Introduction
Once a pastor preached on the Prodigal Son at a little country church in New England. God used that sermon to show many young men that they needed a Savior. Anytime God calls a sinner to Himself, there is great joy in heaven and on earth. But this time, as each young man came forward, his mother gave a shout of joy. It was joy that welled up from her heart and could not be contained. The Apostle John knew a similar joy when he heard of the Christians he loved who were walking in truth. Read what he says about his joy and what he wishes for these Christians in 3 John 1:1-4 …
Observation
Pray
God is always listening, ask Him to reveal the wonderful truths of this passage to you. He can neutralize your prejudices, expose your unbelief, reveal His promises, and equip you for your day.
Read Focus Verses
As you read 3 John 1:1-4, notice the tender, personal tone. Try to pick up on the ideas which run through these verses and connect them.
Repeated Words
Which repeated words stood out to you as characterizing these verses?
Read in Context
Read the 14 verses of this short book, and notice how these repeated words and their opposites continue through the whole chapter.
Keyword – Truth
The word truth appears 4 times in these verses. Marking these occurrences will help this keyword stand out.
Walking in the Truth
Mark each appearance of the word truth in 3 John 1:1-4
Wishes
What does the author wish for Gaius?
Two-Fold Prosperity
Verse 2 speaks of two kinds of prosperity. What are they?
Joy
What brought the author such great joy?
Glad Tidings
How did the author know that Gaius was walking in the truth?
Love
Because of what bond does the author love Gaius?
Interpretation
Love in Truth
Notice the similarity between the greeting in 3 John 1:1 and 2 John 1:1-2
United
What does it mean that John loves these believers in the truth?
Primary Focus
In verse 2, what kind of prosperity is of foremost importance?
Physical Blessings
Based on this passage, is it wrong for Christians to prosper in this life and have physical blessings? Why or why not?
A Good Report
When believers who had gone to visit Gaius returned, what did they report about?
Rejoicing in Truth
Notice a similar response to a similar report in 2 John 1:4.
Why the Joy?
Why did knowing that believers he cared about were walking in truth bring joy to the author?
No Greater Joy
What brings the greatest joy to a godly leader?
Godly Example
Several times Scripture tells us that David is an example of someone who walked before the Lord uprightly. Notice what God says about him in 1 Kings 9:4-5.
Picture It
What are some of the things it would look like for a Christian to walk in truth?
The Steps of the Savior
This hymn speaks of walking in the steps of Jesus. Since He is the Truth (John 14:6), following Him is the same as walking in truth.
Application
Love and Joy
Do you love those who are walking in the truth? Does their faithfulness bring you great joy?
Walking in Truth
Are you walking in truth? What will you change about your path today to walk in the steps of Jesus?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has helped you understand what brings joy to believers, and what they desire for one another.
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