Joy of Walking In Truth

Read 3 John 4

The Joy of the Truth

Friday, November 04, 2016

1:51 PM

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

There is something about human nature that reject condescending talk. I remember as a teen-ager how sometimes I would resent being called a kid. Not that I didn't respect the individual who was much older than I, sharing their wisdom and counsel. It is just that we want to be looked at as we are.

Yet John wrote his first letter to the church, he often addressed his readers as "dear children" (1 John 2:1,12,18,28; 3:7,18; 4:4;5:21), and all three of his letters are sprinkled with other references to children (see, for example, 1 John 3:1-3; 5:1-4; 2 John 1, 4, 13; 3 John 4, 11). Yet far from being offended, the first recipients of these letters eagerly received the message of this elder statesman and revered apostle. Besides the difference in age (John wrote these letters as an older man), John was an eyewitness of Christ and was their spiritual father. In every sense, they were his "children" who needed to hear his inspired encouragements, warnings, and admonitions.[2]

John was an amazing disciple and follower of Jesus.

He grew up in GalileeWas the son of Zebedee a successful commercial fishermenHis mother was SalomeHe was a follow of John the Baptist Was called by Jesus to leave his nets and follow himHe became part of the inner circleWas commissioned by Jesus to care for his motherHe was the writer of the Gospel that bears his name. [1]

Third John which is referred to as an Epistolary Letter has only 15 verses making it the shortest letter in the New Testament. It is one of only a few of the New Testament letters addressed to an individual in this case Gaius.

The Purpose of Third John is

The Commendation of Gaius: He walks in Truth and Love (2-8)Condemnation of Diotrephes: He rejects authority and lacks love (9-10)Recommendation of Demetrius: He does good (11-12)[3]

There seems to be a battle for truth against apostasy "not only in the home (2 John) but especially in the local church:"[4] This is where 3 John comes in.

I want to just deal with one aspect of this letter tonight found in verse 4. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

What is truth? Pilate asked that question, and in reality it is a question we have been asking since the serpent spoke to Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Truth

Jesus was full of Grace and TRUTH

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Jesus brought THE TRUTH -

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Jesus IS the TRUTH

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

We worship God in TRUTH

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

We find peace and restoration in the TRUTH

John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

BECAUSE THE TRUTH SETS US FREE

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John tells Gaius - that nothing in this world filled him with greater joy, than to know that his children, or his church walked in TRUTH.

Truth is simple - not complex simply OBEY GOD

Psalm 86:11

Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

2 John 1:4

I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

3 John 1:3

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

Walking with Jesus is more than an outward dress standard, although God's people will dress like God's people.

It is more than confessing to be a Christian - although God's people will do that

It is walking in the precepts principles and commandments of God.

That is really the only way to find joy, peace, and the smile of God.

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[M] GBS&C SP15 - New Testament Literature - Stephen Smith Power Point for General NT Epistles[M] Life Application Bible Commentary: 1, 2, & 3 John[M] GBS&C SP15 - New Testament Literature - Stephen Smith Power Point for General NT Epistles[M] Weriesbe - BE ALERT