This lesson is a very old one. I first preached it way back in the 1960s. It seemed to adapt well to this series, and I'm going to enjoy bringing it to you.

The lesson is found in John's short letter to Gaius (which people call the 3rd epistle of John) . We are looking at verses 1-8. In this reading, you will note four wonderful things that are said of this good man Gaius:

Good Things About Gaius"
 
 1. He was beloved
 2. His soul prospered
 3. He walked in truth
 4. He acted faithfully
 

As we look at these things we will appreciate Gaius as a man of faith, hope, and love.

(1) Gaius was well-beloved.

"To the beloved Gaius, whom I truly love" (3Jn 1:1) .

We hear a lot said about our solemn duty to love others, and so we ought. We should even do as Jesus said, "Love your enemies and do good to them" (Lke 6:27) . It is necessary to love. "The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1Jn 4:8).

Gaius was a man of such excellent love that everybody who visited him bore witness of his love before the church (3Jn 1:8). But I want you to notice that our present text (verse 1) turns this fact (that Gaius was a loving man) inside out. It does not describe Gaius as "The loving Gaius" —meaning that he loved others. Rather, it puts Gaius into a different perspective of love: "The beloved Gaius" —meaning that others loved him.

(2) His soul prospered

"Be in health, even as your soul prospers" (3Jn 1:2)

Jesus once said, "What shall it profit, if one should gain the whole world and yet lose one's own soul?" (Mrk 8:36).

Why spend your life in pandering to your body only to have death leave you destitute because you neglected your soul? "You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose shall those things be which you have provided?" (Lke 12:20).

Our souls will prosper, enriched in faith, hope, and love. if we make room in our lives for earnest prayer, diligent searching of the scriptures, and fellowship with the saints.

We may suffer great loss and harm to our mortal selves, yet maintain our souls in perfect beauty, health, and prosperity. In the world we may be lepers, but in spirit we are pure and whole through the power of Christ, and, like Gaius, made ready for glory and immortality that is our HOPE (Php 3:20-21, 1Co 15:51).