthy individuals can be controlled by greed and covetousness, living under this impoverished spirit. The issue isn't how much money you have, but whether money has you.

Two Contrasting Mindsets

There are two fundamental ways of thinking about provision and resources:

The Poverty Mindset:

  • Relates to God as an orphan rather than a son
  • Fixates on lack and what's missing
  • Hoards out of fear
  • Views money as "mine" - something owned
  • Finds giving painful, seeing it as loss
  • Sees God as reluctant and stingy
  • Panics during crisis times
  • Is moved by fear to control circumstances

The Kingdom Mindset:

  • Relates to God as a beloved son
  • Knows God is the source and supply
  • Gives in faith and love
  • Views resources as God's supply to steward
  • Finds giving exciting, understanding multiplication
  • Knows God is generous by nature
  • Has peace during difficulties
  • Is moved by faith to trust God completely

How Did Jesus Break the Power of Poverty?

Our freedom from poverty isn't based on our works or efforts - it's anchored in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. A great exchange took place there that we must understand.

The Great Exchange

Second Corinthians 8:9 reveals this powerful truth: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you, through his poverty, might become rich."

Jesus left the riches of heaven and took on our poverty, sin, and the full weight of the curse. He became impoverished so that we could inherit the glorious riches of Christ - not just material wealth, but everything money can't buy that God freely gives.

Galatians 3:13 confirms this: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us." The power behind all poverty is the curse, and Jesus broke that power completely when He declared "It is finished" on the cross.

Why Does Poverty Still Exist?

If Jesus broke the curse, why do we still see poverty in the world? Several factors explain this reality:

Many People Aren't Saved Yet

The complete elimination of poverty awaits the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation. What needed to happen for that future reality has already happened at the cross, but we're in the "in-between time" where the gospel message is being proclaimed to all nations.

Natural and Spiritual Storms

We live in a world affected by natural disasters, economic upheavals, and demonic interference. The earth itself is "groaning" according to Romans 8, waiting for the full manifestation of God's kingdom.

Generational Cycles

Poverty mindsets can be passed down through family lines. How we teach our children about money, God's character, and provision shapes their worldview for generations.

How Can We Break Generational Poverty Cycles?

One powerful way to break these cycles is by teaching children the principle of tithing and generous giving. This practice accomplishes several important things:

Kills the Poison of Entitlement

When children learn to give their first and best to God, it breaks the "I deserve this" mentality that infects our culture. Instead of believing they're owed everything, they learn gratitude and stewardship.

Establishes Humility in Worship

Giving the first tenth acknowledges that God comes first. It's a declaration that He is the source of all provision and deserves our primary allegiance.

Grows Contributors Instead of Consumers

Rather than constantly asking "What can I get?" children learn to ask "How can I give?" This transforms their entire approach to life and relationships.

Creates a Prophetic Exchange

When we give what the world lives for (money), we prophesy that there's something more valuable - our relationship with God. This breaks the power of mammon (the love of money) in our lives.

The Path to Freedom: Spiritual Warfare and Mind Renewal

Casting Down Wrong Thoughts

Second Corinthians 10:5 teaches us to cast down "arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God." These are strongholds - wrong thinking patterns that the enemy uses to keep us trapped.

We have authority to reject these thoughts because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we have the mind of Christ. When poverty thinking tries to dominate, we can cast it down and replace it with kingdom truth.

Renewing Our Minds

Romans 12:1-2 calls us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This happens as we consistently align our thoughts with God's Word rather than circumstances or feelings.

Practicing Generous Giving

The action step that breaks poverty's grip is generous giving. When we give in faith, we participate in God's divine cycle of provision and demonstrate trust in His character.

Living in the More Than Enough Zone

Second Corinthians 9:8 reveals God's heart for His children: "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."

This verse shows us that God wants us living in abundance - not just having enough, but having more than enough so we can bless others and advance His kingdom.

From Fear to Anticipation

When we truly understand God's generous nature, we move from dreading financial challenges to getting excited about watching Him provide. Every need becomes an opportunity for Him to manifest His glory.

The Atmosphere of Miracles

Gratitude and joy become conductors of kingdom provision. When we give in faith, we're not losing anything - we're participating in God's divine cycle of blessing and multiplication.

Life Application

This week, examine your own mindset about money and provision. Are you operating from a poverty mentality or a kingdom mentality? Challenge yourself to take one concrete step toward generous giving, whether that's starting to tithe, increasing your current giving, or finding a specific need to meet for someone else.

Remember that God owns everything - every resource, every opportunity, every breath you take. You're simply a steward of His blessings, called to manage them with wisdom and generosity.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I relate to God as an orphan worried about provision, or as a beloved child confident in His care?
  • When I think about giving, do I feel fear and loss, or excitement about participating in God's work?
  • What poverty mindsets might I be passing down to the next generation, and how can I break those cycles?
  • Am I trusting in my own efforts for security, or resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ?

The spirit of poverty is real, but it has no power over those who understand their identity in Christ and live from the truth of His finished work. Step into the freedom and abundance that Jesus purchased for you at the cross.