Dear Church Family,
John continues in his third epistle to laud his friend Gaius for being faithful. Obviously when someone commends another for being faithful it involves a good work being done. John does not give much detail, but we can learn much in v5-8 about how we can be deemed faithful as we strive to live to the glory of God.
First, Gaius has been doing something “for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you.” Scholars believe Gaius welcomed missionaries into his house. There he proved shelter and food for them as they proclaimed the Gospel to those who lived in the area near Gaius. (We are not sure where he lived.) It is likely the missionaries came to Gaius with a letter commending their work. Though he had not met them, Gaius allowed them into his home just as he would family. After all, they were family as brothers in Christ.
John then notes that word had gotten back to him how well Gaius had loved them. As you heard in yesterday’s video devotion and just might hear in a sermon on June 28, true love involves a cost to the one who loves. Houses in the first century were not designed to host many guests. Nor did most people have an abundance of food to share. Yet Gaius ignored any financial cost, inconvenience, crowding in his house and energy involved to extend the love of Christ to fellow Christians. No doubt his acts of loved served as a powerful demonstration of the Gospel to his neighbors. He practiced the truth of Galatians 5:6, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.”
John encourages Gaius “to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” This is thought to mean Gaius should generously give them money as the brothers journey to another place of ministry. John explains they do expect any help from unbelievers. It is the high duty of God’s people to support as much as possible to those in ministry. John says they do ministry “for the sake of the Name” of Jesus. That is the only reason for ministry – to spread the glories of the name of Jesus!
Our local church has existed almost one hundred years. Throughout its history we have steadfastly given generously to the cause of missions – local and international. May we continue to faithfully support the work of the Name around the world! As we do this we “work together for the truth.”
With great hope in His grace,
Pastor Gillikin