1. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” III Jn. 2 “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” NKJV

2. III John Written to Gaius “Beloved” = great affection Valuable lessons

3. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” III Jn. 2 NKJV

4. I. Pray for Others “Brethren pray for us” 1 Thes. 5:25 John prayed for prosperity of Gaius Spiritual = soul Physical = body Financial = economic

5. II. Marks of a Prosperous Soul 1.Has the truth dwelling richly within “3. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” III John 3-4 NKJV

6. II. Marks of a Prosperous Soul 2. Has a large heart for all people III John 5-8 NKJV

7. 5. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6. who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, 7. because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

8. II. Marks of a Prosperous Soul 2. Has a large heart for all people III John 5-8 Hospitality to brethren Hospitality to strangers Heb. 13:1-2 “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:...”

9. II. Marks of a Prosperous Soul 3. Has no wrong Ambitions III John 9-10 NKJV

10. 9. I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

11. II. Marks of a Prosperous Soul 3. Has no wrong Ambitions III John 9-10 - Diotrephes He was Jealous Wanted to be main character Would not accept the brethren Brotherly jealously

12. II. Marks of a Prosperous Soul 3. Has no wrong Ambitions III. John 11 “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” Gaius Diotrephes

13. II. Marks of a Prosperous Soul 4. Is well proportioned “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” III Jn. 2 NKJV Jesus was well balanced - Lk. 2:52

14. II. Marks of a Prosperous Soul 4. Is well proportioned Bodily exercise is important 1 Tim. 4:8 Financial well being is necessary 1 Tim. 5:8 Spiritually PhysicallyFiscally

15. III. Challenge to have a Prosperous Soul What if Physical was as Spiritual ?? Able to sit up, walk, run, normal Bedfast, crippled - ICU CCU Could be dangerous prayer !! ???

16. III. Challenge to have a Prosperous Soul What if Financial was as Spiritual ?? Necessities of life Car, house [Bicycle - Tent] Could be dangerous prayer !! ??? Pauper Millionaire

17. III. Challenge to have a Prosperous Soul “Even as thy soul prospereth” Soul does not measure up to physical or financial = not in good standing ! Soul prospers Riches used properly 1 Tim. 6:17-19

18. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” III John 2 NKJV Could I pray this prayer for you ? Are you healthy ?

19. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249arthurpigman@cybrtyme.com Sunday Evening July 9, 2006