3 John + Last 7 Points on Health

[Jim Watt]

"*TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE" MINISTRIES*

*Jim & Marie Watt*

*PO Box 25116 -- Federal Way WA 98093-2116*

*Tel: 253.874.4265 -- Email: jmbetter at gmail.com*

*Web: www.2rbetter.org*



   * 3 JOHN 1:1-14*

*SUMMARY: DUTY TO TRUTH PRODUCES FAITHFUL FELLOW-HELPERS*


 *A. 1:1 TRUTH: THE SOURCE AND NATURE OF LOVE*

Ho presBUte-ros [4245] GAI*o* t*o* a-ga-p*e*T*O*,

*The elder to Gaius the beloved,*

hon eG*O* a-gaP*O* en a-l*e*THEIa.

*whom I love in truth.*


 *B. 1:2-8 TRUTH: THE JOY AND FAITHFULNESS OF BELIEVERS*

*1. 1:2-4 PRAYER AND REJOICING IN TRUTH*

*a. 1:2 PRAYER: FOR PROSPERITY IN SPIRITUAL CONCERNS*

A-ga-p*e*TE, peRI PANt*o*n EUchoMAI [2172] se eu-oDOUSthai [2137]

*Beloved, I pray that in all things you prosper*

kai hu-giAInein [5198], kaTH*O*S eu-oDOU-TAI sou h*e* psuCH*E* [5590].

*and be in health, even as your :soul prospers.*


 *b. 1:3 JOY: THE RESULT OF HEARING AND PERSEVERANCE*

eCHAr*e*n gar LIan er-choMEn*o*n a-delPH*O*N kai mar-tuROUNt*o*n [3140]

*For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and witnessed*

sou t*e* a-l*e*THEIa, kaTH*O*S su en a-l*e*THEIa pe-ri-paTEIS.

*to your :truth, even as YOU walk in the truth.*


 *c. 1:4 SOURCE OF GREATEST JOY: CONVERTS WALKING IN TRUTH*

mei-zoTEran TOUt*o*n ouk Ech*o* CHArin,

*No greater grace have I than these things,*

HIna aKOU*o* ta eMA TEKna en t*e* a-l*e*THEIa pe-ri-paTOUNta.

*to hear of my :children walking in the truth.*


 *2. 1:5-8 FAITHFULNESS IN TRUTH*

*a. 1:5-7 CAUSE FOR PRAISE: ASSISTANCE TO GOSPEL WORKERS*

A-ga-p*e*TE, pisTON poiEIS ho eAN erGAs*e*

*Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you do*

eis tous a-delPHOUS kai TOUto XEnous [3581];

*toward the brethren and strangers withal;*

hoi e-marTUr*e*SAN sou t*e* aGAp*e* eN*O*pi-on ek-kl*e*SIas [1577]:

*6 who witnessed to your :love before the church:*

hous kaL*O*S poi*E*seis proPEMpsas

*whom you will do well to set forward on their journey*

aXI*o*s tou TheOU:

*worthily of :God:*

huPER gar tou oNOma-tos eX*E*Lthan,

*7 for they went forth for the Name's sake,*

m*e*DEN lamBAnon-tes aPO t*o*n eth-niK*O*N.

*taking nothing of the Gentiles.*


 *b. 1:8 REASON FOR ASSISTANCE: TO BE A FELLOW-LABORER*

h*e*MEIS oun oPHEIlo-men hu-po-lamBAnein [5274] tous toiOUtous,

*WE therefore ought to welcome :such,*

HIna su-nerGOI [4904] giN*O*me-tha t*e* a-l*e*THEIa.

*that we may become fellow-workers for the truth.*


 *C. 1:9-10 TRUTH: THE TRIUMPH OVER PRIDE*


 *a. 1:9 REASON FOR NOT WRITING MORE: DIOTREPHES*

EgraPSA ti t*e* ek-kl*e*SIa: all' ho phi-lo-pr*o*TEU*o*n [5383] auT*O*N,

*I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes,*

Di-oTREph*e*s, ouk e-piDEche-tai h*e*MAS.

