Exploring and Enjoying God’s Word III John, Verses 1-8

The book of III John is a letter that the Apostle John wrote to a beloved friend in the early Church, Gaius.

This is the most personal of the three letters that John wrote. This is one of the few books of the New Testament whose specific audience is to a single person.

Remember, though, that even though there is a specific audience in many books of the Bible, every word of God’s Word is personally written to every one of us.

God, through His Sovereign power, has made sure this is available for us to read today.

VERSES 1-2: we see John greeting his friend Gaius. John also tells Gaius that he hopes that his physical health prospers as much as his soul does, because of Gaius’ strong personal relationship with Jesus.

We should ask God to help us to flourish spiritually, like Gaius did, and we should also be agents to help our Christian brothers and sisters around us to develop spiritually as well, and pray for their physical health.

John is setting the example here for how we should relate and pray for one another as believers.

VERSES 3-4: John commends Gaius for not just growing and standing on his belief in the Bible, but also for living out his faith. This doesn’t mean that Gaius was a perfect man, but that he simply loved Jesus, he was true to God’s Word, and it showed in how he lived his life.

Verses 3-4 are also a reminder to us that we should have a spiritual mentor (someone who teaches us, serves as an example to us, and helps us to grow in the faith). We should also have someone who is a spiritual mentee (someone we teach and invest in).

If you do not have someone that you are mentoring in their walk with Jesus, then you are missing out on an important part of the life God intends for you to live here on earth.

VERSES 5-8 give us a great example and challenge of how we should be as we walk with Jesus.

John first commends Gaius for faithfully loving and serving the brethren. We should provide sincere love and care for everyone around us in the body of Christ.

John also praises Gaius for showing love to strangers. Gaius was both loving to his brethren in the church, and concerned about showing love and sharing Jesus with the lost. This is how God is calling us to be today!

In Verse 6, John encourages Gaius that because of his impartial love showed toward everyone, the name of Jesus will be shared and lifted up throughout all the places these people blessed by Gaius’ hospitality would travel.

Exploring and Enjoying God’s Word III John 1-8 | Wednesday, October 5, 2016

In Verse 7, John also emphasizes that Gaius was discerning about who he helped. He made sure to support people who were ministering out of a selfless love of Jesus, not for personal advancement or greedy gain. We also must be discerning in who we endorse and support in ministry.

Verse 8 is a reminder that we must be unselfish and Kingdom-minded. We must have a desire to support and help others who have our same heartbeat and are laying down their lives to share the Gospel. As John says, we are “fellow workers for the truth.” As we serve Jesus together. God’s Sovereign plan to advance His Kingdom is accomplished, and we get to be part of His work.

Exploring and Enjoying God’s Word III John 1-8 | Wednesday, October 5, 2016