Prosperity; 7 Simple Lessons On True Wealth God’s Way

Jesus the carpenter – Mark 6:1-6 (3); Luke 18:18-23 (22) {Mark 10:17-22 (21); Matthew 19:16-22 (21)}; Luke 12:22-34 (32-34); Acts 2:43-47 (44-45); 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (26-27)

♥ Question for ‘prosperity God’s way – the true prosperity: Are you a true follower of Christ?

If you have more time please continue, if you don’t have time for more, please jump to the end to give feedback in the comment area/poll. Go to end.

Lesson Four – True Prosperity – Explained

Quite a few have commented to let me know some of the posts are confusing so I will try giving more scriptures and very short explanations to help. Let me know if this is helpful or not. The point of the 7 lessons is to provide enough information to encourage you to study, these are not the traditional Bible classes (lessons) where you have a pastor, teacher or someone explain everything. Our Bible studies are intentionally different and I must follow my Spirit-led instructions to keep it that way.

So, I provide more scriptures to help you understand; if you still do not understand, I will provide more scriptures to help you understand the previous scriptures…

Ministering and not acquiring

Why use Luke 8:1-3? Jesus and His disciples (followers) traveled from place to place. They were focused on ministering and trusted God to provide for their needs (including a place to sleep and eat) through others. NOTE: Mark 6:3 “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.” (KJV). Matthew 13:55 also makes it known that Joseph (considered the earth father {not birth father}) was a carpenter.

And it happened afterwards that he was making a journey through the cities and towns, preaching and evangelizing the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 along with certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, who is called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had departed, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many other women, who were ministering to him from their resources. Luke 8:1-3 (CPDV)

Supporting scriptures:

Jesus stayed with:

• Simon the leper in Bethany Matthew 26:6-13 (6)
• Levi (Matthew) in Capernaum Mark 2:1-17 (1 and 14-15) {note: some translations replace the name ‘Levi’s‘ with the word ‘his‘ causing many to believe this house belonged to Jesus, this error would not happen if they read verse 14 and look for supporting scriptures.} supported by Luke 5:27-31 (29)
• Peter had a house Matthew 8:14 but Peter stayed with Simon (a tanner) in Joppa – Acts 9:43 (VW) So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. [read Acts 9:36-43]

Prospering through sharing with others

Why use Acts 2:44-45? To show an example of true Christian giving and sharing. Some if not many will claim this was the ‘early church’ and not how we the ‘latter day church’ should do. Even worse, they will say only cults do this. “Lord help us understand your will and your ways in Jesus name.”

And all who believed were together, and had all things in common; 45 And they sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all men, as every man had need. Acts 2:44-45 (RKJNT)

Supporting scriptures:

• And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and of one soul: and no one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things in common. Acts 4:32-37 (key verse: 32) (RKJNT)
• And I am not saying this so that others may get off free, while the weight comes on you: 14 But so that things may be equal; that from those things of which you have more than enough at the present time their need may be helped, and that if you are in any need they may be a help to you in the same way, making things equal. 15 As it says in the Writings, He who had taken up much had nothing over and he who had little had enough. 2 Corinthians 8:8-15 (13-15) (BBE)
• Now, suppose a person has enough to live on and notices another believer in need. How can God’s love be in that person if he doesn’t bother to help the other believer? 18 Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words. 1 John 3:16-23 (17-18) (GW)

Follow the followers

Why use 1 Corinthians 11:1? Follow the followers of Christ and become examples

Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (RKJNT)

Supporting scriptures:

• Matthew 16:24-27 (24) {supported by Mark 8:34-38 (key verse: 34) and Luke 9:23-26 (key verse: 23)}
• 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 (16)
• 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 (6)

God in the flesh; no trinity

Why use John 1:1 and 14? Linked to ‘God in the flesh’. Some believe Jesus is God but is the 2nd person in the Trinity amongst other beliefs. I plan to address this in the distant future since it will require hundreds of scriptures to make it clear. For now, I give a few scriptures. Use word substitution here, word is logos in verses 1 and 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1 and 14 (RKJNT)

Supporting scriptures:

• Romans 9:1-5 (key verse: 5)
• 1 John 5:18-21 (key verse: 20)

Jesus, the king without a palace

Why use Revelation 17:14? The kings of Israel and most human kings live(d) in palaces or large houses. Jesus, the greatest King (King of kings), choose not to do so.