*who loves pre-eminence among them, receives us not.*


 *b. 1:10 CAUSE FOR THREATENING DIOTREPHES*

diA TOUto, eAN ELth*o*,

*Therefore, if I come,*

hu-poMN*E*s*o* [5279] auTOU ta ERga ha poiEI,

*I will bring to remembrance his :works which he does,*

LOgois po-neROIS phlu-aR*O*N [5396] h*e*MAS:

*prating against us with wicked words:*

kai m*e* arKOUme-nos [714] ePI TOUtois,

*and not content therewith,*

OUte auTOS e-piDEche-tai tous a-delPHOUS, kai tous bou-loMEnous [1014]

*neither himself receives the brethren, and them that would*

k*o*LUei [2967] kai ek t*e*s ek-kl*e*SIas ekBALlei [1544].

*he forbids and casts out of the church.*


 *D. 1:11-12 DIOTREPHES VERSUS DEMETRIUS*

*a. 1:11a DIOTREPHES AND DEMETRIUS' EXAMPLE CONTRASTED*

A-ga-p*e*TE, m*e* miMOU to kaKON, alLA to a-gaTHON.

*Beloved, imitate not :evil, but :good.*


 *b. 1:11b PROOF OF NEW BIRTH: OUR TREATMENT OF BRETHREN*

ho a-ga-tho-poi*O*N [15] ek tou TheOU es-tin;

*The doer of good is of :God;*

ho ka-ko-poi*O*N [2554] ouch he*O*ra-ken ton TheON.

*the doer of evil has not seen :God.*


 *c. 1:12 THREE-FOLD PRAISE OF DEMETRIUS*

D*e*-m*e*TRI*o* me-marTUr*e*-tai huPO PANt*o*n, kai huPO auT*E*S t*e*s a-l*e
*THEIas:

*Demetrius has the witness of all, and of the truth itself:*

kai, h*e*MEIS de mar-tuROUmen;

*yes, WE also bear witness;*

kai OIdas HOti h*e* mar-tuRIa h*e*M*O*N a-l*e*TH*E*S es-tin.

*and you know that our :witness is true.*


 *E. 1:13-14 CONCLUDING REMARKS*

*a. 1:13-14a TWO-FOLD REASON FOR NOT WRITING MORE*

PolLA EIchon GRApsai soi,

*I had many things to write you,*

all' ou THEl*o* diA MEla-nos [3188] kai kaLAmou [2563] soi GRAphein:

*but I am unwilling to write you with ink and pen:*

elPIz*o* de euTHE*o*s se iDEIN,

*14a but I hope shortly to see you,*

kai STOma pros STOma laL*E*so-men.

*and we shall speak face to face.*


 *b. 1:14b APOSTOLIC BENEDICTION*

EiR*E*n*e* soi.

*Peace to you.*


 *c. 1:14c SALUTATIONS FROM FRIENDS*

as-PAzon-tai [782] se hoi PHIloi [5384].

*The friends salute you.*


 *d. 1:14d GIVE GREETINGS*

asPAzou tous PHIlous kat' Ono-ma.

*Salute the friends by name.*



 NOTE: Verse two of this book reads, *"Beloved, I pray that in all **things*
* you **prosper** [2137] and **be in health* *[5198], even as your :soul
prospers" (Panin's Numeric NT). *This verse has been quoted extensively by
those in the "Word of Faith" movement, among others. Does this verse have an
appropriate application? Does it touch on our needs? And does it relate to
health of our body? Consider first what "Strong's Expanded Exhaustive
Concordance of the Bible" has to say on this subject.

Under #2137, eu-oDO*o* - we find the following meanings: *to help *on the
road; fig. *to succeed* in business affairs:- to prosper (3x), have a
prosperous journey (1x). (1) "to have a prosperous journey" Romans 1:10; and
(2) "to prosper," 1 Corinthians 16:2; 3 John 2.

Under #5198 (12x) hu-giAIn*o* from #5199, hu-gi*E*S (14x); *to have sound
health*, i.e. *be well* (in body). #5198, "to be healthy, sound in health"
(Eng., "hygiene," etc.) translated "safe and sound" in Luke 15:27. Hu-gi*E*S
is used (1) especially in the Gospels of making sick folk "whole", Mt 12:13;
15:31; Mk 3:5; 5:34; Lk 6:10; Jn 5:4, 6, 9, 11, 14, 15; 7:23; (2) also Acts
4:10

It is applied metaphorically to sound speech and doctrine.

