Continuing the study of 3 John, we read verse 8:

“Therefore we ought to support such people so that we become coworkers in cooperation with the truth.”

Recapping, such people here refers to those that “go forth” (verse 7) under the following conditions:

1. In the Name, they give God glory for what they are doing.
2. Accepting nothing, they are freely preaching and ministering without asking for anything in return.

Such people aren’t doing ministry for glory, or personal benefit. As a side note, those other people that “do ministry” for personal glory, or benefit, such as financial gain or notoriety are leading many from the truth by their word and action. Many of these “pastors” preach the prosperity gospel. We would do well to stay far away, and rebuke them in truth and love.

Ok, back to this passage. John just commended Gaius for supporting the missionaries from another sending church. Beyond this, he suggests that Gaius is a “coworker in cooperation with the truth.”

I do not believe that evangelism, discipleship or missions are limited to the pastor, or elders of a church. I do not believe that these things are limited to lay leaders, or even the spiritually mature per se. I believe everyone in the body of Christ has a role. I do not think Gaius is limited to only financially partnering in a mission venture to check a box. I do think he was faithful in this moment to cowork and cooperate in this way. Let me say this clearly: the kingdom is not made up of those who do the work and those who watch it. We all should do work (according to our gifting). But we should also cowork with others!

Coworking with others is about humility.

This is just as true in any vocation as it is in ministry. Coworking is always about humility. Again, Gaius could have said he wasn’t going to support the mission, and wrote it off as “out of his specific ministerial focus” or as a distraction, or inconvenience to his own (assumptively superior) work and or ministry. But he didn’t. He spurred them on to their good works, and encouraged them by supporting them. He humbled himself to elevate the importance of their work.

Cooperation is about getting inline with what is already happening.

When outsiders come in, there is always a risk that they will fall into temptation to overcome, or take over what is happening. In ministry I have had to fight the urge to oppose, especially when it seems (in my flesh) far to risky or not enough reward, or that it will fail. In this sense, my faith is to shallow to trust that the Spirit of God is moving and my cooperation is not merely an earthly one, but one in which the Spirit is inviting me into, to cooperate with what God is doing. I have had to learn to trust the Spirit and cooperate with others and in the direction things are going. This is what John acknowledges, and what we should do. But how? I believe the answer is here as well.

We are invited in as a coworker, to cooperate, in TRUTH.

God never acts against His character, as He is known through Scripture. This does not make God limited. Of course, He can do far more than we can imagine. What this does mean is as the Spirit moves us in our own lives, or as He moves us to support and encourage others, it will not be “against” Scripture which exists as guard rails to our faith. So just as you would not participate as a coworker with someone who is working against scripture (preaching a contrary gospel for instance), you should likewise not cooperate in a manner that is contrary or against the Holy Spirit. So what this does mean is you should be aware of how the Spirit is working.

Let me give you a few examples:

Some that claim to hold to a Christian faith would argue that to be saved you must participate in certain sacraments, or perform certain rites. I would not support, financially or otherwise, the mission activities of this Church/Denomination. I would oppose this based on Scripture. Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV): 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

I may however (with great discernment) become a coworker and cooperate with the same Church/Denomination as they provided food and or shelter to homeless persons, and do so without proselytizing. I would do so, understanding the Spirit may be working through this human agency, as He promises to be close to the brokenhearted. Psalms 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” I would trust he may be drawing those near to Himself.

I heard a wonderful message by John Piper highlighting how he organizes his circles of ministry partnership (cowork and cooperation). I would recommend you give it a listen.

I would pray you look for opportunities to serve with your gifts and talents. Find those who are laboring alongside you and join them in any manner in which you can cowork and cooperate with truth. This may mean financially, in prayer, through your time and energy or by offering encouragement.

Peace be with you.