3 John 7 KJV [7] “Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.” We could say many things about our topic in today’s devotional, but our verse gives us one thing in particular. The preachers who passed through the home of Gaius greatly enjoyed his fellowship and hospitality. He had refreshed them on their journey and encouraged them to keep traveling. He witnessed firsthand what the life of a preacher is all about. It is a life of living by faith. Now, while this is true for all believers, we must keep in mind that …
“Down-To-Earth”
3 John 6 KJV [6] “Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:” The name Gaius means “of the earth”. He was no doubt an ordinary man, with a heart to serve the Lord. His testimony can be clearly seen in our verse for today. The Bible says that the brethren had spoken highly of his charity before the church. He was known to be a down-to-earth kind of man. I think this is a testimony that every believer should have. The family …
“Open Doors”
3 John 5 KJV [5] “Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;” John is still praising Gaius in our verse, but he turns his attention from his faithfulness in the book, to his faithfulness to the brethren. This servant had proven to be a faithful help and blessing to the men of God who would pass by. He knew some of these preachers on a personal level, such as the apostle John. Other preachers passing by were strangers to him, but he offered to them the same faithful spirit and service. They discovered two …
“The Soul Winner’s Trophy”
3 John 4 KJV [4] “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” John was responsible for bringing Gaius to Christ. In our verse he calls him one of his children. It is a tremendous blessing when God uses you to help bring someone to Christ. It is an even greater blessing when you hear that they are growing and walking in the truth of God’s Word. John was overjoyed at the testimony of his convert. We must not forget, as believers we are to both evangelize and equip others in the ministry. Discipleship is …
“What The Brethren Say About You”
3 John 3 KJV [3] “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.” I heard a preacher say years ago, “you cannot win every battle, everybody and every brother”. I think this is a statement that has proven to be true in my life. In regard to the brethren, there are some that, seemingly, can never be satisfied. We go crazy trying to please them, or meet their standard of approval. When I make these statements I am not talking about lowering our standards of …
“What Is Your Number One Wish?”
3 John 2 KJV [2] “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” In this verse the apostle uses the phrase, “I wish above all things”. This phrase seemed to catch my eye as I read it. I’m interested in what his number one wish would be concerning our brother Gaius. We can clearly see that John wastes no time in revealing what he wished for. John desired for him to prosper financially and physically, just as he had prospered spiritually. I’m sure the health and wealth, name it …
“Elderly Encouragement”
3 John 1 [1] “The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.” There is no doubt that John is an aged apostle in this brief epistle. He is in the final stretch of his ministry, and is preparing to make his grand exit soon. He uses the word “elder” in this verse, which can describe the apostle both spiritually and physically. He has something to say to a dear Christian brother that will certainly be a great encouragement to him. I thought about how important it is to have the encouragement of elders. I use the …
“Time Has Made a Change”
2 John 13 KJV [13] “The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.” John has penned his final verse in this small epistle, and I have to say that he has not disappointed us with his closing remark. This verse is unique in the fact that it contains both a farewell and a greeting. John is saying goodbye with his pen, but he extends a greeting thru this elect lady’s nieces and nephews. Some believe the elect sister, and the elect lady, are two local churches in the same neighborhood. This may very well be true, but they could …
“I Wonder If He Got to See Her?”
2 John 12 KJV [12] “Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.” You will have to decide for yourself who you believe the identity of this lady is. Is she Mary, the mother of Jesus? Is she a well-respected lady in the community? Is she the local church? These are questions for you, the reader, to sort out. However, we do know that John had a strong desire to see her. He has many things …
“Hooking Up With the Heathen”
2 John 11 KJV [11] “For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” Most of us would never see ourselves hooking up with the heathens of this world. We do not worship the same God, nor do we have the same interest in mind. The big question is not how we see it, but rather how God sees it. He always sees things more clearly than we do. In this verse, the Lord draws a narrow line for those who would show a false teacher hospitality. The Bible says if you will show him kindness, …