For they went out for the sake of the Name,
accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be
fellow workers with the truth.” 3 John 1:7-8
We continue our study of the
book of III John and Ways to Build a
Lasting Friendship.
III.
Support
Each Other.
A friend will support another who is involved in a Christian
ministry effort. Support can come in
many different ways. It can be moral
support, emotional support, financial support, or prayerful support. All of these are important to finding peace
in our lives. Basically there are three
reasons why it is vitally important that we support each other.
1.
Our
Testimony to Unbelievers
Those early Christians who had gone out in doing
missionary work refused to accept any help from those who were not
believers. One reason for this is
because it’s not their responsibility.
Others who believe in a ministry derive a blessing in their financial of
physical sharing. Unbelievers may see a
positive social value and contribute to make themselves feel good about giving
but a believer is spiritually impacted when their prayer is answered by God’s
gift. When God’s people are supporting
God’s family it is a powerful testimony to those who are unbelievers.
2. Our Obligation to God
John told us in verse 8 that “…we ought to support such men…” It is our obligation to do so. Luke 17:10, “In the same way, when you obey me you should
say, 'We are not worthy of praise. We are servants who have simply done our
duty.' " (NLT) Some will
give to be seen by men; others give quietly and sacrificially our of
responsibility to their duty to one another.
3. Our Participation in the Truth
When you support those who are actively preaching and
teaching the truth to others you become a part of that ministry and are
actually participating in spreading, furthering and promoting the truth. There are many who can no longer go who find
great joy and fulfillment in sharing in the ministries of their friends. When a report comes back about a success from
a mission effort, those who have given rejoice knowing they had a part in the
work.
2 Corinthians 8:3-4, “For I testify that according to
their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging
us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the
saints,”
Who do you need to start building a lasting relationship
with today? Here are some action steps
you can take to start:
1. Invite
someone to attend a church service with you.
2. Start
going to a small group and make a friend.
3. Find
a ministry in the church where you can start serving others and God.
4. Pray
for a missionary and send them a pen pal letter on a regular basis.
5. Seek
out someone you would like to befriend and then love, minister and support
them.
Scripture to Claim:
So
then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially
to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:10
