Beloved, it is a
faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they
are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well
to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
THE STUDY:
In verse 5 we see how faithfulness transforms.
Tomorrow we will look at how it reproduces. Verse 5 we read John commending
Gaius of his faithfulness in serving these
brothers. Such a welcoming spirit transformed strangers (zenos, or
“guests”) into friends. Gaius lived faithfulness.[1] This
is the power of the Spirit. Through a willing participant, the Spirit of God
can change a person who we do not know into a friend (A brother in Christ).
John expected a strong network of
Christians who, although spread over a wide region, were committed to support
one another. This faith network led to tangible acts. Gaius and others in his
church had already treated the elder’s messengers well (v 6). The letter
encourages Gaius’ continued generosity.[2]
WHAT WE CAN WALK
AWAY WITH ….
We walk away this morning with the understanding that faithfulness
to God is transforming. Transforming for the person who is faithful as well as the
people they are showing faithfulness too.
CONCLUSION:
As a believer I have never preached to or at my family. I have tried to
live the life of Christ in front of them. This has worked well! In fact, so
well that the majority of my family (except for one or two) have encountered
Christ and given their heart to him. For this I praise his Holy Name.
I received an email from a family member yesterday. This particular
family member shared with me that through some difficult times in their life
and circumstances that could only have been orchestrated by God, they accepted Christ.
I would like to believe that because of, not only my faithfulness but, the
faithfulness of a pastor who lead my family member through the sinner’s prayer
another soul has been saved. That family member will now be transformed into
the likeness of Christ over the remainder of their time on earth.
Today, let you faithfulness shine. Not just so you can be transformed but
so that someone else may experience the transforming power of Christ! AMEN!
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3
John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary
(209–210). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
[2]
Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3
John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary
(210). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
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