"On every page of the God-breathed writings are many thoughts that stretch out like long, clear arms of light across the darkness, discovering things otherwise hidden and illuminating wider areas than those of the immediate context. They are searchlights. I have selected one in each chapter of Scripture, for at least one central thought in every chapter should arrest the mind and affect the life," wrote G. Campbell Morgan, a skilled, wise, warm-hearted Bible teacher who conducted a classic 3-year study called Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible. Here is the fruit of that research—summarized, illustrated, and amplified with useful details—on all 66 books of the Bible.
DEUTERONOMY, JOSHUA, JUDGES, RUTH,
1 JOHN, 2 JOHN, 3 JOHN, JUDE, REVELATION
3 John 1:6 "In a manner worthy of God." In Second John the apostle deals specifically with those to whom no hospitality should be extended and why, but in Third John he commends hospitality and shows what its nature should be. This letter also includes one of the most beloved Bible verses by parents, of both children and disciples in Christ: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (verse 4). The disciples described in this letter are those who "have gone out for the sake of the Name" (verse 7) to obey the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19). John says, "You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.... We ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth" (verses 7-8). What does it mean to send people in a manner worthy of God? Two interpretations have been given. One is that these disciple makers were to be treated as messengers of God. The other is that those who offered them hospitality were to do it as God Himself would. Both speak truth, but the second is especially in keeping with the whole spirit of this letter. What kind of a host is God? How does He treat His guests? God gives His best, He gives lavishly, and He gives out of pure delight. He is always concerned about the highest well-being of His guests. He opens His home to them, spreads His table before them, engages in familiar conversation with them, and He places at their disposal His wisdom and the other riches of His grace. If we are to show hospitality in a manner worthy of God, we are to seek to follow His example. This kind of hospitality is one of the things that constantly cheer and help those who go forth for the sake of the Name.
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