SOUL PROSPERITY

Soul Prosperity, 3 John 2

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

This verse is not what would normally be called a promise, but it is like we refer to an equation in math as an equality or an identity.  Except for God in His mercy intervening, our prosperity and health are directly related to the prosperity of our soul which we have control of or should have control of.  Our prosperity and health is a reflection of our soul, and regardless of whom you are, we each can start right now improving our prosperity and health by taking control and directing our soul. 

Before becoming a Christian, people are a soul (mind/emotions) in a physical body.  When we become a Christian by receiving the Spirit of Christ into our hearts, we become a physical body with a soul and a Spirit, the Spirit of Christ.  Our soul includes our mind and emotions like happiness, sadness, etc.  Our physical body has sensing abilities of feeling, smelling, seeing, hearing and tasting to tell our mind what is happening around us in our space.  Our mind analyzes these inputs from the body and decides if the overall combination is good or bad for us, and we then either emotionally “feel good,” “feel bad,” “feel excited,” or many other emotional states.

Each of us make daily choices as to what type situations we get into that mainly determines the inputs from the world that come through our physical sensors to our minds and form our emotions.  We choose to go places, get involved in certain activities, associate with certain kind of people, and all of these choices have strong influences on our minds and thus to our emotions.  By our choices we select the type of inputs which we “desire” to be in our minds and emotions, and naturally then we are ruling out the possibility of many other sensor inputs to our mind and emotions by the places and activities we do not choose.  Our personal daily choices determine the condition of our soul or “who” we become mentally, as far as intellectually or emotionally.  Choices we make and the resulting growth in our intellect and emotional realms are reflected to others as our personality, “how we are” or “what kind of person we are.”

As a non-Christian before we received Christ in our hearts, our inter-beings are only influenced by what we are taught by our parents, friends, schools, TV, Radio, and our other relationships with the world which is a combination of good, bad, ugly.  It is easily seen throughout the world that people can grow to accept many different and opposing belief systems or standards to live by in their hearts.  Many of these societies have grown to opposing beliefs about spiritual concerns, value of life, freedom, respect of individuals and other moral standards like stealing, lying, sexual relationships and other daily activities.    

The Apostle Paul discusses the beliefs and actions of all people who have not received Christ into their heart in Ephesians 2:1- 5, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).

The main point about the hearts of non-Christian people who do not have Christ in their hearts is that they do not have assistance in their hearts to separate or evaluate right or wrong.  Their hearts are filled with lusts for riches, power, sex, fame and desires for outstanding achievements.  All of us were born with hearts alike as stated in Psalms 33:15, “He fashioneth their hearts alike; He considereth all their works.”  We are all born into total sin, our hearts separated from God or we do not have the Spirit of God in our hearts when we are physically born.  A little baby is not born a terrible person because he/she does not have the Spirit of Christ in his heart.  The baby is dependent on the environment which includes all the people in their little world to teach (discipline) them as they grow up how to evaluate and react to circumstances in their lives.  As children grow up they will be learning all kinds of belief systems and incorporating many of them into their hearts, some which are approved by their parents and society, and many not approved which show up later in life which surprise close friends and family.  Many people grow from childhood to have things hid in their hearts which do not come out until they are “out of town” or in secret controlled environments.  As children grow in age, knowledge, and understanding, God is also reaching out and speaking to them in many ways.  So little is taught in our society about how God speaks to people, children and adults, that most who even attend church do not even recognize God speaking to them personally, except perhaps in special emotional services, summer camps or other special occasions.  In fact, many “Christian” denominations and groups actually teach that the Bible is God’s Word to us today and that God does not speak personally to individuals since the Bible was written.    

Jesus states in John 6:45, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.”  As children grow, God will be teaching them of His Love for them, sin, Jesus’ answer for their sin, and that He desires them to turn their lives to Him and invite Him(His Spirit) into their hearts to complete their intended created predestined being of (body, soul and Spirit) not just (body and soul).  The Apostle Paul states in Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” and in Romans 1:18-22, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”   When people reject God’s teaching to them about salvation and for some reason lift their beliefs above God and His Word to them, they are essentially stating there is no God for they have decided to control their own destiny and Psalms 14:1 and 53:1 states, “The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God."  And Paul tells why people perish in 2 Thessaolonians 2:10-11, "And with all  deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.”