I believe from this that we can safely conclude that the apostle John,
Jesus' Beloved disciple, meant here in his third epistle what he and Peter
practiced together when they were sent forth by Jesus and healed the sick,
cast our demons and raised the dead.

Yes, we can take this verse and not be in error when we desire for ourselves
the promises that these two words set forth.

However, there *are* conditions if we as believers and disciples will see
these promises come to pass in our lives. John is not giving us a "carte
blanche" promise apart from conditions on *our* part.

*1. Intimacy with Jesus.* Both John and Peter walked this walk. It wasn't
just talk. Oswald Chambers expressed the attitude of a true disciple as one
having "Personal, Passionate Devotion to Jesus!" Read his "My Utmost for His
Highest," and you will find that this is the first condition that opens us
up to having our needs met, and a healthy body. Jesus' 12 disciples had all
this happen in their 3 years with Him, and on up to their martyrdom.
Serious? Of course! Many 21st Century believers feel that they just have to
claim God's promises - apart from His conditions of discipleship. How
foolish and frustrating. This first condition causes our *spirit* to be
alive in God at all times. Does it make us sinlessly perfect? No - that will
not happen till the Second Coming of Jesus and the resurrection of our
bodies. But it *does* mean that we don't have to walk longer in sin as we
choose to maintain an abiding walk in our One Triune God!

*2. A Renewed Mind.* The Holy Spirit through Paul in Romans 12:1-2 sets
forth the next step for us following conversion. Through meditating upon the
Word *daily*, our minds are renewed. Only through daily reading, meditating
on, praying over and acting upon God's Word - will our minds be renewed and
bring us where Jesus can live His resurrected life through us by the Holy
Spirit according to Galatians 2:20. Let us not make the mistake of
underestimating the importance of a renewed mind to receive the full
benefits of 3 John 2! God wants to bring us as many sons and daughters into
*Glory*! Conversion is merely the door that enables us to enter this
rewarding pathway.

Our mind at conversion is carnal! It still thinks like an unconverted
person! When we present our body, soul and spirit to God at that time, and
commence the pathway of walking with Jesus in His Word - *then* our minds
begin to be renewed, and we commence to think God's thoughts after Him! See
Archive 2001.06.23, "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," on our Website.

*3. Proper Diet. *The next points - all relate to the care of our body. The
Western Cultures of Canada, the US and Mexico as a whole do not understand
the wise Bible counsel in this regard. God in the book of Leviticus gave
sound guidance in choice of foods. This list is *not* capricious. God is not
here being "mean" in giving us this list. There are wise reasons behind all
of these choices. There is *no* junk food on His list. MacDonald's and other
fast food outlets do not share so well here. For those of us who choose to
heed the counsels of God in this regard, we will do well; and the desire of
John in 3 John 2 will more easily become a reality. Why should God answer
prayer on behalf of our health, when we undercut His wisdom by failing to
walk in the diet rules of discipleship? Obesity in our 3 Western nations,
both with young and old, is noticed with deep concern by other nations of
the world. One man from Germany was returning home after a trip to the US.

A reporter asked him, "What most impressed you on your first trip to
America?" "The number of *sick* and obese people, was his reply! Those of us
who are professing believers can choose to become possessing disciples, by
walking in the wisdom of God. When I was a boy of 10 on a farm in Langley,
outside of Vancouver BC, I came to know a Frenchman by the name of Philemon.
He was retired and ate only 2 meals a day. He didn't need more, though I was
shocked at this at the time. He was not obese, and lived a healthy life.

Some time ago I sent out a mailing entitled, Praise for "The China Study,"
April 24, 2008, featuring T. Colin Campbell and Dr. John McDougall. It
portrays a fairly strict regimen of diet, but those who have chosen to walk
this way have no regrets, and avoid the serious pit falls of our Western
Hemisphere. See also "Bananas," Archives 2007.10.01, and the wise counsel in
this article.

