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:
Yesterday we looked at how
faithfulness transforms people. Today we will look at how it reproduces. In verse
6 we read that John’s standard for hospitality is in a manner worthy of God. The theme echoes the teaching of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matt 25:40). The epistle to the
Hebrews conveys a similar thought: “Do
not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained
angels without knowing it” (13:2). While generosity can be abused, the call
to honor those who honor God calls for erring on the side of generosity.
Gaius and the church are urged to send John’s representatives—“the brothers” (v 5)—on their way. This was a polite and indirect way of requesting aid
(food, money, housing arrangements, traveling companions) for missionaries.
This phrase, found only here in the NT, resembles Paul’s wish expressed to the
churches in Rome that they would “assist
[him] on [his] journey” to Spain (Rom 15:24; see Acts 15:3). You will do well is a natural way of
conveying a request or expressing thanks in advance.[1]
WHAT WE CAN WALK
AWAY WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that faithfulness to God is reproducing. Because of one’s faithfulness, the reproduction of believers causes the movement and spreading of the Gospel like a wild fire. The only way to stop this fire (the Gospel) is through disobedience.
CONCLUSION:
I think back on a certain day at the grocery store I was a produce manager. It was late that evening, I had finished up my responsibilities, and I was putting in some time at the
front helping bag groceries. This is one of the defining moments in my life.
The Pastors wife at the local Nazarene church had been developing a friendship
with me over a period of time. She had caught me at the right moment, at the
right time, and at the right place! She invited me to Church that upcoming Sunday
night. She said, “We are having a singspiration, were everybody and anybody can
come and sing or play music.” For whatever reason I said, “Yes” and my life has
never been the same since.
That Pastors wife’s faithfulness had a
reproducing affect that has rippled throughout the country if not the world. From
that invitation the Gospel was shared with me, with all the churches I would
go on to pastor, and to the areas I have preached overseas. This is a
wonderful example of a faithful servant and the reproducing of disciples which has
continued the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let us remember that today could be the day that, through our obedience
to God’s will, we start the rippling effect of the Gospel that will reach far
beyond our imagination.
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
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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