“Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering.” 3 John 1:2 TPT
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.” 3 John 1:2 AMPC
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
3 John 1:2 KJV
Same verse but I kinda like the King James translation. Sometimes the modern translation doesn’t convey the umph I’m used to from the KJV. But regardless of what translation you prefer, the wish of the apostle John remains the same. What does the word prosper mean to you? The biblical meaning covers more than money, but it includes it. Spiritually, physically, and financially is what our brother under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had in mind. Preachers or people in general who preach against prosperity either lacks it or do not understand the promises of God.
This message is not about finances, but rather about the correlation between soul prosperity, your health, and material blessings. I have read that verse and even quoted it multiple times, but the revelation was made clearer as I listened to that verse being read. No wonder the Holy Spirit says faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17 God in Christ wants us to prosper in ALL areas of our lives, as you will read in the scriptures.
Why would John use the words prosper and health in the same context as the soul? Because every material blessings we receive from God is linked to our soul, which comprises our; ( mind, will and emotion) being healthy. If our soul relationship with Jesus is prospering, then no good thing will be held back from us. Psalm 84:11 if your mind is renewed to the Truth of God’s Word (Romans 12:2), then you’ll have no problem believing in financial prosperity and physical healing. John wished for the individual(s) he was writing to, prosperity and health, the individual obviously was prospering spiritually, but was lacking in the other two areas.
As a side note; to prosper in your soul, or spiritually, you need to receive the Holy Spirit baptism. Acts 18:24-28, 19:1-7
Is a great example of how beneficial that is. We can know the Word, even teach it eloquently and convincingly, but it’s the Holy Spirit who adds power to prosper in it. Apollos demonstrated the gifting of a Bible teacher, but lacked spiritual power or soul prosperity. Obviously Paul by the Spirit recognized this, and took him and those with him, to the next level. Christians who have received the Holy Spirit, operate in a boldness not their own. Paul is a great example of that as was Peter. Acts 2 and 4, Isaiah 10:27
It stands to reason then, that God, who is the Author of the Word, felt that it was important to include prosperity and health as something worth having. Then why are so many Christians sick and poor? It’s one of two things or both. Unbelief or teaching. We either take God’s Word literally, or we see it as just nice words for everyone else but not for us. Didn’t Jesus say, that if we believe nothing would be impossible to us? Mark 9:23. We’re also urged to be followers (imitators) of Christ in Ephesians 5:1. He was neither poor nor sick. He spread what John wrote of during His earthly life. He brought prosperity to every encounter. You may need to reread the gospels to refresh your faith. If we only see everything as spiritual, we’ll never experience 1 Timothy 6:17-19. We prosper to be His hands, to be a blessing. If your hands are always out because of lack, you’ll never have them up in worship and thanksgiving. If your soul is prospering wealth will never destroy you. Because you’ll heed the warnings of Paul in the verses above. He wasn’t speaking to the unsaved but to Christians who were wealthy. The God of prosperity will teach you how to manage the blessings He gives you. Fall in love with the Giver and not the gift, and wealth will never have your heart. Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23
Is your soul prospering? Then you should be prospering physically and financially, you should be prospering relationally and socially as well. John wished it, but I’m claiming it! How about you? The devil can’t stop us from prospering if our souls are flourishing, neither can he make us sick. I confess every day when I take communion. I’ll never be sick a day in my life! I believe it and speak it. He said with long life He’ll satisfy me, and show me His salvation. Why? Because my soul is prospering in Him. I’ve set my love on Him. Psalm 91:14-16
I declare I’ll never lack. Why? Because He has promised to teach me how to profit or prosper. Isaiah 48:17 and He gives me strategic ways to accomplish His desires for me. God doesn’t place limitations on us, we do that either through ignorance of His Word or we’re too lazy to search the scriptures for the things we desire. Jesus said whatsoever things we desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. Mark 11:24.
Well, what’s your whatsoever thing? It’s time to move from quoting scripture to believing and acting on it. I made that decision a while ago and I’m seeing the Word working in my life. God is glorified in Jesus when our lives bear fruit according to His Word. You’ll never prosper and be in health, if your souls are Word starved. We are joint heirs together with Christ. We can have what He has, do greater works than He did, and say what He says. How in the world can I be one with the Healer and be sick? Romans 8:11. In Psalm 50 He said the world and everything in it is His. That includes silver, gold, precious gems, every material blessings is His, and I’m His child. That makes me an heir so it’s mine too. I’ll never be sick and I’ll never die poor! He’s promised me blessings in the city, field, going out and coming in. Deuteronomy 28:1-14. I choose to believe and receive it because my soul is prospering in Him.
What are you believing and confessing? Remember, you’ll have whatsoever you say. His Word will never return to Him void. He has spoken and He will not alter or change it. I have made up my mind to believe it and I expect it to work in my life because He never changes. Psalm 89:34; Isaiah 55:10-11. He’s not a man that He would lie. Numbers 23:19. I can claim all His promises. And so can you! If your soul is prospering. Take Him at His Word. Are you doing what He’s asked of you? Are you seeking Him first? Are you seeking His righteousness (Holiness and purity)? Then all your whatsoever’s, shall be added not subtracted, to you. Matthew 6:33
Read the verses again. Let it penetrate your souls. Are you prospering in all three areas? Wonderful! There’s still more. He does exceedingly and abundantly above all, we could ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20. To those who are still struggling to believe that He’s wanting you to prosper and be in health. Why not take a leap of faith, what have you got to lose? You may be pleasantly surprised by all the unclaimed freight with your name on it appearing at your door. He has been keeping it for you not from you. Read the verse again. He wishes above all things, that you PROSPER and be in HEALTH. Go all in. He wants you to enjoy the benefits here. It won’t mean much where we’re going. The pavement is made of pure Gold. Blows my mind!
Be sure to read the scriptures I’ve referenced, but don’t just read them. Ask the Holy Spirit for revelation, immerse yourself in the knowledge and truth of it, and begin by faith to walk it out. He is glorified when we bear fruit (His resemblance). Sickness, poverty, worrying, anxiety doesn’t reflect who He is. So don’t settle there. Don’t be moved by what you see, be moved by Who you know. John 16:13
“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalms 32:8
“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant
March 2, 2021
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