When God reveals to children (or anyone) what they should do, and they know it is God, they have to make the choice then to accept His teaching and receive His Words and Spirit into their hearts, or reject and block His Spirit from their hearts.  Many will reject because of the customs of their nation, muslims, because of the religion of their family and friends, or they want to wait until a more convenient time, etc.   The Scriptures state we must respond in faith to the gospel to receive salvation when God teaches us in Hebrews 4:2, “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

In summary, all babies are born as a soul with a body, but are in total sin because they do not have the Spirit of God in them.  As we grow and become taught by God about His love for us and His desire for us to receive Him, His Spirit, into our hearts, we can never again be the same for we must either choose to receive His Spirit into our hearts or reject His Spirit from coming into our hearts.  The Bible calls those who reject His Spirit fools, but they still can turn and receive Christ into their hearts later if they do not die first.  If they die without accepting the Spirit of Christ into their hearts they will be cast into the Lake of Fire at the White Throne Judgment in Revelations 20.  After receiving and rejecting God’s Word for salvation,  their own personal choice to reject His Spirit causes them to reject truth, love, and life.  God says about those who reject Him in Romans1:28-32, “And even as they did not like to retain ‘God in their knowledge’, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  (31) Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (32)  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

The above actions of those who have rejected Jesus and His love from their hearts is why we see so much evil, confusion and hate in our society as the “elite” intellectuals push to remove all visible signs of God(Jesus) and His teachings from our government, social and personal lives. 

 

Christians are a triune being because we have a body, soul and Christ (the Holy Spirit) in our hearts to guide our soul’s decisions and bring us into all truth.  Yet, today there is as much confusion of beliefs in the Christian community as there is confusion of social beliefs of non-Christians around the world who have no inner being guiding them.  Just look at the mainline Christian denominations, many believe the opposite on so many important teachings of God’s Word.   Where is the evidence of unity that should result if the Spirit of Christ were actually teaching and leading our denominations into the true pure word of God as mentioned in Ephesians 4:5,11-13,  “One Lord, one faith, one baptism,” and in (11-13) “And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith,…”  Our spiritual leaders are supposed to be working to bring all Christian denominations and groups into the ONE FAITH which comes from the PURE WORD!  Our Christian community is so fragmented, and confused, that God is not backing us up against the muslim onslaught through our government and social elites.  Confusion is of the devil and he has certainly torn apart our Christian community.

There are three kinds of people on earth: 1. Children, or persons, who have not been taught by God of His Love and Salvation (Body and Soul), 2. People who have rejected God’s Love and Salvation (still only Body and Soul), and 3. Christians who have received God’s Love to Salvation and have been born into the family of God as His children (Body, Soul and Spirit). 

Soul Prospering can only happen in Christians as a result of us making the free-will choice to submit our mind and emotions to the control of the Spirit of Christ in our heart.   We do this by allowing God’s Spirit, the Living Word – Christ, in us to give us guidance when thoughts are formed in our minds by the physical sensors of touching, smelling, seeing, hearing, and tasting.  We must allow the Spirit of Christ in us to analyze each of our thoughts that these physical sensors are causing to be formed in our minds.  If we are touching, tasting, smelling, seeing and hearing bad things which are in opposition to Christ, the Living Word, then we must change our location or circumstances.  We must eliminate things from our life and choose new things to allow the Spirit of Christ to guide our souls, mind and emotions, into becoming the people He wants us to be.  How do we know the kind of people He wants us to be?  He actually says in Isaiah 34:16, “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read…” and Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy to fight against the devil when He was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness, so that might be a good clue as to where we should start. 

Some of the Scriptures below will show how to start taking control of your mind and emotions so that your SOUL WILL BEGIN TO PROSPER and then you will experience what John was talking about in 3 John 2 when he said,   

“ Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”   As your soul begins prospering, you will notice a great change in your health and prosperity.

MIND:

Romans 12:2-3, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (3) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”  

NOTE:  This chapter, Romans 12, is written to Christians who all are saved by grace through faith; therefore, all Christians have a measure of faith.  Non-Christians do not have a measure of faith: see Deut 32:20, Mark 4:40 and 2 Thes 3:2.  All men do not have a measure of faith, only those who have  heard and received God’s Word have faith.

2 Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

James 1:19, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (2) The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Isaiah 26:3-4, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:” …and peace!

Philippians 4:4, “ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice evermore. (17) Pray without ceasing. (18) In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Ephesians 5:17-20, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (18) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Colossians 3:15,  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

BODY:

1 Corinthians 6:17-20:17-20, “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (18) Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  (19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 Colossians 3:5-6, “ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:”

Exodus 23:25, “And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.”

Philippians 3:18-19, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (19) Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” Are you already planning the next meal while finishing the one you are eating?

There are many, many more Scriptures that tell us how to feed our souls by the choices we make in our daily lives.  These “little daily” choices we make determine the type person we become.  It is like driving a car across town, each little turn of the steering wheel adds to the successful or unsuccessful completion of the trip.  The words above may now only be to you just written words on a screen or paper, but if you receive them into your heart and commit to allowing them to direct your life the words will come alive as the Living Words of God guiding and directing you.  Jesus says in John 6:63, “…The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”  It will be His Spirit of the Words above that we will receive into our hearts to perform the work of grace to help us change to become the people He wants us to be.

As your soul begins to fill and prosper in God’s Word, your health and physical prosperity will also be increasing.  Your answers to prayer will be increasing too because Jesus says in John 15:7, “ If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you(your soul), ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Have a prosperous day,

Richard Hardin