Introduction: Many of us from English speaking nations and here in Taiwan seem to direct our thinking to financial success when we hear the word prosper. This probably comes from the dictionary meaning of the word 'prosper' in our modern age. Webster says that 'prosper' means: (1) to succeed in an enterprise or activity; to achieve economic success, and also (2) to become strong and flourishing; the verb means to cause to succeed. Prosperity means the condition of being successful or thriving, economic well being.

1. What do the biblical languages mean in their usage of the word 'prosper'?
   1. The Hebrew of the Old Testament in the two main words for prosper means: (1) to push forward = break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, and be profitable = cause to make to send prosper. (2) sakal – to make or act circumspect, and hence intelligent – consider, expect, instruct, prosper, prudent – have good success.
   2. The New Testament Greek EVODOO means to help on one’s way. It is used in the passive voice to signify a prosperous journey. Metaphorically to prosper, be prospered such as in I Corinthians 16:2, "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." The continuous tense suggests the successive circumstances of varying prosperity as week follows week.

   3. Note: When we talk of the topic of prosperity we have to make it apply to a worldwide body of Christian Believers. What is possible in wealth Western Countries must also apply to the poor in Third World Countries. For example: If we create a doctrine of prosperity in America where every preacher, who truly believes, will drive a Mercedes Benz car. Can we take that belief and apply it to Third World countries such as Cambodia. Will the pastors here, who believe, expect to have a Mercedes to drive in their pastoral work? Here the ladder of progression is first walk, then a bicycle, later a motorcycle, and finally possibly a small car. If this progression is part of a doctrine of prosperity then there is a flaw in the prosperity belief. What works in Australia needs to work every where in Asia.

2. Ways to Prosper
   1. Inquire Of The Lord. (Judges 18:5)
      1. The Danites settle in Laish. The Danites were seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they has not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. Five warriors went to explore the land proposed. They went to Micah’s house to inquire of the young Levite. Micah said that he was hired to be their priest. The five warriors said to the priest, "Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be prosperous (successful)." The priest answered them, "Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval." Judges 18: 28b "..... The Danites rebuilt the city and settled there. They named it Dan and after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel--though the city used to be called Laish."

      2. 2 Chronicles 14:7 "Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered."

      3. Uzziah King of Judah 2 Chronicles 26:3-5 "Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother's name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As Long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."

   2. Obey the Covenants Of The Lord.
      
      1. Deuteronomy 29:9 "of Carefully follow the terms this covenant, so that you may proper in everything you do." v. 10-13, "All of you are standing today in the presence of the Lord your God--your leaders and chief men, your elders, and officials, and all the other men of Israel, together with your children and your wives, and aliens living in your camps who chop your wood and carry your water. You are standing here in order to enter into a covenant with the Lord your God, as he promised you and as he swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
      2. Keep the words of Scripture alive in your soul. Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do according to all that is written there in for then you shall make your was prosperous, and then you shall have good success."

   3. Make Your Soul Your Bench Mark For Prosperity.
      1. 3 John verse 2, "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."
      2. Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."