3 John 4 "A Parent's Joy"
A little girl named Amy sent a note to her pastor which read, “Dear Preacher, I heard you say to love our enemies. I am only six and do not have any yet. I hope to have some when I am seven. Your friend, Love, Amy.”
The following happened in Sunday School. After the SS Teacher told the story of the Prodigal Son to the class, she asked, “Was anyone sorry when the Prodigal Son returned?” One boy answered, “The fatted calf.”
Our Children are changed and do change a lot over the years.
Parents experience a depth of feeling for their children that even the children do not understand.
Most parents are convinced that they care more for their children’s welfare and future than even the children care about themselves.
John speaks of his spiritual children. He’s speaking as a pastor. But by implication, he is speaking as any Christian parent would feel.
A Pastor’s Joy
John reveals a pastor’s heart.
Pastors desire to see those under his care flourish in the things of God.
God has given pastors His dear lambs to feed, nurture, protect and develop.
John, like any minister, wanted to see his spiritual children make their lives count.
These are questions every minister ask:
- What impact does my ministry have in their lives?
- Does the preaching & teaching, expounding the Word of God, have any impact on lives?
- Are lives being changed?
- Are people growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?
- Are people bearing fruit?
- Are people having impact on others?
A Parent’s Joy
Unless the parents are walking in the truth, they have no desire for their children to walk in the truth.
“No wolf prays for its offspring to become a sheep.”
John speaks to more than “knowing” the truth. He speaks of “walking” in the truth.
John is speaking of the truth of God as it pertains to salvation.
How can we help our children to live this way?
- Love Jesus ourselves.
- Live before our children as a Christian should live.
- Share our faith with them.
