How Can Someone Be the Lender and Never the Borrower? Question 12.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, asks:

“If you think God just wants your basic needs supplied, how does this Scripture make sense to you?”

He quotes Deuteronomy 28:12, where God promises that Israel will lend to many nations and never borrow. Shuttlesworth criticizes those who oppose prosperity theology, suggesting they support Christians taking out exploitative loans. He further defends Jesse Duplantis, claiming his prosperity teaching empowers believers to “bypass the whole demonic system” and enter into God’s blessings.

This blog will critically evaluate these claims, examine the context of Deuteronomy 28:12, explore biblical teachings on debt, and assess Jesse Duplantis’ approach and controversies.

1. Deuteronomy 28:12 in Context

Shuttlesworth references Deuteronomy 28:12:

“The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.”

Historical and Covenant Context

This promise is part of the Mosaic covenant, outlining blessings for Israel’s obedience. The ability to lend without borrowing symbolizes economic stability and divine favor under the covenant. However, these promises were specific to Israel and contingent upon their national faithfulness to God’s laws.

Application Today

The New Covenant focuses on spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3) rather than material guarantees. While principles of stewardship and generosity remain relevant, the promise of never borrowing should not be taken as a universal expectation for all believers.

2. Can Christians Borrow? A Biblical View of Debt

Biblical Teachings on Debt

The Bible does not outright forbid borrowing but warns against the dangers of debt:

Proverbs 22:7:
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. ”This verse highlights the burden and potential exploitation that can come with debt.
Romans 13:8:
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”While this verse emphasizes love, it also encourages believers to fulfill financial obligations responsibly.

Paying Off Debts

Taking on loans for properties, vehicles, or other necessities is not inherently sinful, but it requires careful consideration:

Stewardship: Christians are called to manage resources wisely, ensuring that debt is not excessive or unsustainable.
Planning: Borrowing should align with a plan to repay promptly and avoid long-term financial strain (Luke 14:28).
Generosity: Debt should not hinder one’s ability to give or support Kingdom work.

3. Evaluating Jesse Duplantis and His Teachings

Shuttlesworth defends Jesse Duplantis, a prominent prosperity preacher, as someone who empowers believers to “bypass the whole demonic system.” However, Duplantis’ teachings and practices have drawn significant criticism.

Controversies and Scandals

Excessive Wealth: Jesse Duplantis is known for his luxurious lifestyle, including owning multiple private jets. He famously claimed he needed a $54 million jet to efficiently preach the gospel, sparking outrage for perceived extravagance.
Manipulative Fundraising: Critics argue that Duplantis frequently uses emotionally charged appeals to solicit donations, often promising financial blessings in return.
Theological Concerns: Many theologians, including Dr. Michael Brown, critique Duplantis’ teachings for reducing the gospel to a transactional framework where giving guarantees material returns.

A Balanced Critique

While Duplantis emphasizes God’s ability to bless, his focus on wealth often overshadows the broader message of the gospel. In God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, Costi Hinn warns that such teachings can exploit vulnerable believers, leading to financial and spiritual harm.

4. Shuttlesworth’s Claims on Prosperity

Empowering or Exploiting?

Shuttlesworth frames prosperity teaching as a means to “buck the world’s control,” but his argument oversimplifies the complexities of financial realities. For example, not all Christians can avoid loans due to systemic inequities, and prosperity theology often overlooks these challenges.

Manipulating Scripture

By isolating verses like Deuteronomy 28:12, Shuttlesworth misrepresents biblical promises as universal guarantees. This approach risks distorting the gospel’s message, which prioritizes spiritual transformation over material gain.

5. Biblical Principles for Financial Freedom

Trust in God’s Provision

Philippians 4:19:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”This verse assures believers of God’s provision, but it does not promise wealth or debt-free living.

Contentment and Stewardship

1 Timothy 6:6-10: Paul warns against the love of money, teaching that godliness with contentment is great gain.
Luke 16:10: Faithfulness in managing small resources is foundational to being entrusted with more.

Freedom from Debt

While borrowing is not condemned, the Bible encourages believers to avoid unnecessary debt and to seek freedom from its burdens. Financial freedom allows greater generosity and flexibility in serving God’s purposes.

Conclusion: Can Someone Be the Lender and Never the Borrower?

Shuttlesworth’s interpretation of Deuteronomy 28:12 oversimplifies the text’s covenantal context and misrepresents its application for modern believers. While Scripture encourages wise stewardship and financial integrity, it does not guarantee debt-free living as a sign of faithfulness.

Christians should approach loans and financial decisions with wisdom, guided by biblical principles of stewardship, contentment, and trust in God’s provision. Prosperity theology, as taught by figures like Jesse Duplantis, often distorts these principles, emphasizing wealth over the gospel’s transformative message. True financial freedom comes from aligning one’s resources with God’s purposes, not from pursuing material gain.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)