Thanks to for his constructive criticism, this morning was one of those days.
Let's talk comprehensively about prosperity.
We have seen that incorrect understanding of scriptures is a potential hinderance to experiencing abundant prosperity in God, firstly you cannot have necessary faith to believe God for prosperity unless you know accurately what the scriptures say about it.
Secondly, you need to agree with God's word and lastly you must practice the Word to benefit from it.
Prosperity is understood in the bible as the fruit of successful ventures under the leading of God.The old and new testament both hold the concept that prosperity comes by following the leading of God.
Old Testament
The Hebrew word for prosper is "Saleah" which literally means "To succeed or prosper". It generally expresses the idea of a successful ventures.
Biblical Scriptures
Genesis Chapter 24 verse 40
Indicates Prosperity as a successful venture under the leading of God
Jos Chapter 1 verse 8
Describe the promise of a successful venture by meditating and practicing the word of God.
2 Chronicles 20 verse 20
Though Jehoshaphat was threatened by his enemies that were far stronger than himself and the armies of Judah, he assured the people that they will prosper as they are guided by God through His prophets.
New Testament
The Greek word for prosperity is known as "Eudoo" which conveys a sense of “to help on one's way".
It is often used in the passive voice signifying having a prosperous journey.
3 John 2
Here Apostle John prayed for the beloved Gains to be led by God into prosperity in all things, physically, spiritually, mentally and otherwise.
Prosperity in the bible is wholesome and it applies to all areas of man‘s life: career, business, home, ministry, relationship, finances, etc.
The abundance of wealth is never condemned in the scriptures. What frowns at is the believer switching his trust in God to man and material things .
Putting money and material above God is what the scriptures condemn.
We must also be careful not to equate equality things with carnality.
Quality really is an industrial measurement and indeed as the standard of living of a place rises, the definition and acceptance of good things and luxury is also redefined.
Let us remember also that the bible says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”
CHARACTERISTICS OF BIBLICAL PROSPERITY
There are certain traits in a man that prospers accordin to the scri otures certain qualities distinguishes the person from the crowd. These traits are easily seen and identified They include the following:
Humility
A lifestyle of humility is always the mark of a prosperous man in the kingdom. He knows and acknowledges the truth that his wealth is through the power of God, so he has nothing to boast or brag about. “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honour and life”
Those who do not recognise God in their endeavours always have the tendency to boast of their achievement.Peace
“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it” Prov. 10:22.
Riches that are from God are troubl sorrow free. They will not give a man sleepless nights. Great peace has they whom God has blessed and made to prosper. The blessing of the Lord does not have any evil attached to it. When the devil gives gifts to men, there will also be some attendant evil he will attached to it. There is no free lunch with the devil.
- Stability
The blessings of the Lord in a man's life will be stable as long as such person remains with the Lord in constant obedience.
Proverbs 13:9
The Light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked shall be put off"