These shall fight against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall conquer them. For he is the Lord of lords and the King of kings. And those who are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14 (OEBus)

Supporting scriptures:

• 1 Timothy 6:11-21 (key verse: 15) Which at the right time he will make clear, who is the eternal and only Ruler, King of kings, and Lord of lords;
• 2 Samuel 5:6-16 (key verse: 11) Hiram king of Tzor sent envoys to David with cedar logs, and with them were carpenters and stonemasons; and they built David a palace. (CJB)

Wow, that took a lot of time and I did not finish, but I hope this helps you. It is not possible to help everyone since we all are at different levels in Christ from babes to mature. I can only encourage you to keep reading and studying…

♥ Question for ‘prosperity God’s way – the true prosperity – explanation’: Did this post help you understand true prosperity?

If you have more time please continue, if you don’t have time for more, please jump to the end to give feedback in the comment area/poll. Go to end.

Lesson Five – True Prosperity – Part One

This topic, prosperity, requires a lot of scripture and research to get a clear understanding, I will make it concise unless you ask for more information. Let’s take a look at the words prosper, prosperity and prosperous. I want to take this to another level, are you willing to start learning a little about how to study the Bible? Keep in mind this is only one of many methods; thank God for modern technology, we have access to tools that can help us study via the internet.

Bible study programs

Let’s take a moment to use two Bible study programs to help us learn to understand God’s word:

Before we begin, remember to pray to thank God for another opportunity to get to know Him better. As well as ask that our minds be opened to understand and receive His word. Amen!

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2 (KJV)

Step one

We must examine the full context to understand to whom the letter is written. John addressed the 2 letter or 2 John to “the elect lady and her children” (KJV) and closes with “The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen” 2 John 1:13 (KJV). Can we agree that the third letter is addressed to Gaius (according to 3 John 1:1)? If you read all of 3 John you should get an understanding of the use of “prosper” and “prospereth”.

Step two

NOTE: Please do not continue with step two and three if you are a babe in Christ or a newborn Christian. Allow your spiritual leader (Pastor, Elder, Bishop, Reverend, etc.) to teach you until you reach spiritual maturity. I do not want to cause confusion.

We will let the Bible translators help define the word prosper. Biblegateway.com is the tool of choice for this part. 3 John 1:2 is a good candidate for this exercise since the KJV uses prosper and prospereth.

Prosper and prospereth

Notice the words/phrases used to replace or add to prosper and prospereth:

• AMP adds “in every way” to replace ‘prosper’. And “prospers” to replace ‘thy soul prospereth’
• CEB uses “all is well with you” to replace prosper. And uses “prosper spiritually” to replace ‘thy soul prospereth’
• CEV uses “all goes well for you” to replace prosper. And uses “as I know you are in spirit” to replace ‘thy soul prospereth’
• ERV uses “you are doing well spiritually” to replace prosper. And uses “is going well with you” to replace ‘thy soul prospereth’
• ESV uses “all may go well with you” to replace prosper. And uses “as it goes well with your soul” to replace ‘thy soul prospereth’
• EXB uses “doing well” to replace prosper. And uses “your soul is doing fine” to replace ‘thy soul prospereth’
  • Do you see a pattern developing? Now continue to compare the remaining translations/revisions to get more insight if you care to do so.

Step three

Blueletterbible.org is the online tool that we will use. I cheated a little and gave you the direct link to the scripture in step one.

1. Click on or touch the ‘tools‘ button located to the left of 3 John 1:2. This should take you to the interlinear; notice the phrase “mayest prosper” is translated not just the word “prosper“.
2. Click on/touch G2137 it should take you to a screen with helpful information including ‘Concordance Results Using KJV’ listing references to other scriptures that use the same word.

