Our Dependence On God
Introduction
In his letter to Gaius John describes the reason we go out into the highways and byways and compel them to come in. John is in no way insinuating that Gaius wasn't aware of the mission of those whom he housed and helped. He's telling Gaius that he knows his heart and that his heart is right with God in the good deeds he's done. Notice how John describes their journey.
I. His Name Was Dispersed, Vs. 7
A. The Message They Preached, Vs. 7
"Because that for his name's sake..." vs. 7. This phrase in the Greek explains all we need to know about their message - it was a message of the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord. ...his name... is used in the absolute; which means Jesus Christ was preached as in ...for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12. These weren't liberal theologians who padded or watered down the gospel. John says I know the people you care for are people of God. Not only do we see the message they preached but also the method they practices.
B. The Method They Practiced, Vs. 7
"...they went forth..." vs. 7. We tend to think these people needed to go out but that things are different now. I believe you're right. We need to go out now more than ever! And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Luke 14:23. The word of God never changes - God knew He could write this and it would never change. John wanted to thank Gaius for taking care of the messengers of God, those who carried forth the Good News. John knew that Gaius was an answer to prayer and an answer to God's promise. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:19-20. It wasn't really Gaius that supplied these needs it was God and Gaius knew it was God. Gaius trusted God to meet all of their needs through him.
God takes care of obedient Christians! But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:18-19. Paul realized the same truth from God, when you take care of God's messengers God will take care of you. We ought to give more and more to missions every year! Not only do we see that His name was dispersed but also their need was dispersed.
II. Their Need Was Dispersed, Vs. 7
A. The Trial They Faced, Vs. 7
"...taking nothing of the Gentiles.", vs. 7. There's a truth here that many of us never learn - the Lord's work ought to be supported by the Lord's people! And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Acts 8:18. Temptation came their way often.
God's servants shouldn't have to look to the world for support. God's people who bless God's messengers will be blessed by God! I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, Acts 20:33-37. Not only do we see the trial they faced but also the treasure they found.
B. The Treasure They Found, Vs. 7
"...taking nothing of the Gentiles.", vs. 7. By not taking the world's offers they found their treasure in God's good people such as Gaius! The treasure they found was one man meeting a need, another man having a need and God putting them together to supply both of their needs. Gaius was a man committed to taking care of God's messengers. God's messengers were committed to depending on God. The result was they both saw God! What sweet joy it is to depend totally on God; whether you're on the giving end or the getting end it all reflects the face of God!