I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
4 sermons cite this verse
… you and that you may be in good health as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God, for they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore, we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and also stops those who wants to and puts them out of the church. …
Look at verse four. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. This verse expresses, I think, the heart of any Christian pastor, any Christian parent, to hear that your children are walking in God's truth. We don't know how many children John had. It's likely that he had some. Most people did back then. But what we do know is that John had spiritual children. He didn't just have biological children. He had spiritual children. And I say that because I know that there are some of you in this room who, for whatever reason, God has not given you biological offspring. And as painful as that has been for you, you haven't stopped. That hasn't stopped you. You have sought out people who are spiritually fatherless. You've been father. You've been spiritual mother to them, mentoring them, training them, discipling them. And so this verse, no doubt, resonates with you. that when you see those people, whether it's your actual children, your spiritual children, walking in truth brings you joy to see that they have carried on the torch that they are continuing to practice what you taught them. …
… your sake before our God. You remember that little epistle of 3 John, 3 John verse 4, where he says, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Same difference here. What can we render to God for you for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God night and day, praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith. Again, the need for follow through, follow up, discipleship after a decision is made. Verse 11, now may the God, now this is typical Paul. This is a Pauline kind of a thing where he'll break into a prayer. He'll break into a benediction. He'll just sort of pause and raise his hands and give glory and thanks to God for something. He does that here. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way to you and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all just as we do to you. …
… 3 John verse 4 Says I have no greater joy Than to hear that my children are walking in the truth That's really Intense language I have no greater joy I'm like I'm going to grieve John You really want to say that? What about Jesus? Isn't Jesus a greater joy than your children in the faith? He would say, these aren't in competition. These joys aren't competitive. They complement. It's my joy in Jesus that made me invest in these children. I rejoice in them because it's glory to Jesus. I see his work in them. I'm rejoicing in him as I rejoice in them. These all go together. Not competitive joys. So questions for you to ponder then on witness and disciple making. Who in your life right now So this could be work Home Neighborhood Teammate Who in your life right now Needs your witness Or your discipling A couple categories If it's an unbeliever Who needs to hear your witness And be invited to embrace Jesus then very simple first step but very important. …