ntroduction: Don’t Sit Out
Too many Christians sit in the pew, wondering if they’ll ever be used by God.
They believe in the gospel. They love the church.
But they think real ministry is for the preachers, the missionaries, the leaders.
“I’m not on stage… I’m not called overseas… I’m just helping out.”
Friend, 3 John 8 shatters that mindset.
Because when you support gospel work—you’re not just helping… you’re participating.
Big Idea: Gospel Support Makes You a Fellow Worker
The apostle John writes to Gaius, a man who quietly supported traveling missionaries.
No spotlight. No sermons. No Instagram followers.
But John says something stunning:
“We ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”
Let’s break that down and see why your role is more powerful than you think.
1. Own Your Obligation
“Therefore we ought to support people like these…”
The word “ought” here is loaded.
It’s not a suggestion. It’s the Greek word opheilō (ὀφείλω), which means:
to owe
to be bound
to be under obligation
This isn’t optional generosity. It’s sacred duty.
Paul uses the same word in Romans 13:8:
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other…”
So what does that mean?
✅ When you give or serve gospel workers, you’re not just being nice.
You’re repaying the love and truth God extended to you—through them.
You didn’t get saved on your own.
Someone shared Christ with you.
Someone discipled you.
Someone taught you God’s Word.
And now? You get to turn that gratitude into action.
Ask yourself:
Am I treating gospel support as optional—or as a debt of love I owe to Christ and His mission?
2. Embrace Gospel Alignment
“…support people like these…”
Notice: John doesn’t say support everyone.
He says support “people like these.”
The word in Greek is toioutos (τοιοῦτος)—which means:
“of this kind”
“of this quality”
“of this character”
John is urging discernment.
Not all ministries are equal.
Not everyone who claims the name of Christ is worth your time or your tithe.
Support those who preach the gospel with clarity.
Support those who live the gospel with integrity.
Avoid those who twist the truth—even if they’re popular.
✅ Gospel partnership requires gospel alignment.
Philippians 1:5 — “Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…”
2 John 10–11 warns not to even welcome false teachers into your home.
Ask yourself:
Am I wisely supporting those who are truly laboring for the truth?
3. Step Into Eternal Reward
“…that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”
This phrase is breathtaking.
In Greek, the word is synergos (συνεργός). It means:
co-laborer
one who works alongside
a partner in the same mission
This is where we get the English word synergy.
Here’s what John is saying:
If you support gospel workers…
If you resource faithful preachers, missionaries, and disciple-makers…
Then God counts you as one of them.
Matthew 10:41 — “The one who receives a prophet… will receive a prophet’s reward.”
You may never stand in a pulpit.
You may never cross the ocean.
But your support becomes part of the harvest.
✅ God credits faithful supporters with the same spiritual reward as those they send.
Ask yourself:
What part of God’s mission am I joining through my giving, time, or service?
Final Word: Don’t Sit This Out
Not everyone is called to preach.
Not everyone is called to go.
But everyone is called to support those who do.
The forgotten role most Christians never step into… is partnership.
You’re not just a helper.
You’re a worker.
A partner.
A gospel investor.
And heaven sees it all.
So don’t sit out.
Step in.
Support boldly.
Partner wisely.
And reap a reward that lasts forever.
📘 Want to Study the Bible for Yourself?
I created a free guide called “50 Bible Study Tips” to help you grow deeper in God’s Word.