Coworkers with the Truth

Lesson Text: 3 John

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Thought to Remember: We must walk in Truth

Lessons learned:

In his third epistle, the Apostle John reminds us that having money or being physically fit is not inherently evil. Yet, he compares both to one’s soul. Without a prospering soul, life’s motivation will result in inferior pursuits, rendering no reward for the Kingdom’s purpose. In Scripture, the soul is often referenced as the essence of a person's being, consisting of emotions, desires, and moral actions. The Hebrew word for soul, "nephesh," is synonymous with life. In Genesis 2:7, the writer describes God breathing life into Adam, making him a living soul (nephesh). The soul is thus intricately linked to the breath of life and a person's physical existence. The soul is the part of a person that experiences spiritual connection and is capable of worship and devotion. For example, Psalm 42:1 expresses a deep longing for God: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God."

Often, we hear that only humans possess a soul. Yet, in Genesis 1:20, we read that God made swarms of living creatures; the Hebrew text underlying creatures is nephesh, and Genesis 1:30 states that living nephesh is in animals. The New Testament explores the Greek term "psyche" to describe the soul. In Jesus' teachings, the soul is of paramount importance. Matthew 16:26 poses a rhetorical question about the value of the soul: "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"

Therefore, the soul is the center of cognitive activity, where one’s deepest convictions, such as truth, reside. Because of this, the Apostle John states, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, open our eyes to things that draw us away from You. Allow us to see the truth and become active in walking in that truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.