Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2).
God’s will for you is to prosper in all things, and excel in all your endeavours. His prosperity for you is all-encompassing: He wants you to prosper materially, ‘physically,’ and spiritually. Let’s review some of the operative words in our opening verse. First, it says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper….” This refers to material prosperity. Secondly, it says, “…and be in health…”; this refers to the prosperity of your physical body. God wants you to enjoy divine health, twenty-four hours a day, and three sixty-five days a year.
Then, thirdly, it says, “…even as thy soul prospereth…”; meaning that your material and physical prosperity should follow your spiritual prosperity. The work for your material, physical and spiritual prosperity were consummated when Jesus died and rose triumphantly back to life. This therefore means that as a Christian, you’re not supposed to remain poor, sick or spiritually ineffective. The life that’s been made available to you in Christ is a balanced one; it’s a life of victory in the Word.
If God didn’t care about your material prosperity why would the Scripture say, “…all things are yours?” (1 Corinthians 3:21). Why would He make you His heir, and a joint heir with Christ? (Romans 8:17). If He didn’t care about you living in divine health, why would He send Jesus to take away our infirmities and carry away all our sicknesses? (Matthew 8:17). If He didn’t want you to live a vibrant and exciting life in righteousness and true holiness, why then would He call you holy (1 Thessalonians 5:27, Hebrews 3:1), and give you His righteous nature (Romans 5:17)?
Walk in the truth of God’s Word and refuse to accept anything contrary. Your material, physical, and spiritual prosperity is God’s idea; enjoy your inheritance in Christ.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for blessing me with all blessings in Christ Jesus. My life is filled with your goodness, as I serve you joyfully in righteousness, peace, and holiness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study
Ephesians 1:3
1 Cor. 3:21-23
Romans 8:17
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
