3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. I. First, then, one of THE PARENT'S highest joys is his children's walking in truth: he has no greater joy. 1. And here we must begin with the remark that it is a joy peculiar to Christian fathers and mothers. No parents can say from their hearts, "We have no greater joy than to hear that our children walk in truth," unless they are themselves walking in truth. No wolf prays for its offspring to become a sheep. 2. Let us, then, remark next that the joy mentioned in the text is special in its object. "I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children walk in truth." There is the point, their practical religion, their actual exemplification of the power of the gospel upon their lives. This proves that the teaching was well received, that the feeling was not mere excitement, that the profession was not a falsehood or a mistake, but was done in truth. 3. It is a healthful joy, in which we may indulge to the full without the slightest fear, for it is superior in its character to all earthly joys. Now, when our children walk in truth and love to God, it makes us rejoice that another heart is consecrated to His service. We may well rejoice in the salvation and in the sanctification of our sons and daughters, because this is the way in which the kingdom of Christ is to be extended in the world. 4. I will tell you why this is peculiarly the great joy of some Christian parents — it is because they have made it a subject of importunate prayer. That which comes to us by the gate of prayer comes into the house with music and dancing. 5. This joy is quickening in its effect. All who have ever felt it know what an energy it puts into them. Have you some of your children converted while others remain unsaved? Then I charge you, let what the Lord has done for some encourage you concerning the rest. 6. Once more, this high joy of which we have spoken is very solemn in its surroundings, for it involves this alternative — "What if my children should not walk in truth?" Well, that means for us during this life many sorrows, nights of sleeplessness and days of anxiety. II. You may view the text as specifying THE PASTOR'S greatest reward. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." No minister ought to be at rest unless he sees that his ministry does bring forth fruit, and men and women are born unto God by the preaching of the Word. Those who are the preacher's children are often known to him; they were to John, else he could not have spoken of them as "my children," and could not have had joy in them as his children. From this I draw the inference that it is the duty of every one who receives spiritual benefit, and especially conversion, from any of God's servants, to let them know it. Put on Christ publicly in baptism, according to His command: unite yourself with His Church, and commune with the people among whom you have been born unto God. It seems from our text that John was in the habit of hearing about his spiritual children: "I have no greater joy than to hear" — mark that — "than to hear that my children walk in the truth." That implies that, if you make a profession of your faith, people will talk about you. John could not have heard if others had not spoken. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.WEB: I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth. |
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