[two_third]

INTRODUCTION

“60 million people go hungry every day in Latin America, 186 million in sub-Saharan Africa, 515 million in Asia, 36 million in eastern and northern Africa, 34 million in the West. Of the 815 million suffering malnutrition registered between 1997and 1999, 777 million belong to so called undeveloped countries, 27 million to nations in transition, 11 million to industrialized nations. In Afghanistan, the poorest country on the planet, 1 in 4 children die before the age of 5, 50% of the children suffer malnutrition. There is a deficit of 52,000 tons of grain monthly. The cats in England eat more protein than the men in Africa. Every year 15 million children die from causes related to hunger. 15 million! This means that today 40,000 children died and tomorrow another 40,000, and so on every day. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 75% of the population is malnourished. The effects in terms of loss of human life are equal to that which would be produced, for example, by the explosion of an atomic bomb such as destroyed Hiroshima and put an end to the Second World War, thrown every three days in a densely populated area.”1
In the midst of this critical panorama, there is emerging in the third world an evangelical or neo-evangelical practice known as Theology of Prosperity, which uses powerful and efficient means of mass communication to spread itself, gaining followers and affecting the future and spirituality of the churches there. It is vital to understand and analyze this doctrine in the light of what is established in the Holy Scriptures.
One must distinguish between material and spiritual prosperity. They do not always go together and one does not guarantee the other. Occasionally they are independence and in other cases they are related. Nevertheless, there exists a wide range of matrices and variables between them that on one hand manifest the human reality and on the other the divine, the fulfilling of the promises of God or simply the operation of grace. In order to have a correct application of the doctrine, it is necessary to know all the counsel of God with respect to it throughout the Old and New Covenants.
On the other hand, to have a wide application of this subject, it is necessary to keep in mind the Christian economic plan or model; that is the combination of macro and micro economic means, of spiritual principles and practical ordinances, which must be applied for the good management of monetary resources which relate directly to material prosperity and often are the reflection of a spiritual attitude or maturity. For this reason we have incorporated in this study a section on the theology of work.
The Lord does not concede to everyone the same talents and capacities. Some are gifted to multiply their goods, and to them comes the warning from at least 3,300 years ago that the ability to generate wealth also comes from God, and warning them of the danger of pride in thinking, ―My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.‖ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…2
It is necessary to emphasize that during periods of prosperity we are also administrators of it since we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it3. In many cases material prosperity makes us forget God. The wise Solomon prayed to the Lord give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?‘ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God4.
In many exemplary lives we can witness that prior to prosperity there were periods of privation and suffering. The Apostle Paul, recognizing that they are seasonal situations, and making an example of himself, testifies to being prepared to be in need, and … to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.5
In order to clarify this subject we need to understand some definitions of the terms.

A.- DEFINITIONS ROYAL SPANISH ACADEMY
prosperity. from lat. prosperitas, -atis. 1. f. favorable course of things. 2. Good luck or success in what is attempted, what happens or occurs. prosperous. from lat. prosperus. adj. Favorable, propitious, lucky. favorable. (from lat. favorabĭlis). 1. adj. That favors. 2. adj. Favorable, peaceful, benevolent.
propitious. (from lat. propitĭus). 1. adj. Favorable, inclined to do good. Show yourself propitious to us. A man propitious to forgive. 2. adj. Favorable in order for something to succeed. A propitious moment. lucky. 1. adj. One who has good luck. 2. adj. Stormy, tempestuous. 3. adj. That which implies or brings happiness.

B.- DEFINITIONS VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY TO PROSPER
tsaleaj, «to triumph, to prosper». This word is often found in ancient as well as modern Hebrew. It appears some 65 times in the Hebrew Old Testament text, the first time being Genesis 24:21 (NIV): «the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful». The term expresses the idea of a successful business (the opposite of failure). The source of such success is God. King Uzziah 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 Chronicles 26:5)5
In spite of this, the circumstances of life often present the question, “Why do the ways of the wicked prosper?”
Jeremiah complains to God about the prosperity of the prosperity of the wicked. You are always righteous, LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? (Jeremiah 12:1)
Tsaleaj: sometimes used to mean “victory”: In your majesty ride forth victoriously (Psalm 45:4 NIV) In thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things (Psalm 45:4 KJV)
The translation ―In thy majesty ride prosperously‖ (KJV), does not have the same force PROSPER, PROSPERITY, PROSPEROUS:

A. VERBS
1. euodoo, to help in one‘s way (eu, well; judos, way or voyage). It is used in the passive voice with the meaning of making a prosperous trip (Romans 1:10: “I pray that now at last by God‘s will the way may be opened for me to come to you‖ NIV
St. Paul wanted to travel to Rome to share with the church some spiritual blessings: Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. (Romans 1:10 KJV)
Metaphoricly, to prosper, to be prosperous (1 Corinthians 16:2: “as God hath prospered him”; NIV freely translates “in keeping with your income;” to coincide with; lit., “in everything in which you may be prospered,” that is, in material things); where the continuous tense suggests successive circumstances of varying prosperity from week to week. In 3 John 2 “I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.‖ (KJV) refers to physical prosperity and spiritual health.
2. euporeo, lit., travel well (eu, well; poreo, travel), and hence prosper. It is translated “according to what you have” in Acts 11:29, lit., “according to his ability.” See also TO HAVE

B. NOUN euporia, see also RICHES under ENRICH, C, No 3, prosperity, gain. It is translated
«prosperity» in Acts 19.25 (Besson) KJV. “good income from this business”. NIV “we have our wealth.”

