Bible Reading: Judges 16; Acts 20; Jeremiah 29; Mark 15
Acts 20:20-21 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
During a meeting with the elders from Ephesus, Paul reminded them of his ministry among them. He kept back from them nothing profitable. Isn't it interesting that most people would think of something profitable as a monetary boon, but Paul is talking about their spiritual profit? Are you spiritually prosperous? This was the apostles' desire for the churches.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
The method of bringing spiritual prosperity is through teaching. Paul showed them they way to prosperity and taught them. He taught them both in public forums and in smaller groups in their homes. If you want your soul to prosper, you need to be under sound Bible teaching. His tool for teaching was the Word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Are you placing yourself in a place where your soul can prosper by Biblical teaching?
As the apostle taught the churches the profitable doctrine, he constantly did two things. The way to spiritual growth and prosperity involves these two things. First, we must have a change of mind toward God and his ways. Repentance is a constant process of abandoning our way of thinking and thinking God's thoughts after him. Our opinions and attitudes are clouded by sin, but God's Word is pure and perfect. When we see his ways, we change our mind and agree with God.
Second, we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. We trust him with all of our lives. We believe his Word and allow him to transform us by faith. The wealth of God is immeasurable and you and I can profit when we hear his Word and believe! This profitable relationship with God will continue through all the ages to come!
Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Never stop growing in Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
