3 John 3-4 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. (4) I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
John received word that his friend Gaius was walking in the truth and this delighted the apostle. Knowing truth and doctrine is important. Doctrine means “teaching” and as the disciples of Jesus, or the students of Christ, we must sit at the feet of the Word of God and learn of Him. The church is in the business of truth. Part of the Great Commission is that we teach the believers (Matt 28:20) in the church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:14). When you come to the house of God to worship the Lord, who is Truth (John 14:6) we do so in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). A church without doctrine is like a house without a roof.
Not only did Gaius know the truth, but he walked in the truth. Knowing things about the Bible is not the only object we aim for in teaching God’s Word. We learn truth to apply it to our hearts and then work these truths out in our lives. Truth will move us to action. Walking in the truth is God’s Word impacting your life and bowing down to the authority of Scripture as the Holy Spirit renews your mind. Knowing truth about God moves you to worship. Knowing truth about salvation moves you to evangelism. Knowing truth about the church shapes how you worship the Lord you love.
John had no greater joy than to hear that those who had sat under his ministry were abiding in the faith. One of the great joys of ministry is seeing God’s Word made effectual in the lives of the saints of God. Preaching isn’t about building the pastor’s kingdom, but the Lord’s. As ambassadors, we have been given the good news that the Lord Jesus has provided the means of peace between us and God that we can be reconciled to Him.
It’s a joy for me to see people trusting their soul to unshakable, unmovable truth. You will either build your life on a lie or on the truth. Because God’s Word is true, and because of the reality of the gospel message, it changes families, communities, and nations. The answer to our societal problems are not found in government programs but in divine truth. Can we expect our homes to be happy if we base it on lies? Are you building your life on a false premise? Building your life apart from truth is like taking the southbound lane when you want to go north, and hoping that you will still arrive at your destination. The Bible reveals eternal truth with eternal consequences about your life.
Come to the God who cannot lie and rest in His truth.
