Verses 1-2
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Our spirits are renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16)—always prospering. Knowing this, pray for people to do well in their physical lives also. Pray for people to succeed in their works and to be in health, wherever possible.
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For a variety of reasons, this doesn't always happen, but it is good to pray for regardless.
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This passage also speaks to the fact that when our mind is prospering, our physical life will be more successful, and our bodies will be stronger. How you think dictates how you live. So if you want to change your life, start with changing your thinking; and you do that by meditating on Scripture and praying as much as possible.
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Verses 3-4
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Aside from your personal relationship with Christ, some of the greatest joy you will have will come from seeing other loved ones following Jesus well.
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Work at helping others come to Christ and be obedient to the Word, and you will have much more joy in your life.
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Do give attention to the people close to you. Your "children" could be your biological children or people who are like your children because of your love for them. One great benefit in bringing these kinds of people to Christ is the relief and joy you experience after seeing them won to the faith.
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Verses 5-8
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It is love to show hospitality to people.
- Providing finances, food, shelter, or encouragement for productive believers is an important work for the kingdom, as those who support those who preach the gospel are supporting the spread of the gospel.
- Verses 7-8. Also note that believers should be the ones primarily supporting believers. What a failure to love each other if a believer could not get what they needed from other believers!
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You are working for the kingdom if you are providing for who those who are working for the kingdom. Remember this, and don't neglect hospitality. Do it “without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9).
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Verses 9-10
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Diotrephes, out of pride, did not like that the apostles received honor from the church. He wanted the honor and attention for himself, and so viewed great leaders as a threat to his prominence.
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Don't love or seek prominence or attention.
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If you, as a leader, find yourself critical of certain godly leaders who are highly honored, you have pride. Repent of this.
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Honor others above yourself (Romans 12:10 NIV); and esteem them as greater than yourself (Philippians 2:3).
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Verses 11-12
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Verse 11. Whether you are of God or not is about what you do, not merely what you say.
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Walking the truth is a lifestyle. Imitate the behaviors of Jesus and the apostles. Their lives are meant to be examples to us (Philippians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 11:1).
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Verse 12. You will have a good reputation with believers when you're walking in truth.
Verses 13-14
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See note on 2 John 12-13 for details.
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In addition to wanting to see people face to face, we should use people's first names, often, when we greet them.
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Using someone's name is like music to their ears. This is a simple way to show more love and care.
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