C. ADJECTIVE Note: For euodoo, translated with the phrase «have a prosperous voyage», See A, No 1 above

I. – PROSPERITY IN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS
We will analyze aspects of the lives of some men of God who have experienced prosperity in order to extract from them common behaviors which permit us to define certain laws or spiritual principles which can be taken from them and which govern this doctrine.

A.- IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
ELIEZER
The first case directly related with the use of this word is found in the Sacred Scriptures when Eliezer, the oldest and most loyal servant of Abraham, is sent by Abraham, since it is not permitted to marry pagan women, to look for a wife for his son Isaac among his people in Mesopotamia from where he had immigrated several years earlier under orders from the Most High.
Eliezer relates the prosperity of the voyage with reaching the objective of it: finding a wife for Isaac. Arriving in the land of the Chaldeans, when he meets with Rebecca beside the well, he cautiously waits to see if the sign he requested in prayer from God will be confirmed. “Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful.”6
We see in this episode prosperity related to three concepts: obedience of Abraham to the word of God in spite of how complex and difficult the situation was; faith that if God gave this command He himself would take charge and bless it. „The LORD, before whom I have walked faithfully, will send his angel with you and make your journey a success.‖7 And in third place, the faithfulness of Eliezer to the task entrusted to him by his master. He was not distracted and did not give himself license for self gratification. “I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say.”8
Once they had the confirmation from the Lord in everything, nevertheless Rebecca‟s family wanted to delay the departure and keep them for ten days, but Eliezer requested of them ““Do not detain me, now that the LORD has granted success to my journey.”9
Isaac fell in love with Rebecca at first sight. Obedient to the scriptural mandate, he knew he could not marry a Canaanite woman and accepted Rebecca with joy, certain that she was the one God had sent as his companion.
ISAAC
When there was famine God forbade Isaac to go to Egypt which was rich in wheat and grains and ordered him to remain in the steppes of the Promised Land, with the promise of divine provision, perhaps as an example to the future generations how to live as pilgrims and strangers dependent on God. He settled in Gerar where God blessed him to the point of making him so rich that the neighbors became jealous. “Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.” Genesis 26:12, 13.
That being a zone where water was scarce, Isaac reopened the wells that his father had dug and the Philistines had filled in after the death of Abraham. The envious inhabitants of those lands wanted to take over the wells and Isaac, in the first two instances, did not resist, but let them have them. After opening the third one they left him in peace and he named it Rohoboth, spacious places, and said “Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land.”10
JOSEPH
Someone in whom we see prosperity reflected with pristine clarity, the favorable course of things, is in the life of Joseph, from childhood till his death. His qualities and life style developed and formed habits that forged his character that permitted him to come out gracefully from the different challenges to which he was subjected and the innumerable injustices he suffered.
During his childhood he maintained an open and honest relationship with his father, sharing with him the wicked ways his older brothers were taking. This courage, together with the spiritual qualities of Joseph, earned him the jealousy of his brothers who, when Joseph related a dream in which he took preeminence over the others, wanted to kill him. The intervention of the oldest brother saved him from death by sending him into exile and selling him to some merchants who were traveling from the East. They blatantly lied to their father, inventing the story that Joseph had been killed by an animal and giving him the tunic they themselves had bloodied.
Nevertheless, in Egypt Joseph was purchased by the Captain of Pharaoh‟s Guard who, owing to Joseph‟s honesty, capability and wisdom, put him in charge of his household.
The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did,
Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. T he LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” Genesis 39:2-5, 23
Nevertheless, the wife of his master Potiphar harassed him sexually and tried to woo him, but Joseph resisted. Consequently she slandered him by saying that he wanted to violate her. As a result he was thrown in jail, but God again protected him and granted him grace before the captain of the prison who put him in charge of the other prisoners.
The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph‘s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Genesis 39:23
While Joseph was a prisoner, God blessed him and he was called before Pharaoh who was very perturbed because he could not correctly interpret the dream he had had of the 7 fat cows and the 7 lean cows. Joseph confidently interpreted Pharaoh‟s dream, giving him excellent advice to follow. As a result Joseph was given his freedom from the prison. God honored him to the extent that he became second only to Pharaoh.
We see in the life of Joseph that prosperity did not come from one day to the next. It was forged through valuable habits, integrity of life, obedience to divine precepts, and victory over temptation. Likewise, before prosperous success he had to suffer long periods of affliction, lack of understanding, severe injustice and prison. From the pit where he was taken to depend on some merchants, from a slave to manager of a high official, from there again to suffering, to being deprived of liberty, generating and cultivating the virtue of patience, learning how to await the timing of divine justice which at times we think is late but always arrives.
THE EGYPTIAN MIDWIVES
The purpose of Pharaoh was to exterminate all Jewish boys, fearful that in multiplying this foreign people among them might rebel against the established empire. He gave instructions to all the midwives who assisted the Hebrew women that when baby boys were born they were to be put to death immediately.
The midwives, fearing God, did not do what the king commanded them11 and allowed them to be born whenever possible.
Since this order was not carried out, the people increased and became even more numerous so the king ordered that every boy be thrown into the river. When Moses was grown up and had survived this extermination, he was known as the one rescued (taken) from the waters.
And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. Exodus 1:21
Once again is this case, prosperity is related to the fear of and obedience to God.

BEFORE ENTERING THE PROMISED LAND
Shortly before entering the Promised Land, at the end of the 40 years in the desert, Moses delivered to the people what is called the Second Law, or Deuteronomy. The Ten Commandments, statutes and decrees were given the first year of the exodus from Egypt when they were camped at Horeb, at the foot of Mount Sinai, and this ratification or second law takes place on the Plains of Moab to the east of Jordan, a few steps from the Promised Land.
What does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD‘s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Deuteronomy 10:12,13
These two verses summarize perfectly the concepts that God demands in order to fulfill his promise of prosperity to his sons and his people and in one way or another they are reiterated in relation to the Biblical persons who have enjoyed manifest prosperity in their lives. That is why we have put this verse on the title page of this study. These concepts are: fear of God, walk in integrity (all his ways); love God above all things, serve God with all your heart, keep his commandments and statutes.
Two other chapters, 28 and 29, which are cited and often read and preached from, are container in this same book when the results of obedience are described, which carry with them multiple promises of spiritual blessing and material prosperity, and on the other hand, curses and consequences for disobedience to the statutes and commandments emphasizing among them this sentence “…thou shalt not prosper in thy ways”12 KJV
These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb… Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do Deuteronomy 29:1,9
JOSHUA
Now advanced in age, Moses climbed Mount Nebo. He was permitted to see from the heights the distant Promised Land, and died there, leaving his remains in that place. To succeed him and continue his perfect plan, God raised up Joshua, having been previously subjected to diverse trials and prepared over many years. God exhorted him saying:
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips;
meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1: 7-9 NIV
In this speech prior to undertaking the conquest we see the promise of God authorizing prosperity associated with the following behavior: effort, courage, integrity, faithfulness to God‟s law, and perseverance.
MICAH
Micah, a descendent of Ephraim, gave refuge to a young Levite and contracted him in order to have a priest in his home, thinking God would therefore prosper him. It was a time of much confusion and decadence where the historian reiterates various times that everyone did that which was right in his own eyes, that is relativism predominated in values. To have an intermediary between man and God as was the priestly ministry was therefore a hope for blessing. Although Micah mixed genuine interest with idolatrous practices shows the religious syncretism that prevailed. In any case, we see how later they consulted this Levite as to whether or not they should go to war and take possession of the land promised to the tribe of Dan.
And Micah said, ―Now I know that the LORD will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest. Judges 17:13
Then they said to him, ―Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.” Judges 18:5
In this case we see prosperity again associated with obeying the prophetic voice of God.
SAMUEL
Samuel, called the last of the judges and the first of the prophets, ministered in a period of transition where Israel, in order to appear like the other nations, asks for a king to govern them. Their consecration from before birth and their integrity of life leads them to receive great blessings and privileges from God.
The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. 1 Samuel 3:19
In this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true.. 1 Samuel 9:6
As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you.
I have been your leader from my youth until this day.
1 Samuel 12:2
DAVID A SALOMÓN
An old father counsels his son regarding what would happen to his throne:
Observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 1 Kings 2:3
David blesses and encourages his son to continue the work that he began and construct the Temple that he was not given the privilege of doing.
Now, my son, the LORD be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the LORD your God, as he said you would. May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. 1 Chronicles 22:11-13
In both cases the prosperity is conditioned on obedience to the Word of God.
So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered and all Israel obeyed him. 1 Chronicles 29:23 When Solomon had finished the temple of the LORD and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the LORD
and in his own palace, 2 Chronicles 7:11
IN THE TIMES OF KING ABIJAH
Abijah, or Abijam, son of Rehoboam first king of Judah (Southern Kingdom) who reigned in Jerusalem briefly for three years, exhorts the army of Israel (Northern Kingdom) not to fight against them because the Lord is on their side because they relied on the LORD, the God of their ancestors. (2 Chronicles 13:18)
God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. People of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed.” 2 Chronicles 13:12
KING ASA
Son of Abijah and successor to the throne of Judah, he made an important religious reform renewing the covenant with God, taking away the idols, religious prostitution and sodomy from the kingdom. Nevertheless in his old age he sought out an alliance with the king of Syria and when his feet were diseased he did not seek the Lord. The divine blessing and approval were with him while he sought the Lord.
Let us build up these towns, he said to Judah, and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.. 2 Chronicles 14:7
―Because you relied on the King of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. You have done a foolish thing and from now on you will be at war. Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians. 2 Chronicles 16:7,9,12
KING JEHOSHAPHAT
King of Judah (870–848 B.C.), son and successor of Asa. He perfected the justice system, established judges in every city in Judah and a court of appeals in Jerusalem. Being surrounded by a multitude of enemies, he exhorted the people to trust in the Lord and the voice of the prophet who announced their victory.
Jehoshaphat stood and said, ―Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful. 2 Chronicles 20:20
KING UZZIAH
Tenth King of Judah with a long reign of fifty years. His epitaph reads that he did right in the eyes of the Lord. Nevertheless, the chronicler clarifies that the blessings of prosperity came to him when he sought the Lord, since when he was already prosperous he rebelled against God, forcing himself into the priesthood by burning incense on the Temple altar and immediately his face broke out in leprosy from which he was never healed and had to live as a leper in a separate house until his death. At the death of Uzziah, Isaiah is called to preach.
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 Chronicles 26:5
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God. 2 Chronicles 26:16
KING HEZEKIAH
King of Judah who did right in the eyes of the Lord, and when pride filled his heart, he repented immediately, so God delayed the announced anger against him. He always sought the Lord in all his ways, which brought him success, progress and wellbeing to the people. He constructed an aqueduct and tunnel to bring water to the center of the city of Jerusalem. When he was sick unto death, he cried unto God who gave him another fifteen years of life.
He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him, he was successful in whatever he undertook. 2 Kings 18:6,7
In everything that he undertook in the service of God‘s temple and in obedience to the law and the commandments, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:21
He succeeded in everything he undertook, 2 Chronicles 32:30
But Hezekiah‘s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him. 2 Chronicles 32:25
DANIEL
Having been carried into captivity very young, he lived the greater part of his life in Babylon where he was taught in the court of Nebuchadnezzar. God honored him gifting him with the ability to interpret dreams and give wise counsel. He suffered persecution and danger of death when he was thrown into the den of lions and his friends into the fiery furnace. It is a clear example, similar to that of Joseph, that true prosperity is the consequence of integrity of life and submission to God.
So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel 6:28

THE PROMISE TO RETURN
Once the discipline was completed in exile, the people will return and be prosperous.
―Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.
Jeremiahs 46:27
NEHEMIAH The walls of the City Arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah had to encourage the people as there was much adversity, hard work, diverse difficulties, neighboring enemies and their constant threats discouraged his people. Nevertheless he transmitted to them the certainty that the reconstruction of the
walls was the will of God in order to restore his people and did not allow this to terrify him.
I answered them by saying, ―The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.‖
Nehemiah 2:20
THE JEWISH ELDERS The House of God After reconstructing the walls of the city and having established the people returned from exile, they postponed the reconstruction of the Temple and the prophets Haggai and
Zechariah firmly exhorted them until it was finished.
So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
Ezra 6:14,15
JOB
He was a righteous man, fearful of God, perfect, separate from evil. There came upon him a trial of illness, death of his children, and loss of material goods. He bore the adversity trusting in the Lord. In the end he was prospered with double what he had had.
And the LORD accepted Job‘s prayer. After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. Job 42: 9,10,12

B. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
The direct mentions of prosperity in the New Testament are less frequent. Nevertheless, there are many allusions in proverbs as well as in parables regarding money and its implications. The history of the primitive church and the apostolic writings are full of two repeated ingredients, among others, hope and suffering.
The church had to open the way in a mixed society in the midst of an authoritarian empire, completely adverse to Christian principles. The systematic persecutions that followed the crucifixion of Jesus, the imprisonment of Peter, the martyrdom of Stephen, the harassment of Saul and the multiple pains he suffered once converted, the permanent persecution that the Judaizers carried out against the apostle, the uncertainty in families, considering that just for being Christians they often lost their jobs, belongings, and property. In short, the systematic sufferings of the family of believers throughout the world (1 Peter 5:9) fill its pages.
Thus in the midst of profound pain and adversity they carried forward the Great Commission, expanding itself and planting churches. There is therefore in that context little space for thinking of personal and material wellbeing. It gives the impression that together with suffering for the faith they were accompanied by other certainties such as hope in the divine help and provision to continue serving God on earth.
Let us look at some direct examples.
Prosperity related to a ministerial voyage
I pray that now at last by God‘s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. Romans 1:10
Prosperity related to systematic giving
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
1 Corinthians 16:2
Prosperity related to giving eventually
One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. Acts 11:28,29
Prosperity related to an office He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: ―You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. Acts 19:25
Integral prosperity
As in the Old Testament text in Deuteronomy 10:12, 13, in the NT one of the most notable verses in this respect, which as I understand it, synthesizes in a profound way the healthy doctrine of prosperity. We find it in the Third Epistle of St. John where the relation between the two integral elements is expressed, material and spiritual prosperity.
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 2
The apostle John, now an old man, desires for Gaius, for whom he publicly declares his high esteem and sincere love, that he prosper in all things.
Here we see a theology in line with that of the Old Testament, the reality of which happened to Joseph. The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did; or the promise of God to Joshua you will be prosperous and successful in everything you do; or what is registered by the chronicler regarding King Hezekiah: Hezekiah prospered in all that he did.
But material prosperity is also related to prosperity of the soul, physical health with spiritual health, which is definitely transcendent. Nevertheless, it is not enough to point out this agreement, it says so with the backup testimony gathered from the brethren in the faith who certify that Gaius walked in the truth of Christ, that is that he persevered in the Path of Faith.

II. PROSPERITY OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS A. OF THE UNRIGHTEOUS
The transgressors and the wicked often prosper circumstantially. This normally generates confusion and not a little discomfort when we see the unrighteous and profane being successful in this world. The righteous Job suffers illnesses and disaster as he sees the wicked prosper while they laugh, mock and hold in contempt the saints and their holiness.
The tents of marauders are undisturbed, and those who provoke God are secure Job 12:6
Nevertheless he encourages himself in adversity leaving us an example since he knows the Lord and his justice and declares the transience of pagan well-being. Job 15:29.
He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land.
As he also warns and reminds us that destruction will suddenly come against them in spite of the fact that today they celebrate with timbrels and flutes.
Terrifying sounds fill his ears; when all seems well, marauders attack him. Job 15:21
They sing to the music of timbrel and lyre; they make merry to the sound of the pipe.
They spend their years in prosperity
Job 21:12-13
Their light, their shine, will soon be extinguished, their principles and way of living do not stand up under analysis. They will soon be surrounded by grief.
Yet how often is the lamp of the wicked snuffed out? How often does calamity come upon them, the fate God allots in his anger? Job 21:17
Ahab, King of Israel, wanted to ally himself with Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, to go to war together. They consulted the prophets of Israel who spoke with a lying spirit, not wanting to listen to the voice of the prophet of Jehovah, which in the end led to the death of Ahab.
All the other prophets were prophesying the same thing. ―Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious,‖ they said, ―for the LORD will give it into the king‘s hand.‖ 1 Kings 22:12
In the midst of his anguish Jeremiah breaks out in complaint, disconcerted by the prosperity of the unrighteous, of persons hostile to religion. You are always righteous, LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? Jeremiah 12:1
Those who become presumptuous will not prosper
The prophet also mentions what has occurred with the pastors among his people. From them has stemmed the moral decay, corruption and idolatry found in Judah in those years and which has brought them to earn the divine discipline through the invasion of the Chaldeans.
The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered. Jeremiah 10:21
Those who persecute the prophets will not prosper
In an act of faith, already knowing the divine procedure in these cases, he warns about what will happen to those who persecute them because of the counsel and prophecies which come from the heart and will of God for his people.
But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten. Jeremiah 20:11
Prosperity led him to vanity. This is what occurred with Jerusalem owing to its development and progress. It was unfaithful to God, departing from his ways.
So you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth. Your food was honey, olive oil and the finest flour. You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen. You prospered until you began to reign
And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign LORD. ― ̳But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his.
Ezekiel 16:13-15
I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, ̳I will not listen!‘ This has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed me. This is what the LORD says: ―Record this man as if childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime, Jeremiah 22:21,30 and the complacency of fools will destroy them; Proverbs 1:32 19

B. OF THE RIGHTEOUS
The RAE Dictionary defines the pious man: devout, inclined to piety, given to religious worship and the things pertaining to the service of God and the saints. Benign, bland, merciful, compassionate.
The prosperity of the righteous
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked …. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
Prosperity and the confession of sins
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Prosperity and faith in God
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper Proverbs 28:25
Prosperity and the suffering of the servant
The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part Job 42:12.
See, my servant will act wisely, he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Isaiah 52:13
Yet it was the LORD‘s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes] his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:10
no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,‖ declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17
Promises of Prosperity
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9,10
For love of God
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. Psalm 122:6
For generosity
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
For diligence
A sluggard‘s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. Proverbs 13:4
Don’t be discouraged because of the prosperity of the wicked
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
Prayer for prosperity
Prosperity of the Word
LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success Psalm 118:25
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
God gives prosperity to the captives
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:5,6.
Test of the prosperous man
All was well with me, but he shattered me; he seized me by the neck and crushed me. Job 16:12

III – PROSPERITY AND THE CHRISTIAN ECONOMIC MODEL
Desperation often leads us to commit errors and blunders. On other occasions it is ignorance or ambition that traps people in problems. One must fight for life, but with legitimate weapons.
Emmanuel means God with us. The Christian path is not a Utopia. It is designed to be followed on this earth. Christ gave us weapons, norms and tools to develop ourselves correctly, but this is not strange since 16 of the 38 parables Jesus taught about how to manage money and possessions, 1 in every 6 verses in Matthew, Mark and Luke deal directly with the subject. “In the Bible there are about 700 direct references to money. Almost two thirds of the parables of Christ deal with money.”13 There are also more than a thousand references to personal prosperity. Some think that 50% of the teachings of Jesus are related to the use of our material possessions.
The subject of money is a spiritual topic. The management of money directly affects spiritual health. Money in itself is amoral: it is neither good nor bad. It is our attitude toward money and our conduct with it that is interesting. There are dishonest millionaires as well as dishonest beggars.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10 Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. Ecclesiastes 5:10
It is like the water in the sea, the more you drink the more you thirst.
There are some basic principles that come from the Scriptures with reference to the management of goods and wealth. From the beginning the plan of God has been that man propagate himself throughout the earth, cultivating it, caring for it, and enjoying it. Let us examine three concepts.
1 – The right to property.
The distribution of the Promised Land where Israel was established is a good example of the need for the existence of the right to property for living together socially in families, peoples and nations. In the same way we find in the Levitical precepts ethical and just guidelines to regulate the possession of the land and avoid the impoverishment of some and the excessive enrichment of others giving a true theocratic socialism. The establishment of the sabbatical years and years of jubilee, the prohibition to harvest the fallen wheat, olives and grapes, leaving them for the poor and needy, a principle that today is advocated as RSE, business social responsibility. All these leave us notable lessons for the functioning of a just society.
If it is true from the perspective of this century that man has a property title for his house, fields and vehicles, it is clear that in strict rigor we are only administrators of the good we possess since God is owner of everything. The universal property belongs to God. You may possess certain things, but God is the owner.
The earth is the LORD‘s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; Psalm 24:1 ̳The silver is mine and the gold is mine,‘ declares the LORD Almighty. Haggai 2:8 ̳for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills‘ .Psalm 50:10
To possess or have possession is not the same as to be the owner. We are stewards, the principal servants whose job it is to govern the economy of the house or farm.
2. The desire for independence.
Here we find, as in the first principle, two complementary concepts that appear opposites but are complementary. The natural tendency is to be autonomous. Contemporary society tends to form man without ties, without commitment, egocentric, with a very limited concept of liberty. God wants his children to be men who are dependent on Him (servants of righteousness = doulos). Romans 6:19. This implies submission without the idea of annihilation or exploitive slavery, but of voluntary submission, of loving obedience.
On the other hand, in the economic aspects one must involve oneself in the business of this life. Similarly we must not owe anyone anything and every Christian must try to attain economic independence, to prosper in order to serve the Lord with freedom.
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, Deut 8:18
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3
Be careful with prosperity because where your treasure is there your heart will be also.
Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, …You may say to yourself, ―My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.‖ Deut. 8:11-17
When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. Hosea 13:6
In order to live in liberty, the Christian must be careful about getting into debt, consumerism and getting ahead. We must resign ourselves to the possibilities that the Lord gives us and not covet what others have, since the life of a man does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.
Debts
i. – afflict (provoke insomnia, anxiety, fear, confusion) The wicked borrow and do not repay. Psalm 37:21
ii. – discourage (generate depression, insecurity, psychological fatigue, feelings of exhaustion, pessimism, melancholy, corruption and loss of desire to live). The commandment of God is unequivocal: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another. Romans 13:8.
iii. – divide (cause serious marriage problems, permanent arguments and fights, weariness over mismanagement of money in family relations, frustrations, distaste, feelings of impotence).
iv. – disqualification (limited in the service of God, take away authority, unnecessary exposure). Many are slaves to the banks, loan companies (one must avoid bank gymnastics).
The borrower is slave to the lender. (Prov. 22:7)
It is interesting to test the level of your indebtedness keeping in mind that the Lord knows everything you owe. Analyze the cost of the debts and the benefits of saving, use of credit cards and overdrawing on your current account.
To lend is a duty of the one that is able to do so. Deut. 15:7,8. Psalm 37:26, 112:5. In the Bible there are severe warnings against excessive interest. Prov. 28:8, Exodus. 18:13, 22:12, Lev 25:36, Psalm 15:5
If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. Exodus 22:25
Consumerism, dilapidation, misuse of resources, to cede to a multitude of offers that society offers (buy cars, travel, vacations, clothing, appliances, restaurants, and pay later), massive publicity, impulsive buying, well presented offers that create in us false needs, sophistication and refinement of objects, filling us with the need to substitute one for the other each time better, with new technologies, looking for “wellbeing” at any cost.
Enrique Rojas, in his book The Light Man, says: “the man who has entered this pathway becomes weaker each time.”
This materialistic society identifies “wellbeing” with “happiness,” comfort with philosophy of life. The concept of wellbeing is constructed on the form rather than the content. It is more valuable to have than to be and from this is derived many contemporary disenchantments. The illness of the West is its abundance: having everything material and having reduced the spiritual to a minimum. And poverty will come on you like a thief. Proverbs 24:34
On the other hand, there is the antithesis and contrast, carelessness, mismanagement, laziness, negligence, lack of interest, growing poverty,
3. – The law of action and reaction or as preachers of prosperity like to express this text, the law of sowing and reaping
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.‖ Luke 6:38
Giving:
a. – to God (tithes, offerings, first fruits) b. – to the poor Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for
what they have done Prov. 19:17
c. – to Christians (Romans 12:13) Share with the Lord‘s people who are in need.
Note: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (2 Corinthians 9:6) A grain of corn produces a plant with 2 or 3 ears, resulting in over a thousand grains of corn. This law of sowing and reaping is one of the preferred verses used by those who support economic prosperity as a reality for every Christian.
4. – Continuous work and perseverance usually leads to prosperity. “Work is the universal profession of man” (Barcia). “Labor omnia vincit” – work always conquers (Virgil). No man is envied by the world for being lazy. Work comes from kopos = hard work (kopto=to strike), beating, whipping. Consider the Pauline principle: The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat (2 Thes. 3:10).
It is necessary to face work with grace. The ants teach lessons about work. Study Proverbs 6:6-11. Some concepts that accompany successful work:
i. – diligence: Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor (Prov 12:24) Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry (Prov 19:15)
ii – Perseverance (discipline) There is danger in flash businesses.
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. (Prov. 21:5) One eager to get rich will not go unpunished. (Prov. 28:20) No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, (2 Tim 2:4)
iii – Excellence. Total quality: to satisfy the client beyond his expectations. Question: Who is your client? Other ingredients of quality: efficiency, fulfillment, guaranty, trustworthiness, security, order, cleanliness. They do not work only when being watched or controlled, they do no apply the custom of minimum effort, they follow the scriptural counsel ―Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.‖ (Ephesians 6:6-7)
Savings are the result of choosing between present and future consumption. Savings are the residue between income and consumption. The Christian in general is advised to live an austere life. Austerity=quality of being austere, sober, temperate, gentle, simple, without any kind of boasting.
i. – Ants: “it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest (Prov. 6:8) ii – Joseph: Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. (Gen 41:48) He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Prov. 10:5 iii – The unprepared virgins: The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. Matthew 25:3-4
The risks:
a. Excess work does not leave time for the spiritual. The seed that fell among thorns …are choked by life‘s worries, riches and pleasures. Luke 8:14
b. Avarice: disorderly eagerness to possess and to acquire wealth in order to hoard it. Pleonexia (pleon=more, echo=to have) the desire to have more, covetousness, anxiously desire, unwillingness to give what is owed, stinginess, niggardly, profiteer (logro=lucrum, to profit by whatever I get) it is idolatry (Colossians 3:5)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ―Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
―Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.‖ Luke 12:15
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:17-18
―Those who trust in their riches will fall‖. Proverbs 11:28
―for riches do not endure forever,‖ Proverbs 27:24
Wealth constitutes in itself a serious danger. Its temptations are constant, and aspiring to it is not only absurd by comparison with the infinite superiority of God‟s kingdom, but is also ethically reprehensible.14
c. – The greedy disorderly appetite: desire to have what belongs to another. The tenth commandment warns us: You shall not covet your neighbor‘s house. You shall not covet your neighbor‘s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. Exodus 20:17
This means car, computer, refrigerator, the beach hours, etc. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9
Co-signer or codebtor
Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. Proverbs 22:26-27 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. Proverbs 11:15. Another reference is Proverbs 6:1
Investments
i. in physical capital prioritize, to be governed by a correct scale of values ii. in human capital, training, education, correct family commitment, instruct, make the children aware, make them reflect, share goals, e.g. change schools, lights left burning
ii. unnecessarily, saving water, gas, telephone, etc.
iii. in prayer, have regular permanent sessions with the Author of Life, follow his instructions and counsel, parable of the insistent widow. Luke 18:1-8. Give us this day our daily bread. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Taxes
The believer has a double citizenship: one transitory and the other definitive, one on this Herat and the other in heaven. We are Latins and Christians and so have double responsibility, which implies double taxation.
Give to Cesar: Romans 13:7. Taxes, licences, contributions, impositions, etc. if they are paid on time avoids greater damages – fines, fiscal duties, etc.
Give to God: These are not expenses but investments. It is right.
a. Tithes: 2000 BC Abraham gives tithes to Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God. Gen 14:17-20: Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. His grandson Jacob committed himself to God at Bethel: and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.‖ (Gen 28:22). Priests: The Levitical priests—indeed, the whole tribe of Levi—are to have no allotment or inheritance with Israel. (Deut 18:1). A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. (Lev 27:30)
Analyzing the map of the distribution of the land of Canaan, the tribe of Joseph had a double portion, led by his sons to make up the space left by the tribe of Levi and making the 12 divisions, the number of the tribes.
Related promises: Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,‖ says the LORD Almighty, ―and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Mal 3:10)
Jesus and the apostles: the worker is worth his keep. (Mateo 10:10) Jesus and the 70 disciples: the worker deserves his wages. (Lucas 10:7)
St Paul and his letters: In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. (1 Cor 9:14)
b. Offerings are in addition to tithes: 1 Chron. 16:29, Amos 4:5, Psalm 96:8 c. First fruits (harvests, products of your factory or business, 1 day of work, first increase of salary, salary of the first day of the year, etc). Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (Prov. 3:9,10)
For a good and stable management of money it is recommended that you make up a family budget. This helps some couples to stay out of debt and maintain less conflictive relations.
Strategy to achieve financial liberty: constructing a healthy economy.
A global conscience: external openness. In the market economy in which we live it is necessary to understand this reality and prepare ourselves for a healthy competition with a mentality and vision of the future, and above all else do so with spiritual arms and framed in what God directs and permits, since today there are many economic models. It is particularly necessary for those who work independently to adjust themselves to these parameters. Today in the churches there are many small business people who must learn these spiritual principles for the management of money
The Christian economic model is a transcendent model. It is designed to resist every circumstantial variable. It has been tried and succeeded in different societies and cultures.
An integral application: Assignment of resources and distribution of goods and services. You can follow and apply the concepts of diligence, savings, no debts, no co-signing, no consumerism, but if you do not give to God what belongs to him, sooner or later the system will fail and God will charge you.
A practice of ethical values
Abuse of trust: Ezekiel 16:17. Luke 16:12 If anyone sins and is unfaithful to the LORD by deceiving a neighbor about something entrusted to them (Lev 6:2)
Lack of honor: The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. (Prov. 11:1, 20:10)
Lying: Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty. (Ex 23:7)
Bribery: The wicked accept bribes (Prov. 17:23). Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent. (Ex 23:8). The one who hates bribes will live. (Prov. 15:27). A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn. (Prov. 17:8).
who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes (Is 33:15)
Deceit: Blessed is the one in whose spirit is no deceit. (Psalm 32:2) Extortion: A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, (Prov. 28:16)
Fraud: No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence (Psalm101:7)
Preparation for the future
Finally, let us make it clear that everything has its time and in this world it is probable that we will have to pass through different realities so we must be prepared for everything.
i.- abundance
ii.- scarcity (unemployment, illness, accidents) I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)
“The very perception that Christians who are prosperous according to the standards of the world are spiritually rich, while the poor are spiritual paupers, is blasphemous and destructive.”15
Natural prosperity is the fruit of sustained and gradual growth considering all the counsel of God regarding it. On the other hand, it is necessary to recognize when we commit errors to repent, to change our behavior, to no repeat the mistake. This is the way to obtain the approval of the Lord for our actions which is definitely transcendent and where our interest lies.

