The word ‘prosper’ in this verse of 3 John is “euodoo”. Euodoo comprises two Greek words, ‘hodos’ meaning road, and ‘eu’ meaning ‘good’. Essentially then it means to have a ‘good journey’. It does not specifically mean ‘financial’, yet encompasses the thought that one’s journey through life would be adequately supplied in every way. The same word is used in 1Cor 16:2 referring specifically to finances.
While we walk this road with Jesus, we must be careful not to fall into the ditch either side, and focus our heart and mind on Jesus Himself, all the while expecting good things to come to us as we do so.
Don’t fall in the ditch Imbalanced teachings have left many in a ditch on either side of this ‘good road’. There are those in one ditch who teach that Jesus lived in poverty, that money is evil and that prosperity as the Bible teaches it has nothing to do with material well-being. There are others floundering in the opposite ditch who preach that God’s main concern is for our material prosperity, and that money is a true measure of our spirituality and closeness to God.
Between these two is a balanced road upon which our soul prospers in fellowship with God, who provides all of our needs according to His riches in glory, gives us all things richly to enjoy, and places within us His generous Spirit so that we become a conduit of this blessing to others. The balance is not one of a little bit of poverty and a little bit of prosperity, but rather a simple equation of simplicity + generosity = contentment. We are encouraged in Scripture to live moderate lives, not ostentatiously, yet lives of extreme generosity. As we prove our stewardship, our own prosperity will follow and increase, so that the fruits of our generous giving may increase also.
God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servants
God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servants The Bible plainly declares that God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His, and that there is a reward for living righteously and wisely in this life (Psalm 112; Prov 8:18-21). The word used for ‘prosperity’ in Psalm 35 is the Hebrew word ‘shalom’. Shalom means peace, prosperity, well-being, wholeness, health, protection. All of these bring pleasure to our Father when we walk in them.
It is worth noting that the Bible clearly teaches God’s desire to prosper His servants, yet also warns against setting our own will to be rich: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1Timothy 6:9 KJV) As we set our will to serve God’s purpose, seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be added to us (Matt 6:33) – if however we divert our will to pursue riches, or indeed any earthly thing, we will derail our destiny and fall into a ‘snare’ or a ditch!
Very well said and I couldn’t agree with you more. There is a lot of debate from both extremes and they criticize and judge
one another. They even classify one another as ‘demonic’. I visited the ‘slaughtering the sheep’ website and I once not
impressed to see how christians express hateful words simply because they don’t see eye to eye on those issues.
I agree that we must put God first and he will take care of us as His children.
God bless you.
Thanks for your comments. It is so important that we do not fall into the error of taking any scripture out of the context of the entire Bible. A proper evaluation of God’s perspective on any subject requires that we do not pick and choose according to our own taste, but really consider the testimony of the whole of the Bible. I appreciate yu taking the time to comment, and thanks for the blessing. I receive it!
Thanks for this balance on finance – it would be good to hear a more indepth study to explain as I think there are many peddling a financial gospel that is not the gospel and leading so many of God’s children down a wrong road.
blessings,
tony
Hi Tony. Thanks for your comment. If you are interested in a seriously indepth study with some surprising insights regarding New Testament giving check out the lesson on Biblical Prosperity from the Spirit Life Bible School here. http://www.jesuschrist.co.uk/spiritlife/lesson-modules/7-walking-with-god/
Hi David,
Excellent article. I like the way you discuss the balance factor, rather than the typical tendency to be too strongly swayed to one side or the other.
It does seem, though, that Jesus in the Matthew 6:33 context was solely referring to counting on God for absolute needs of food and clothing. I am admittedly unsure if He’s even guaranteeing shelter in that instance, much less a “prosperity gospel” that some out there convey.
However, again, I think your article is very well put and mainly provides a very sensibly balanced approach.