This is not all but as much as time permits, you can use Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference tools. Stay with Sound Truth Ministry as we continue to unveil Bible study tips and more about our wonderful Lord and Savior.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 Equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (RKJNT)

Our next post will focus on the question ‘should we (the church) seek or desire to be rich or wealthy?‘

Be hungry for the truth, spend some time searching the Scriptures for prosper* (the asterisk is like a wildcard, the results will include prosper, prosperous, prosperity and other words that have the root ‘prosper’): Biblehub | Studylight.org Thompson Chain Reference Concordance (one of my favorite tools) |

♥ Question for ‘prosperity God’s way – part one’: Is this helping you to understand prosperity?

If you have more time please continue, if you don’t have time for more, please jump to the end to give feedback in the comment area/poll. Go to end.

Lesson Six – True Prosperity – Part Two

Series tracking:

Before continuing please make sure you check: Lesson Three – True Prosperity || Lesson Four – True Prosperity Explained || Lesson Five – True Prosperity – Part One

I remind you this is Bible study and not intended to be a place to get opinions. The focus is the word of God and to gradually help you learn methods of Bible study. God gave us the Holy Spirit to help us John 14:26 and 1 Corinthians 2:13-14. Arm yourself with the word, then you can discern truth and reject false teaching 2 Timothy 4:1-5 and 1 John 2:20-21.

He who is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he who is dishonest in the least is also dishonest in much. 11 Therefore, if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful with that which is another man’s, who shall give you possessions of your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Luke 16:10-13 (RKJNT)

Should we (the church) seek or desire to be rich or wealthy?

A God-like life gives us much when we are happy for what we have. 7 We came into this world with nothing. For sure, when we die, we will take nothing with us. 8 If we have food and clothing, let us be happy. 9 But men who want lots of money are tempted. They are trapped into doing all kinds of foolish things and things which hurt them. These things drag them into sin and will destroy them. 10 The love of money is the beginning of all kinds of sin. Some people have turned from the faith because of their love for money. They have made much pain for themselves because of this. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NLV)

Supporting scriptures for 1 Timothy 6:6

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (KJV)

• The little which the good man has is better than the wealth of evil-doers. Psalm 37:16 (BBE)
• Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great wealth together with trouble. Proverbs 15:16 (BBE)
• It is better to be poor and do what is right than to be wealthy and be unfair. Proverbs 16:8 (ICB)
•  am not saying this because of being in need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. Philippians 4:11 I(AUV)
• Let your lives be free from the love of money; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5 (RKJNT)

Supporting scriptures for 1 Timothy 6:9

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. 1 Timothy 6:9 (KJV)

• He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. Proverbs 15:27 (KJV)
• Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Proverbs 23:4 (KJV)
• A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment. Proverbs 28:20 (BBE)
• The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. Matthew 13:22 (CEV)
• Command those who are rich in this world not to be arrogant, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 (RKJNT)

Money answereth all things

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. Ecclesiastes 10:19 (KJV)

• Only supporting scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. (KJV)
• Keep it in the context of the message as we should with all scripture; read all of Ecclesiastes 10. This is where certain translations/revisions that give subheadings or section headings help and sometimes include notes. Also, for the more advanced Bible study, access to a lexicon and concordance via Strong’s numbers sometimes helps even more.
  • Example 1: New English Translation (NET)‘s style of helpful sections and notes (see note #58 in the right-hand column) 58 tn Or “and [they think that] money is the answer for everything.”
  • Example 2: Click here to go to Biblehub.com’s Ecclesiastes chapter 10 KJV with Strong’s numbers
    • go to verse 19 and then click on ‘all things‘; there is no reference. However, if you click on ‘money’ ‘answereth’
• We need the translators help with ‘money answereth all things‘; I suggest the following:
  • (GNT) Ecclesiastes 10:19 Feasting makes you happy and wine cheers you up, but you can’t have either without money.
  • (AMP) Ecclesiastes 10:19 [Instead of repairing the breaches, the officials] make a feast for laughter, serve wine to cheer life, and [depend on tax] money to answer for all of it.

A challenge for you: use the methods of study from part 1 and part 2 above to gain a proper understanding of 1 Timothy 6:10 and Luke 16:9 “And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.” (KJV)

Scriptures to read and study: