3 John 1:1-4
The elder,
To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Devotion
In many ways, 3 John is like an addendum to 2 John. In this very short letter, we will see some of the same themes found in 2 John. In these first four verses, we see once again the importance of walking in the truth. This letter was written to an individual named Gaius. John wrote this letter to commend Gaius for supporting the teachers who he had sent out among the churches in Asia Minor. He also wrote this to warn Diotrephes who excommunicated people who showed hospitality to John’s messengers.
In the opening greeting, we see that John and Gaius were close friends. John commends Gaius for his “faithfulness to the truth.” Despite the ramped-up efforts of the Gnostics, Gaius continued to “walk in the truth.” According to John, this brought him great joy. As a pastor and disciple-maker, it brings me great joy when I see people living out their faith in a world that is hostile toward God. It brings me great joy to see God’s people reject false doctrines and cling to the scriptural truths concerning the person and work of Christ.
Gaius is a good example of one who walked in truth and in love despite fierce opposition from other ungodly church leaders. Gaius showed hospitality toward visiting messengers and in doing so, reflected Christ in his actions. In contrast, Diotrephes “who loves to be first,” is an example of one who was not walking in truth or love. Apparently, Diotrephes lorded his position and power over others in the church in such a way that he did not reflect Christ in his leadership. Unfortunately, because of this rebuke, his reputation will go down in history as one who did not lead well.
Gaius lived his life in a way that honored and pleased God. May we all do the same.
Questions to Ponder
What brings you joy? What is the difference between joy and happiness? What would fellow believers say about your life? How is your life honoring God today?
Prayer Points
- Praise the Lord for being our ever-present Help, Joy of our salvation, and our All-in-All.
- Invite the Lord to search your heart, and then repent of any sins. Receive His forgiveness.
- Pray we will be faithful to the truth.
- Ask God to enable us at Oak Pointe to walk in truth and in love.
Suggested Prayer
Lord, You are wonderful, beautiful, and powerful. Thank You for your faithfulness, goodness, and steadfast love. Father, I pray for myself and Your church that we will be open, inviting, and showing hospitality like Gaius did. Help us to live our lives in such a way that honors and pleases You, Lord. Help us to be faithful to the truth in both word and deed. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.