3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. I. THE CHARACTER OF GAIUS. 1. The indwelling of the truth of God. He walked in the truth — he was a fellow-helper of the truth — he was beloved for the truth's sake. By the indwelling of God's truth, living principles are implanted in the soul. They are a fountain spring, whence well forth love, benevolence, active well-doing, and the end is eternal life and glory. 2. The external manifestation of his piety. The truth moulded and shaped his outer life. His daily actions bore its holy impress. His creed was not one thing, and his walk another. As a citizen of the world, and as a member of Christ's Church, his entire conduct was influenced by what he believed and professed. 3. The fidelity that characterised him. He acted as a good steward of God's bounty. 4. The brotherly love he displayed. To this his brethren in the Church, and the strangers that visited the place bore testimony. II. HIS SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY. 1. Pre-eminent soul-prosperity. This is by no means a common condition among the people of God — to be more prosperous in spiritual interests than in other interests. 2. The living embodiment of truth. The indwelling truth came forth in embodied action. If we are rooted and grounded in doctrinal truth by the Holy Spirit, we shall give a living manifestation of that in our practical godliness. 3. Devotional solitude combined with energetic action. The prosperous Christian lives much alone with God. But he has also much to do with society. His field of labour is the world. 4. Largeness of heart. With many self is first and last, all and in all. Spiritual prosperity to such is a thing unknown. 5. Deep humility of soul. It has been well said that a haughty, self-sufficient professor is a doubtful character; and that high minds are like high hills, blasted and barren. We may say, then, that lowly minds are like well-watered, fruitful valleys. III. THE BEARING OF THIS SUBJECT ON OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. 1. The great want of the Church of Christ is soul-prosperity. 2. Individual solicitude is requisite in order to meet that want. 3. The vital spring of spiritual prosperity is found in the presence and mighty operations of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 44:3, 4; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Ezekiel 37:14). (P. Morrison.) Parallel Verses KJV: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.WEB: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. |
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