3 John 1:7-8 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.… I. WE ARE "FELLOW-HELPERS TO THE TRUTH" WHEN WE YIELD OURSELVES TO THE INFLUENCE OF TRUTH. The most powerful agencies only effect their work through co-operation. II. WE ARE "FELLOW-HELPERS TO THE TRUTH" AS WE SHOW ITS POWER IN OUR LIVES. If you want to judge of the electric light you go and see it in operation, and as you see mansions, halls, and streets illuminated, you are impressed with the greatness and utility of the discovery more than you would be by all the writers and lecturers who attempt to describe its merits. So, when you see a man temperate, upright, and benevolent, happy amidst surrounding ills, patient in suffering, gentle under opposition, firm in upholding what is right, you see what education cannot do, what human effort cannot accomplish — what can only be realised and exhibited by those who know and receive the truth. You are impressed, convinced, led to admire and desire the same experience yourselves. III. BY PRAYER WE MAY BE "FELLOW-HELPERS TO THE TRUTH" (2 Corinthians 1:11). IV. WE MAY BE, AND OUGHT TO BE, "FELLOW-HELPERS TO THE TRUTH" BY PERSONAL AND PECUNIARY CONTRIBUTIONS. We should be, like Caius, hospitable and generous. Men are honoured who fight the battles of their country, who make discoveries in science, who improve the arts of civilised life; but I tell you to have lived the truth, to have contributed to the advancement of the truth, will count for more in the eternity of the future than all the wreaths of honour that victors ever won or all the wealth that the millionaire has ever amassed. (R. Sewell.) Parallel Verses KJV: Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.WEB: because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. |
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