CONCLUSION
Summary and relationship of prosperity with other values and behaviors in the examples cited.
ELIEZER ISAAC JOSEPH THE MIDWIVES BEFORE CROSSING JOSHUA
MICAH SAMUEL DAVID SALOMON ABIJAH ASA JEHOSHAPHAT JOB
UZZIAH EZEKIEL PROMISE TO RETURN NEHEMIAH DANIEL THE ELDERS
obedience, faith, fidelity grace of God, obedience, seeker of peace integrity, patience, faith fear of God, obedience obedience effort, courage, integrity, fidelity, perseverance observance to the voice of God consecration, integrity obedience, heart according to the heart of God obedience trust in the Lord, have God as his leader, Seek for God, trust in God, trust in God true to God in adversity seek God Seek God faith, patience, expiation of guilt faith, perseverance, work, integrity, courage, trust in God, believe the prophetic voice and obey God. Nevertheless, “we cannot conclude that material possessions are always the prize for obedience and that poverty is the punishment for disobedience”16
The tendency of human beings is to receive the good things and avoid the sacrifices. It is the same with the Gospel, many want to enjoy the benefits that come with conversion and avoid the cost or the service. It is not strange that a desire for prosperity arises, but it is without commitment, far from healthy, as well expressed by the renaissance poet and mystic Brother John of the Cross: “Everyone desire to enter into the riches and gifts of God, but few desire to enter into the work and sorrow of the Son of God.”17
It is natural that the majority of human beings prosper materially according to their perseverance in their work, slowly, systematically, or by receiving an inheritance or by having special ability in business.
The exception is that some human beings prosper and become rich rapidly: for example, through disciplined competitive sports with high salaries for talented persons who work hard, such as soccer or tennis.
Some few get rich by winning the lottery or gambling. Others prosper and accumulate good through illegal businesses such as drugs, prostitution, arms trading, etc.
To these we might add prosperity as a result of the promises of God for obeying His Word. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse (Mal10:3).

