3rd John 4 NO GREATER JOY. John was the one God used to bring the blessing of the Gospel message to Gaius. God in saving grace uses clay vessels to present divine truth to those with whom He has been working in conviction by the Holy Spirit. Often, we hear of people with an inner desire to know who they are and why they are here. To some life seems purposeless until they hear the sweet strains of the Gospel message, and then their deep desire is constrained to pay attention to what is being preached. Some have been saved the first time they hear the word of God explained in ways they can understand.
God must have been working in the conscience of Gaius, and even though he was likely one who with most Romans, worshipped pagan deities like Mars, Jupiter and Venus, he could see through the falseness of that. The presenting of the truth of God changed him into a man of faith by the grace of God. Now after the power of saving grace was seen in him, God's grace was continuing to be seen through the life of Gaius and through him others were being blessed.
Some men seem to have made a good start in their Christian life. Gaius seemed to respond to the truth when he heard it from John. He was a Roman Gentile and yet this older Jewish man reached his heart and mind. An outstanding characteristic he had was he walked in the truth, lived the truth before other brethren and John truly valued him. I would really like to learn from him, how to be so single-minded towards the truth of God.
Another characteristic he had was hospitality. He was the same toward the strangers as he was toward the brethren who came to the assembly of which he was a part. He made sure these travelers had all they s4 needed to help them on their way. The men who came by were doing the work of the Lord and it wouldn’t be right if they had to get help from those who were unbelievers. May I too learn that any help I can give to fellow-workers and the Lord’s people in general, is a testimony as to how I love the truth and the God of truth.
Joy is a lifting up of the soul when the news we get is bright. It happens to us when we hear of one turning from darkness unto light. To know God is working through His word to give their life new start, Brings joy to those God used to bring His message to their heart.
Joy when one is born again is great - we watch as they mature. Then hear their words of faith that makes their profession to us more sure. What they learned when they said on the Lord Jesus they believed, Is now more real to them and us because the Savior they have received.
Joy when years pass by and faithfulness to God is real, Is even a deeper joy because there is obviously the Spirit's seal. Their interests lie in spiritual things and for others they truly care. They in turn now reach beyond with the Gospel they now share.
Joy continues when reports are given about their many acts of grace. Our minds go back to when they started, and their upward path we trace. People speak their names with great respect and real gratitude. The work of God which they now do, includes words, deeds and attitude.
“Heavenly Father: there are those I have watched who seemed a lot like this man. Father was one and his consistency still sticks in my mind even though he has been gone quite a few years. Linda’s father too was similar in his outlook toward the servants of God and the Lord’s work. I have had good examples. Help me to be one, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”