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Lessons from the Third Epistle of John
3 John
By Ken Raggio
Gaius
Paul referred to "Gaius, my host," in Romans 16:23. Gaius of Derbe accompanied Paul on his Asian missionary journey. Gaius of Macedonia was with Paul at Ephesus. Paul baptized Gaius of Corinth. We do not know if John was writing to any of these, or to another Gaius altogether (Gaius was a very common name in those times). It is noteworthy that John, being one of the most doctrinal of writers, was especially mindful of his readers' love of Truth.
3 John 1:1,3 - "The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. ...thou walkest in the truth."
I Wish You Would Prosper Even As Your Soul Prospers
John addressed his "wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth." "I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth." "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." John rejoiced because Gaius loved the truth. Truth is your most priceless asset. How wealthy would you be if ALL your prosperity was proportionate to the wealth of your soul?
3 John 1:2 - "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
Take Nothing From Unbelievers, Help Those In Ministry
John commended Gaius for being faithful to help both his brethren and strangers. His benevolence was reported by many to the Church. Others learned from Gaius that support for the work of God should come from within the Church and not from unbelievers. With that in mind, saints of God should do as much as they can to support those who are working for the Lord.
3 John 1:7-8 - "Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth."
Diotrephes - Who Loves To Have The Preeminence
The powers that be are ordained of God (Romans 13:1). Like Diotrephes, some men would have positions for which they are not ordained. The quest for an illegitimate position is a grave offense against God. John exposed Diotrephes' insubordination. Prayerfully take your rightful place, simultaneously reverencing others' divine destiny, too.
3 John 1:9 - "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. ...prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church."
He That Doeth Good Is Of God
Jesus taught, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God," (John 3:5). John seemed to contradict that by saying, "He that doeth good is of God." But that can only be true of those who are born again. Not everyone who does good works is born again (Matthew 7:23). TRULY good works (those of eternal value) are inspired by God. Contrariwise, the world, the flesh and the devil spawn evil works.
3 John 1:11 - "He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."
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