Walking in the Truth

​3 John 1:3-4 ~ “For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
 
How precious it is when we discover those whom we had ministered to, or had some impact upon, or have some influence over, to find them walking in the truth. This was John’s delight as he wrote his letter to Gaius, a dear friend and fellow worker for the gospel. Let me ask, have you enjoyed that same delight as the apostle, learning that those to whom you gave the word of Christ are now found to be walking in the faith that you presented?
 
The underlying experience is simple: John proclaimed the truth of Christ to Gaius and at some point there was the work of Christ on his heart and new life was born. In believing, Gaius desired to walk no longer in the ways of the world but learned the truth as presented by the apostle and set his steps to obey the truth. Is this your underlying experience? Have you spent your time with those around you to instruct them in the ways of Christ? You may not know as much as another—but you do know more than someone who has not yet believed. It takes us to consider the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans as he reminded the church that faith comes by hearing the message of Christ—and that message is brought through the faithful witnesses who testify to the truth (see Romans 10:14-17). The joy of learning that someone is walking in the ways of Christ because of your influence upon them is a tremendous delight. I look back upon my coming to faith in Jesus and I still remember those who first told me of the LORD. How precious those souls are who loved Jesus so much that it was their desire to inform me. And now, that valued opportunity is mine with those who I encounter along the way.
 
But John did not merely rejoice because he saw the faith of Gaius. It was testified by others to the apostle that the man was faithfully walking in the truth. Consider what it said of the church in Thessalonica, “For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). It is important to note that Gaius did not merely obey the gospel and walk in the truth only when John was present. It was testified about him through other, faithful Christians, that Gaius’ faith was genuine and he walked in the truth. For, as our text states, “the brothers came and testified to your truth.” Gaius delighted to live the faith and it showed to all who came in an encounter with him. What a joy it is when we get word about someone who is distant, perhaps unable to communicate directly, and then a testimony is heard about them that they have embraced the truth of Christ, love the LORD, and are walking in His ways.
 
And John concludes his greeting with such a strong statement of delight, saying, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” What parent is not overjoyed with the knowledge that their child is richly applying that which they were taught. It is a heartbreak to a father or mother to learn through others that their child has abandoned the truth and ventured into all manner of diversions. Yet, when word comes back that the child is walking in the truth, parents find their hearts overcome with joy. And that was John’s “greater joy.” Is there a greater joy when it comes to the ministry we provide to those around us? To see and hear that those to whom we once poured out time and effort and love and prayers and the word of God are now walking in close fellowship with Christ and desire to walk by faith according to His word, that brings a refreshing stream of joy upon our hearts.
 
Let me encourage you this day, dear Christian, to consider those who instructed you in Christ. If the opportunity arises, send word to them and let them know that you still hold fast the truth of Christ and are striving to walk in the truth as you were taught. And take great joy when word comes back to you that those whom you led to faith in Christ are still walking in the truth.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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