Aug. 09, 2026

3 John 1-4

Where Does That Rank with You?

“I have left orders to be awakened at any time during national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting.” ― Ronald Reagan

“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.” ― Ronald Reagan

1. Love in the Truth (v. 1)

A. True Friendship Expressed

Acts 19:29

Acts 20:1-6

Romans 16:23

1 Corinthians 1:14-15

B. Love in Truth

John 1:14

John 1:17

John 3:21

John 4:24

John 8:31-32

John 14:6

1 John 1:8

1 John 2:21

1 John 3:18-20

2 John 1:1-4

2. A Testimony (vs. 2, 3)

A. Deeper Than a Wish (v. 2)

”I Pray”

B. “Going Well” (v. 2)

1 Corinthians 16:2

”He may have prospered in”

“How is it with your soul?”- The Methodist Class Meeting

Matthew 6:24

Ecclesiastes 5:10

Luke 12:15

Proverbs 11:28

1 Timothy 6:6-10

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Mark 8:34-38

C. Celebrating for Someone’s Testimony

Your truth is grounded in the The Truth

Your reality is grounded in the Ultimate Reality of God.

”Walking” = “Living”

3. No Greater Joy (v. 4)

A. What Is Your Greatest Joy?

B. How Do We Walk in the Truth?

John 8:31-32

We must immerse ourselves in the truth

1. Read the Word everyday. Listen to the Word everyday.

2. Pray everyday

3. Meet with a group of Christians in community regularly

4. Make Everyday Decisions Conditioned by the Truth of Jesus

Reflection:

How is your soul prospering?

How is the soul of those you care about most prospering?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: John 8:31-32

How do you abide in the “word” Jesus refers to here? Do you find the freedom He promises?

Tuesday:

Read: 1 John 3:18-20

Have you had to make a major decision lately? How can this passage reassure you that God’s truth will prevail in these everyday decisions that we make?

Wednesday:

Read: Matthew 6:24

What is the challenge of this verse? How do you apply this to your finances?

Thursday:

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:10

How have you seen this play out in real life? What safeguards are in your life to be sure that this does not take place?

Friday:

Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Define “contentment” as Paul does here? Rate your life today in regard to this kind of contentment?

Saturday:

Read: Mark 8:34-38

According to Jesus, what is the great danger in this passage? How do we see that being headed off?