3rd John 2 MY PRAYER FOR YOU it is always a comfort and cause for gratitude when someone tells you they are praying for you and the work for the Lord in which you are engaged. What joy it must have brought Gaius to read the words of John, the elder. Again, John referred to him as "beloved" in the way we would address a dear friend. Openly expressed thoughts do not require a lot of "gushy" words. We use the word "Dear" at the beginning of a letter, usually without thinking of what the word really means. In its true sense it would help the recipient of a letter to know the value we placed upon them. A casual "hello" is quite different from "Dear so-and-so." A "To-whom-it-may-concern," attitude in written words is much different than the word "Beloved."
"I wish" and "I pray" are the same word in this verse, so this is not a casual comment but John is expressing his desire of God to bring a special benefit to Gaius. This intercessory prayer on behalf of Gaius was not a casual comment. Whether the verse indicates Gaius was in ill health or not isn't clear. It reads like it is a sincere desire that he would be in good health physically in the same way he was in good spiritual health. His "soul-health" was obvious and John wanted the best for his dear friend in every way. The prosperity of every part of our life affects other parts of our being. Our whole person is affected to a certain degree by our physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. However, illness, accidents and sickness can sometimes be used by God to bring a greater glory to His name than if everything is going good for us. It is the problems and pains of life that are used to mature us and bring us to where we really trust the Lord.
Gaius' life commended him to fellow Christians who knew him and had experienced his hospitality and grace. Whatever his physical state was, his spiritual state was exemplary.
"Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well, With my soul.'"
The false teachers of that day taught the separation of the physical from the spiritual. Some taught the physical was only evil, so they would deny themselves of even necessities of life thinking that would make them more acceptable to God. The neglect of the body was considered a meritorious act. Since that time there are still those who think self-denial, isolation, and avoiding certain foods will make them holy and acceptable to God. Other people abandon themselves to sensual and licentious living thinking that because God is merciful, it makes no difference to Him whatever they do. Still others combine religious practices with ungodly pleasures to suit their own lifestyle thinking that whatever they choose to do is alright as long as they think it is alright.
A balanced Christian does not neglect what needs to be done for physical health and well-being, nor do they neglect what is needed for spiritual life to be effective and meaningful. On the other hand, a believer should not indulge in careless pleasures but should care for one's body that has been bought with a "price." Balanced living and personal discipline over body and soul enables us to be engaged in physical and spiritual things in the way our Lord intended. In our service for Him, we need to be at our best in every way possible.
s2 Praying for the health and spiritual strength of the Lord's people has this biblical precedent we read of in 3rd John. In our prayer meetings, conferences, family prayers and personal prayers, we should be making intercession for those who are sick and injured as well as the salvation of unsaved people. The needs of others should move us to reach beyond our own comfort zone to seek to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The prosperity of the inner man as well as the outer body should be our prayerful concern. When there is love for the Lord's people, that is evidence of the state of one's own soul. In order to meet the needs of others in physical and spiritual ways, we need to "prosper" in those ways ourselves. It takes time, effort, labor and money to supply the actual demands of showing hospitality. The example of Gaius is one we can use as a template for our own ministry as God gives us the needed grace, and provides us the opportunity to serve Him by serving others.
We may not always realize that at the throne of grace, Someone is interceding for us in some far and distant place. Perhaps when we meet together, we will then be able to trace The path of service that was opened because another in an act of faith - Took time to stop and pray.
Some know us very well - both our strengths and limitations. They have followed our path of life to our many destinations. So, they realize the value of their faithful intercessions, As we have shared with them our ministry and its God-given intentions - And they continue to faithfully pray.
In prayer meetings the saints gather to pray together for those to them unknown. But they are made aware of those who labor and are far away from home. Those who are seeking to take the Gospel to those whom Christ has not been shown. Hopefully they will come to trust in Christ and salvation through Him alone - As a result of those who gather together to pray.
I as an older man have many younger saints on my heart. To me it has been a great privilege to help them make a start. Joy rises up and thanks as they did for far fields depart. Now I bow in worship and intercession seeking for them to do my part - By making their tasks mine as I pray.
"Father, the work and workers in El Salvador are especially strong in my heart today. They are truly "beloved" to me. At this time of loss and grief, please draw near to them in a special way to comfort, sustain and strengthen them. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
3rd John 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.” WALK IN TRUTH Joy in a Christian's life strengthens them and through their influence it strengthens others. The apostle John had great cause for rejoicing when he heard from others the reputation of his spiritual "son in the faith" Gaius, was that "the truth" was real to him. Truth was in him and he practiced truth outwardly. He walked in truth. Truth by its very nature is the corresponding of a statement with a fact. If what I am and what I do are synchronized, I am walking in truth. The word of God in the mind can be learned by study. When the word of God is both in the mind and the daily practices of life, then it is real.
To Gaius truth was the indwelling power of his inner life. Spiritual truth was not merely a lesson to be learned, but it was a power that controlled his mind. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." When truth controls the mind, it will control our walk each day in life. The "truth road" Gaius walked led him to be the kind of man he was. He was kind, generous and hospitable. Even though hospitality is a duty we have towards others, it can be one of the most delightful duties of life as we are able to interact and enjoy fellowship with God's people.
s3 It seems like the truth that was in this man was like the atmosphere he breathed. When that is true in one's life, everything we think and do has the truth as the standard by which we measure each action and thought. Gaius was known by the truth that was in him and the love he demonstrated toward others. These two things balance one's life in such a way that can please God and give joy to others.
John knew of Gaius' spiritual condition by the witness of "the brethren" who were so impressed with his attitude and acts of kindness that they passed that information on to others. We do not do what we do for the Lord to impress others, but to give glory to God and to bless our fellowman. Anything we can do to make life better for God's people is done unto Him. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Truth within has that characteristic.
Truth within is a wonderful thing. An act or word of truth passed on to others can also be of great benefit to the Lord's people. But to "walk in truth" means that this is a lifestyle that characterizes a person and is maintained consistently. This is not a hit-and-miss sort of thing. Rather it is Christ-likeness lived out, and because of that, people "take knowledge that [we] have been with Jesus." No wonder older believers rejoice when we see evidence of a sanctified life in those who have responded to the Gospel message and appreciate the grace of God to them.
Truth by its nature is the standard of righteousness. Truth that is lived by, produces fruits of holiness. Truth passed on to others is an act of graciousness. Truth received by faith brings real happiness.
When we walk in truth, we will not be ashamed. When we practice truth, we will not be blamed. Walking in truth gives significance to what we have claimed And gives honor to our Lord whose name we have named.
Truth lived out means that others can testify To the life of God in a believer who God did sanctify And through whose teaching, the Spirit of God does purify With the result that through their life, God they do glorify.
"Father, it is a sincere desire of mine that there would be practical evidence of Thy grace, truth and love seen in me. Thy servant needs to be daily and hourly conscious of the fact that others are in need of my time and genuine interest in them. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."