We must be careful never to conclude that God is bound to furnish material prosperity to everyone who follows these conditions. Such general principles do not absolutely guarantee prosperity, because they are subject to God’s higher choices for each of us and sometimes God allows us to undergo suffering and adversity.

Biblical Definition Of Prosperity And Success

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers,” (3John 2)

“You may prosper and be in health.” It is God’s provision and intention that we as believers
be healthy and our lives be accompanied by His blessings. He wants all to go well with us; that is our work, plans, purposes, ministry, families, among others to go according to God’s will and direction. Thus, God’s blessings through redemption in Christ are intended to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

Concerning prosperity, both physical and spiritual, scripture teaches the following:

• The word here translated “prosper” (Gkeuodoo) literally means “to have a good journey, to be led along a good road.” According to that meaning, John’s primary prayer was that as we walk in the truth of His revelation (vv. 3-4), we may continue in Jesus’ provision of abundant life (John 10:10).

• God promises to supply the needs of our lives “according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19).

• Although, we should trust God to supply all our needs materially, we must recognise the Bible’s teaching that: (a) we may sometimes experience need in order to be encouraged to trust Him more and to develop our faith, spiritual endurance and ministry (Rom 8:35-39; 2Cor 4:7-12; 6:4-10; 12:7-10; 1Pet 1:6-7); (b) we may undergo severe distress because of persecution and oppression from evildoers in the world (Luke 6:20-23; Heb 10:32-34; 1Pet 2:19-21; Rev 2:9-10); or (c) we may experience poverty due to national or natural circumstances such as war, famine, drought or poor economic or social conditions (Acts 11:28-30; 2Cor 8:2, 12-14).

• God’s presence, help and blessing in our physical lives are related to the prosperity of our
spiritual lives. We must seek God’s will (Mat 6:10; 26:39; Heb 10:7-9), obey the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14), remain separated from the spirit of this evil age (Rom 12:1-2; 2Cor 6:16-18), love God’s word (Jas 1:21; 1Pet 2:2), seek His help in prayer (Mat 6:9-13; Heb 4:16), work hard (2Thes 3:6-12), trust Him to supply our needs (Mat 6:25-34; 1Pet 5:7), and live by the principle of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mat 6:33; see Mat 6:11; Luke 11:3; Col 4:12).

• Although our souls may be getting along well, this will not automatically exempt us from
difficulties in other areas of our lives that must be faced by prayer and trust in God.

•Email:[email protected]. www.thebiblicalwomanhood.com Mobile: +234 803 344 6614; +234 808 123 7987.