2 John 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Introductory Thoughts

In John’s epistle to the elect lady and her children (2 John 1), he encouraged them to look to themselves so that he, and those with him, might not lose those things which they had wrought. In order for John to receive a full reward, those to whom he had ministered must take heed to their own service and their walk before the Lord. This line of thinking seems to be less emphasized today in many Bible-believing groups. However, it is a truth set forth by the scriptures. Paul reiterated this truth in Galatians 4:11 when he said, “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.” In 1 Thessalonians 2:19, he declared that God’s people were his hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing. You might say that Paul concluded the matter when he asked, “are not ye my work in the Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1).

Devotional thoughts

∙ (For children): You have many people who love you and want to help you by teaching you from God’s word: dad and mom, your pastor, your Sunday School teacher, etc. Do the things you do please these people? Are they pleasing to God (Proverbs 19:20)?

∙ (For everyone): How could the walk of those to whom you have ministered cause you to lose some rewards? How could your walk harm those who have ministered to you?

∙ What are you doing that may cause others to lose rewards? Are you willing to repent and turn to walk in the will of the Lord? How could your repentance encourage other believers?

Prayer Thoughts

∙ Ask the Lord to help you consider others in your service.

∙ Thank the Lord for those who have ministered to you.

 

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Quotes from the next volume

(VOLUME 3, WEEK 40)

Subject: Sacrifices (con’t)

The Devil despises all praise toward God. Men who sacrifice unto God demonstrate their valuation of Him. For this reason, the Devil longs to eliminate godly sacrifices.

The Lord loves to receive sacrifices from men. Yet, it is important to recognize that the Lord looks far beyond the sacrifice into the heart of those making the offering. What He sees is far more important to Him than the sacrifice itself.