The third instruction is found in II Timothy 2:15

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“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The instruction indicates obtaining knowledge through study, understanding, reflection, observation, and performance. Without knowledge and understanding it would be impossible to carry out the instructions concerning what God desires of us so that we can be approved by Him. With knowledge, we need understanding and wisdom to apply the learning to our lives and to help others. When the knowledge obtained is effectively and successfully applied the individually can be assured that he is growing by doing God’s will. This is indeed success, and the individual is then able to prosper from this experience. Joshua learned from Moses, and he depended on God’s promises for His continual guidance as he took the people forward. The different episodes with the people and their stubbornness during the time of Moses may have been frightening to Joshua who was a young man to take over as leader. Despite his dread, God encouraged him that He would be with him; but he must obey His word and do them for him to prosper and have good success (Joshua 1:8).

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Prosperity and success may seem applicable when great numbers are added to the church along with the financial contributions which they bring. These cannot be considered the only indications for success because they are transient due to various changing circumstances. The concern is whether those persons are being fed with the right teachings. Does the leader depend on the Holy Spirit to instruct and guide him? (Psalm 32:8; Galatians 5:16). Does the member understand what he has read? Is this the right interpretation? From where or whom did he acquire the answers? The reason for these questions is that people read the Bible, but not many spend time in study or even to wait for the Holy Spirit to interpret the meaning so they can gain knowledge and understanding to apply the learning.  There are times when people read and hear the word, but they do not really understand the message to grasp the mere essence of what the writer or speaker is saying. Some people listen to a pastor; but they might not be able to examine and synthesize the teaching to obtain knowledge and wisdom that will improve or change their lives. It is understood that hearing leads to obedience; but how can the listener apply the word without understanding. Having heard the word, it must be understood and acted upon to bring about change (James 1:19, 22-25).

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Therefore, leaders ought to encourage members to move higher in their experience with the Lord by attending the weekly Bible study, and private study of the word. Leaders should follow the teachings of Paul who encouraged Titus to seek out worthy men and ordain them to help in reaching the lost (Titus 1:5). Scriptures must be interpreted in the correct context for any value of learning to be achieved. It is important for leaders to correctly interpret a text to extract the message being conveyed for understanding so that members can apply the learning to their lives. There is no question concerning Joshua’s understanding of what God had imparted to him in terms of courage and success if he obeyed the word. We cannot obey what we do not know. We may know but do not understand; and we may understand; but cannot apply what we have learned. Joshua was not in this category.

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In conclusion, Joshua 1:8, gave the outline of what God requires from us if we are to prosper and be successful; while Romans 12:1-2 explains that we need a renewed mind to interpret the true meaning of prosperity and success. This renewal comes by study and application of the word II Timothy 2:15. It means that the individual who seeks after God and obeys His word will obtain His approval to work for Him. He is contented to labour regardless of whether it results in material gain or loss. The main intent is to please God, and this is how true prosperity and success are realised. Obviously, pleasing God cannot be initiated from men’s ideologies or humanistic thought. The individual whom God calls may not be visibly rich in the physical sense for others to see the abundance of materialistic gain. Yet, there is peace and contentment knowing that the God of heaven is pleased to walk with him and to guide him along the way. True success comes through the operation of the Holy Spirit, and the grace of God which results in reverence towards Him. Through that person’s spiritual successes, many spiritual battles will be won, and at the end of his pilgrimage, he too will say like Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:” II Timothy 2:7. Paul left a legacy behind him, which is still being used today, and will continue until Jesus comes. With God’s grace we can be more than conquerors at the end of our spiritual journey here on earth.

This is what true prosperity and success are all about.