Lic. FRANCISCO JAVIER RIVERA, Master in Urban Pastoral Ministry, is Lead Pastor of the Alliance Cordillera Chruch in Santiago, Chile. This paper was prepared for the AWF Regional Conference (CLA) in Sao Paulo, August 9, 2011

English translation: Joan Meger Canadian C&MA missionary who worked in Chile for many years

References:
All the Bible references are from the New International Version, 1984
1.- Impact of Globalization in the stones. F.J. Rivera. Ed. Andros.2006. Page. 37 2.- Deuteronomy 8:17,18 3.- 1 Timothy 6:7 4.- Proverbs 30:8, 9
5.- Philippians 4:12, 13 6.- Genesis 24:21 7.- Genesis 24:40 8.- Genesis 24:33
9.- Genesis 24:56 10.- Genesis 26:22 11.- Exodus 1:17 12.- Deuteronomy 28:29 13.- How to Manage your Money. Larry Burkett. Edit. Portavoz. Page.9 14.- Protestant Ethics and the Spirit of Capitalism. Max Weber. Ediciones Península. 1973. Page. 212
15.- Christianity in Crisis. Century XXI. Hank Hanegraaff. Nelson Group. 2010. Page.209 16.- Neither Riches nor Poverty. Criag L. Blomberg. Edit. Clie. Page. 77 17.- Spiritual Warnings and Judgments. 13. St John of the Cross.

Bibliography
– Holy Bible, New International Version. 1984. – You and Your Money. MacGregor, M. Editorial Betania. 1977 – The Light Man. Enrique Rojas. Editorial Planeta Chilena. 1992 – Protestant Ethics and the Spirit of Capitalism. Max Weber. Ediciones Península. 1973 -How to Manage Your Money. Larry Burkett. Edit. Portavoz. – Impact of Globalization in the Stones. Francisco Javier Rivera. Ed. Andros 2006. – Neither Riches nor Poverty. Criag L. Blomberg. Edit. Clie. – Christianity in Crisis. Century XXI. Hank Hanegraaff. Grupo Nelson. 2010

Printed Materials
– Christian Stewardship by Guillermo Paul – How to Strengthen your Marriage. – Mack Wayne. – Manual of Christian Stewardship and Ethics. Department of Christian Education, C&MA, Temuco, Chile

Other
– Conference: “The Central Elements of the Chilean Economic Model” by Vittorio Corbo. Nacional Council of C.CH.C. 1997 – Statistics compiled by the author from various published sources in 1998

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About the author: Lic. FRANCISCO JAVIER RIVERA, Master in Urban Pastoral Ministry, is Lead Pastor of the Alliance Cordillera Chruch in Santiago, Chile. This paper was prepared for the AWF Regional Conference (CLA) in Sao Paulo, August 9, 2011

Index

• Introduction declarations and definitions
• I – Prosperity in the old and new testaments
• II – Prosperity in the pious and the wicked
• III – Prosperity and the christian economic model
• Conclusion
• References and bibliography

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