Title: Proof of Truth
(3 John 1:1-8)
1. A benediction to Gaius
John tells us in verse 7 that it is proper to receive gospel workers. He said that receiving God's servants who preach the gospel is the way to become those who work together for the truth. There is a reward for whoever receives the servants of the Lord in the name of the Lord. Jesus said in Matthew 10:40 and below, "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me." And he said, 'Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward.'
2. John's benediction to Gaius
John blessed Gaius, such a beautiful man of faith, in the name of the Lord. This is a famous passage in verse 2. These are the words, 'Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, as your soul prospers'. Some people refer to this verse as the three factors of salvation and sublimate it into a belief of ups and downs, but this verse should not be interpreted that way and applied to the Christian life. This blessing prayer clearly means spiritual and physical blessings. However, the beginning of this blessing prayer is very important. 'As your soul prospers' was the premise.
A Christian's blessing starts with the well-being of his soul. What does it mean to be well in soul? This means receiving abundantly grace, mercy, and peace from the Father and the Son. Gaio is a man with a good soul. This was John's acknowledgment of Gaius' faith and entered. Gaius was such an exemplary and proud saint, so John could offer him this prayer of blessing. Next, John said, 'I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health.'
God can make him drink the cup of suffering to give his loved ones greater grace. You can even make them walk through a life of tribulation for the reward of heaven. Sometimes God gives us great benefits through trials. God's work of making things prosperous must be judged by looking at the final fruit. Next, John's supplication prayed for Gaius' physical health. He said, 'I beg you to be strong'. A person must always be strong.
So praying for health is a good thing. While thinking of the lovely Gaius, John prayed for him to be healthy not only in all things, but also in health. However, not all diseases are bad. There are diseases that are beneficial to our faith. Paul suffered unspeakably from a painful disease called thorn. So, he prayed three times, but only got the answer, 'My grace is sufficient for you', but there was no cure. He left it alone because the disease was beneficial to Paul.
Conclusion: This supplication for Gaio does not apply to everyone, nor is it an applicable origin. Thinking of it as the official form of faith, it should not be formulated as if the soul should prosper in all things and be healthy. We are
Pay attention to Gaius as saints who, like Gaius, can be called by the apostle John, indeed, my beloved brother.
The blessing that he prayed in his name, the blessing of John who said, 'I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health as your soul prospers'.
I hope to receive your prayers.