Prosper/Prosperity

<<thrive, do well>>

This is to advance, make progress, be affluent and succeed by increasing in possessions and wealth besides accomplishing successfully what one intended to do. It is God who blesses and gives the ability to get wealth and prosperity in whatever form it takes (Deut 8:18; Job 1:10,21, 42:12). Being obedient to His commands and principles sets us up for blessing – often in this life but certainly in the next (Mal 3:10,11; Mt 6:33). “Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do...Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you” (Deut 29:9; Jer 7:23).

True prosperity extends beyond material things. Secularists use the term ‘the good life’ for prosperity but ‘having Jesus’ is possessing the most important thing in life – in fact He claimed He is "The Life" – and to be spiritually rich is of greater worth than earthly treasures and external things that don’t last (Jn 14:6; 1 Pet 1:3-7, 3:4, 5:4). Delight in meditating on God’s Word and you will be prosperous,

Spiritual prosperity lasts – Matthew 6:18-20

because by aligning yourself with His eternal values, His Word will accomplish in and through you what He desires (Ps 1:1-6; Isa 55:11).

In the OT God’s blessing or reward of the righteous generally brought physical wealth, yet this was not guaranteed as the wicked also increased in power and the righteous also suffered from lack (Gen 39:2; Job 21:7, 36:11; Prov 10:22, 12:21; Jer 12:1,2). Today numerous godly believers, who although living in dire poverty in this world will be compensated in eternity (Lk 16:19-25). In the NT His blessing, although it may include wealth, is of a more spiritual nature based on a vibrant parent-child relationship that results in advancing His Kingdom. While God delights to give good gifts to His children, “A man’s life doesn’t consist in the abundance of his possessions” for there is more to life than things, with the rewards and riches of eternity not revealed this side of heaven as we live a life of faith on earth (Mt 7:11; Lk 12:15; 1 Cor 2:9).

“Give, and it will be given unto you” (Lk 6:38). This not only relates to the Kingdom of God but blessing others too, by being other-focused. The Bible instructs us to “Pray for the city where you live, if it prospers you too will prosper. God’s plans are to prosper us and give us a future and a hope (Jer 29:7,11). Our lives can be a blessing to those around. Job’s

Bless others with what God has blessed you with

prosperity returned when he reached out beyond his own situation and need to the problems of others (Job 42:10). Why not increase your treasure in heaven, sowing extra finances and resources into the Kingdom of God, as those who are truly spiritual are focused on eternal issues – to see the advance of His rule, not just in their own lives but in others too (Mt 6:19-21, 11:12). “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3). We become slaves to what has mastered us (2 Pet 2:19).

If you are going through a tight patch don’t lose sight of the fact that God is for you, and even if things don’t alter in this life, provided you are a true believer, the end result is an abundance of riches in heaven (Ps 73:1-28; Hab 3:17,18; Rom 8:31; 2 Cor 4:17). However, it is prudent to honestly evaluate before God whether this is a time of heaven-sent testing, or a divine wakeup call to “Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue” (Dan 4:27). Another reason is it could be a spiritual attack which requires us to fully utilise the armour that will enable us to stand secure against the devil's schemes (Eph 6:10-18).

When you reach the financially secure stage, don’t be seduced into reducing your dependency on God or not considering the plight of others less well off (Deut 8:10-17; Prov 30:8,9; Lk 12:16-21). Riches don’t benefit us or our character if we don’t share what we have with others. Use what has been entrusted to us wisely, as good stewards. Sound budgeting and money management are vital tools in today’s society. Self-confidence and pride in our personal achievements is not wise.

Aim to successfully accomplish the will of God in your life. It will not be easy – Joshua had numerous battles to fight, Paul was beaten and shipwrecked, yet they are two of the many people who in God’s reckoning succeeded in their divine calling. Jesus and Paul both declared they had completed their earthly assignment (Jn 17:4, 19:30; 2 Tim 4:7). How am I doing with the task He has assigned me?

Repeatedly the Bible says, “Walk in all His ways…so that you may prosper…” (Deut 5:33, 6:24; Josh 1:8; 1 Kgs 2:3; Job 36:11).

John’s prayer was that his readers would experience health, wealth, and spiritual blessing (3 Jn 1:2-4). What we have been blessed with should be passed on to others and not stockpiled for person use (Lk 12:16-21). A

Our blessing is proportional to our giving

generous person will prosper, for the amount we sow is proportional to the amount we will reap (Prov 11:25, Lk 6:38: 2 Cor 9:6).

Don’t make amassing money a driving force in life, instead understand Godliness with contentment is great gain (Prov 23:4; 1 Tim 6:6,10). Living a God-honouring life that makes Him famous should be our goal. “In everything, he [Hezekiah] was obedient to the Scriptures, sought God and worked wholeheartedly, and so he prospered” (2 Chr 31:21). What an example to follow!