Biblical Prosperity
thoughts by Charles P. Schmitt
The dictionary meaning of “prosper” is simply “to flourish, succeed, thrive, grow” (Webster's New World Dictionary). Both the Old and New Testaments use the words prosper, prosperity, prosperous, and prosperously nearly 100 times. The NIV translates some of these words as “success.” Daniel “prospered” in his work (Dan. 6:28). Solomon “prospered” in his reign (I Chron. 29:23). Hezekiah “prospered” or “succeeded” in everything he undertook (II Chron. 32:30). Of the one who closely follows the Lord, it is declared, “whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3). Joshua was told that in his obedience to God, he would “be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). New Testament Christians are told to set aside offerings “as God has prospered them” (I Cor. 16:2, KJV). John blessed his friend Gaius with the words: “that thou mayest prosper…even as they soul prospers” (III John 2, KJV). It is God's clearly revealed will that His people prosper – that they “flourish, succeed, thrive, and grow.”
Financial Prosperity
The issue of financial prosperity has, at times, been poorly expressed by saints across the land. Sounds of greed, materialism, fleshly consumerism, and a worldly lifestyle have marred the beauty of the concept of God's intent to bless and prosper His people. It is, therefore, important for us to carefully note God's Holy Word on these matters.
Paul, in writing to the Philippians, commended them for the financial “gifts [they] sent” to bless him. These gifts were a “fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Paul then gave the saints this divine promise: “And my God WILL MEET ALL YOUR NEEDS according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:14-19). “WILL MEET” is emphatic. It is certain! “ALL” is all-inclusive. They would lack nothing! “YOUR NEEDS” speaks of every necessity (but not of every luxury or of every want). Because all of the promises of God are “yes and amen” in Christ Jesus (II Cor. 1:20) we can claim this promise for ourselves as well.
In his great teaching dealing with financial blessing in II Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul established the following guidelines for our faith concerning financial blessing: --
Even those in “extreme poverty” can be full of “rich generosity” (II Cor. 8:2). And those in personal financial need will be themselves blessed as they give “as much as they [are] able, and even beyond their ability” (vs. 3). The poor widow, who gave all that she had, and whom Jesus then blessed (Luke 21:1-4) is an example of such “rich generosity” on the part of those in “extreme poverty.” You do not, therefore, have to be wealthy to be generous! And many times it is the person who is poor in this world's goods, but who is “rich in faith towards God,” who is among the kingdom's most lavish givers!
There is a principle in the kingdom called “sowing and reaping.” Jesus first clearly taught this kingdom principle in Luke 6:38: “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Giving here refers to giving everything in your life – giving love and forgiveness and care and friendship, as well as giving finances and material goods. Often folks do not experience God's multiplied blessings in their lives because they give with a thimbleful rather than a bucketful. With the measure we use, it will be measured back again to us! Paul, in II Cor. 9:6, declares this same kingdom principle – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly [using a thimble] will also reap sparingly [mere thimblefuls], and whoever sows generously [using a bucket] will also reap generously [with bucketfuls]. We do reap as we sow!
Valid, God-glorifying giving must always be done cheerfully and never reluctantly or as a laborsome duty. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful [literally, a hilarious] giver” (II Cor. 9:7).
God's material blessings on our lives have selfless ends in view. God blesses us materially, not that we might live a more luxuriant, opulent, materialistic lifestyle, but rather that we can be even more generous than we ever were before! Notice carefully Paul's words: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need [not necessarily all that you want, but all that you need], you will ABOUND IN EVERY GOOD WORK.” As it is written: He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever” (II Cor. 9:8). Paul's conclusion is, therefore, “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…” (II Cor. 9:11). God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. His will is that all of our basic needs be met. With the surplus He gives us, however, whether we are wealthy or not, we must seek to meet the needs of others! And the grand result of this generosity will be “thanksgiving to God” (II Cor. 9:11)!
This is something of what biblical prosperity is all about. And this understanding is what we must seek to walk out by His grace! Amen!
