Faithful Servants

​3 John 1:5-8 ~ “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”
 
What a precious thing it is to stand in strong support of those who are endeavoring to take the gospel into the world. In the days of the early church, it was a common practice to receive support from other fellowships in other cities. In our text today, John commends this practice as a faithful thing.
 
We begin our text today with the commendation of John, “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are.” John had received word from those who were considered “brothers” in Christ and who had ventured to the church that the beloved disciple, Gaius, was a member. These men had gone through the region of that church’s influence and found Gaius to be a welcomed friend and hospitable connection on their journey. The contrast is made of the person Diotrephes (see 3 John 1:9-10). Despite their never having known each other, Gaius and those who came from John found kinship in Christ. Not unlike what we read in Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” Gaius was willing to offer hospitality to those who represented Christ.  
 
It is important to understand that though not all can venture into the great unknown and pour their lives out in the work of the gospel, yet all can contribute to the effort in the manner they are able. It is a poor excuse to say since you’re not able to do what another can, you won’t do anything at all. Much is gained and nothing lost when we give our effort in any way possible. In Mark 14:8, Jesus remarks, “She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.” God is pleased with such sacrifices and it testifies to the condition of the heart before the LORD. Hebrews 13:16 continues, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” The final statement of our text reinforces this very activity, “Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” We will find ourselves joined with the work, sharing the fruit of their labor as if it were our own.
 
What of these men, the ones who had found their way to Gaius? Consider what the text says, “For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.” Just think of the value of such a testimony. These men could faithfully say that they received nothing from the world for the sake of their service to Christ. When John mentions the “Gentiles” he is not referring to any who were Gentile believers in Christ. Those would be called “brothers” and not “Gentiles.” John is referencing those who were worldly, devoid of the Spirit and unregenerated. How many of us have known the intrigues and difficulties that come when those who are worldly, those who reject the LORD, try to purchase influence over the church by funding the effort of the ministry? These men had “gone out for the sake of the name.” They were courageous soldiers who stood faithfully in Christ will not be bought by the world. The grand example of this comes in the betrayal of Judas. Mark 14:11 states, “And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.” Even Abraham understood this when, in Genesis 14:23, he responded to the king of Sodom’s effort to give wealth to him, “that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’”
 
John instructs Gaius with these words, “You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.” Let us also, then strive to do all we can to advance the gospel of our LORD. Those who go out in faithful service do so for the LORD’s sake. It will best serve the LORD and them if we recognize their mission and offer what assistance we can. Paul thanked the Philippians for this very thing. In Philippians 4:18 he says, “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”
 
All who belong to Christ are called to serve the gospel in what manner God has commanded. Some will serve with their feet, taking their steps to venture into unknown lands. Some will serve with their industry and supply the necessary tools and resources for the work. But when the harvest is fully gathered, those who sowed and those who reaped will be glad together (see John 4:36).
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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