Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“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.” — 3 John 1:5–8 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

As we continue through John’s third letter, we begin to understand more clearly why he was writing to Gaius. John had already commended him for walking faithfully in the truth. Now we see one of the ways that faithfulness was being demonstrated: Gaius was generously supporting believers who had gone out to spread the Gospel.

We do not know exactly where Gaius lived or all the circumstances surrounding these traveling believers. John simply describes them as brothers who were strangers to Gaius. They had gone out “for the sake of the name”—the name of Jesus Christ—and were apparently depending upon the hospitality of fellow believers rather than seeking support from the Gentiles to whom they ministered. They did not want anyone to think they were preaching Christ for financial gain or allow money to become a stumbling block to the Gospel. And Gaius helped them.

His kindness made such an impression that these brothers later testified about his love before the church where John was. John Gill points out that Gaius was not generous in order to receive the praise of men. His hospitality flowed from genuine love for Christ and a desire for God’s glory. Yet because of his faithfulness, others heard about what God was doing through him.

John therefore encourages Gaius to continue: “You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.” This meant more than simply wishing them well. Gaius was to help provide whatever they needed to continue their Gospel ministry.

There are several lessons here for us:  First, Christians and churches are not competitors. It is easy to compare attendance, ministries, programs, facilities, or influence and begin viewing other churches as rivals. But if another church or ministry is faithfully proclaiming Jesus Christ and the true Gospel, they are not our competition. We are on the same team.

Paul wrote, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Different servants may have different assignments, but we serve the same Lord. We should rejoice whenever Christ is faithfully proclaimed and people are being brought into His Kingdom.

Second, we should support those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel. That support may be financial, but it can take many forms. We can provide food, lodging, transportation, resources, encouragement, or prayer. When God gives us an opportunity to strengthen someone who is faithfully serving Christ, we should gladly do what we can.

We should also remember that Gospel ministry is often difficult. Those called to preach and teach may face financial struggles, discouragement, criticism, opposition, and sometimes even controversy from other believers. They need brothers and sisters who will stand beside them and encourage them to continue.

That brings us to John’s wonderful conclusion: “Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”

Gaius may not have traveled with these missionaries or preached the sermons they preached. But when he opened his home, shared his resources, and helped send them on their way, he became a participant in their ministry.

The same is true for us. Not everyone is called to go to the mission field or stand behind a pulpit. Some go. Some give. Some provide a meal or a place to stay. Some encourage. Some pray. But when we support those who are faithfully carrying the Gospel, we share in the work.

The Kingdom of God is much bigger than our individual churches or ministries. We serve the same King, proclaim the same Savior, and carry the same Gospel. So when God gives us an opportunity to strengthen someone who has gone out “for the sake of the name,” may we follow the example of Gaius.

Help them. Encourage them. Pray for them. Send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. And in doing so, we become fellow workers for the truth.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I view other faithful churches and ministries as partners in the Gospel or sometimes as competition?
2. Who is faithfully proclaiming the Gospel that I could encourage or support?
3. What resources has God given me that could help someone else continue Gospel ministry?
4. How can I become more intentional about being a “fellow worker for the truth”?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for those who faithfully go out for the sake of the name of Jesus Christ. Help me to remember that Your Kingdom is bigger than any one church or ministry. Keep me from viewing other faithful believers as competitors, and teach me to rejoice whenever the true Gospel is proclaimed. Give me a generous heart like Gaius, willing to give, encourage, pray, and provide for those who serve You. Show me how I can faithfully do my part and become a fellow worker for the truth. May everything we do together bring glory to Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, Amen.