Character of the Heart – Prosperity and Adversity
Pastor Tan Thai · Jul 28, 2019
This sermon explores how prosperity and adversity reveal the true character of the human heart. Drawing from biblical figures such as Job, David, Joseph, and the apostle Paul, the message calls believers to practice contentment and faithfulness in every circumstance.
This sermon is part of a series titled "The More Excellent Way," based on the apostle Paul's teaching that love is the greatest gift. The pastor explains that "character of the heart" refers to the true inner nature of a person, and that the two primary life circumstances — prosperity and adversity — are the conditions through which that character is revealed, developed, or corrupted.
Prosperity is defined broadly as not only material wealth but also good health, a happy family, and smooth circumstances — every desire fulfilled as hoped. Adversity is the opposite extreme: failure, loss, illness, and grief. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, the sermon notes that every season has its appointed time and no one can live only on one side. Proverbs 30:7-9 is used to show that both wealth and poverty can lead a person to turn away from God.
Through the story of Job, the sermon raises the central question: does a believer's faith rest in God Himself or in the blessings He provides? Satan argues that Job only worships God because of prosperity. The sermon connects this to Proverbs 3:9-12 and Hebrews 12:5-8, emphasizing that God disciplines those He loves just as a father disciplines his children — not to destroy but to refine.
The sermon uses multiple concrete examples: King Saul's jealousy exposed through prosperity and fame; David's faith revealed through years of fleeing for his life; Joseph and Moses shaped through prolonged suffering; and Peter's failure to keep his promise when truly tested. A passage from Timothy Keller illustrates that success can also expose the idols of the heart — celebrities who achieve their deepest dreams and still find themselves empty and despairing.
The sermon closes with a practical exhortation drawn from Philippians 4:11-13, where Paul uses the word "learned" (practiced) to show that contentment in every circumstance is not natural but must be intentionally trained. In prosperity, believers must practice humility, generosity, and increased devotion to God. In adversity, they must practice trust, peace, patience, and refusing to blame God or others. Both prosperity and adversity cry out the same message: "You need God!"