PROMISE OF PROSPERITY?

Is it God’s will to prosper all who place their faith in Him?

Among the various points advanced by proponents of the prosperity gospel is this greeting by the apostle John: “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2).

                                                                  

A commentator * has this to say about 3 John 1:2: "In every respect, I wish that it may go as well with you as it does with your soul; that in your worldly prosperity, your comfort, and your bodily health, you may be as prosperous as you are in your religion." 

If that is so, why did apostle Paul instruct us about the virtues of contentment—while he was languishing in prison during his last days on earth?

“I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little” (Philippians 4: 11-12).

What about the unsung heroes whose names—unlike the patriarchs, prophets and kings like David—were not emblazoned on the gilded plaques hanging in the halls of fame, fortune and faith?

These were the ones who were stoned to death or sawed in two; had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear; poor, mistreated, and tortured; wandered in deserts and on mountains and lived in caves (Hebrews 11:37-38).

“The poor you will always have with you …” So says Jesus according to the accounts of three of the four Gospel writers (Matthew 26:11, Mark 14:7, and John 12:8). We must suppose that Jesus was addressing some believers among the crowd. So how can we embrace the premise that all believers will become prosperous?

                                                                    

God does not promise that all of us will live in bungalows and drive prestigious German marques once we embrace the faith. However, He does promise to supply all our needs (Philippians 4: 19).

                                                                   

What does Jesus actually mean when He says, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10)?

The Greek word Jesus uses to describe the abundant life His followers ought to be living is perissón, meaning "superfluous”, "overflowing”, "so abundant that it considerably exceeds our expectations”.

Thus the abundant life—in spite of what it immediately conjures up in our minds—is not primarily characterised by quantity but quality. It is focused not on things of our earthly existence, the here and now.

Paul succinctly elucidates the believer's primary focus: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3).

"The same Jesus who promised an abundant life (John 10:10) warns against greed, citing that a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).

                                                                    

God is not niggardly. He wants to abundantly bless His children, and often materially as well (Psalms 103:1-5). But wealth is like a two-edged sword. Unlike Joseph, not many people can handle wealth—as faithful stewards entrusted with the Master’s resources.

May we strive to be better stewards of our finances. “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven” (Luke 16:11)?

The Bible is replete with wisdom on how to manage our money and possessions for God’s glory. Here are some posts on finances to help us become better stewards.

Footnote:
Barnes’ Notes  *

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