*4. Helpful Vitamin Supplements*. Israel constantly comes up with new
insights in this are as well as in Science. Recently they developed "Neuro
PS" - a capsule that renews the nerve and brain cells. These are elongated
cells, and connect with one another through dendrites. As we age, these
terminals become dry and brittle, and fail to pass messages along. We call
these times "Senior Moments." Neuro PS moistens these cells and restores
connections again up to 30-35%. "Bridges for Peace" in Israel a few years
back, wrote one of their weekly divisions on this break-through. I have
followed up on it, and believe it has indeed had a restorative effect to my
memory. It is not full restoration, but it is most helpful. Up to 85% of
users claim benefits. If interested, see
*<www.Puritan.com<http://www.puritan.com/>>
*or *Puritan's Pride, 1-800-645-1030.*

I have also found KLVB-6 (Kelp, lecithin, apple cider vinegar and B-6) to be
helpful.

*5. Better Health with Long Years.* In 2008.07.07 I sent out a mailing under
this title. It is the first 2 of a 9-fold regimen for Good Health. You can
find it under "Archives" on our mailing - and soon on our new Website also
under Archives *<www.2rbetter.org>*.

The above 2 articles relate to "Scientific Walking" as given to Dr. Norman
Vincent Peale by 2 Swiss Psychiatrists, and the scientific use of the
Rebounder (Mini Trampoline).

*6. Mentholatum.* This is a mild relaxant for sore and stiff joints and
muscles, which I obtain from"Bartel Drugs." I use it on joints of neck,
shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers, knees, thighs, ankles, and especially
back and hips. Many of my friends have needed hip and knee replacements. I
feel no need of this at 85, and think that the above is a help.

*7. Stretching exercises.* I have been doing this daily since 1971,
especially for the points above. God at that time seemed to say: "Walk
softly with me, and I will guide you in this area." And He did -
effectively!

*8. Sleep.* E. Stanley Jones - famous for "Christian Ashrams", had quite a
strict habit of retiring each evening at 10 PM and rising at 6 AM. He would
tell his evening guests, "Don't feel it necessary to leave just because I am
retiring - but would the last one to leave kindly see that all lights are
turned off, and the door is locked!

He enjoyed good health up to his mid 80's, and continued to write, travel
and s;peak beyond that time. His 8 hours of sleep a night no doubt had a
good effect. I seek to follow his example.

*9. Kombucha.* Some 10 years ago or so a friend of mine introduced me to
Kombucha. There is an article on this on our Website under Archives, dated
2003.10.03. It is sometimes known as Manchurian Mushroom Tea.

Health is not dependent upon any one practice, but upon a "package." This
one of nine regimens on my part has been a distinctive help.

*10. Heated Apple Juice with Green Tea.* This I have found not only to be
beneficial, but also enjoyable. I use it several times a day.

*CONCLUSION*: After I mailed out my use of the Rebounder and "Scientific
Walking" several asked if I would mail out my other 7 practices for my
personal health regimen. Undoubted there are others that by experience have
developed better and more helpful methods than mine - but for better or
worse, the above is what I have come up with.

I spend an hour or so each morning in prayer over the Bible. I use an
Interlinear Hebrew and Greek Bible, which I personally find enjoyable and
challenging. I kneel at the Rebounder following its use, and find the
kneeling helps my knees as well as my spirit and mind. God used George
Muller to challenge me this way. For the last 10 years of his life, Mr.
Muller knelt and read the Bible aloud 5 times a year. I have *not* reached
this standard, but I do read the Bible completely through on my knees each
year, and Psalms and Proverbs twice. Most of it I read aloud, some even in
the Hebrew and Greek. I let the Word lead me in prayer. I also have a daily
prayer list of well over 100 people, that I pray over, spending special time
for those the Holy Spirit indicates.

I believe God wants us to be "Living Epistles," plumb lines to show forth
worship in the balance of Spirit and Truth. This balance is often missing in
professing believers. We need *both*; lest we fall into one ditch or the
other. It is extremely difficult to maintain daily, vital devotions for our
Quiet Time with the Lord. Alan Redpath confessed that it was the most
difficult challenge in his life. Satan will do anything to keep the believer
from maintaining this vital, active and balanced habit. Oswald Chambers
agreed with Alan Redpath, and I do too. Good physical health for the body,
and a renewed mind are indispensable also.

Let us be examples in the above, and we will find that God will preserve us
from becomeing casualties to sin like so many in our day.

Your friend - Jim Watt

PS. I can take very little credit for the above. In 1947 I broke my back in
a motor-cycle accident, and was in a caste for 6 months. Within 10 years I
started to develop painful arthritis in my back and neck. God led me how to
develop the above exercises and diet as His response. I seriously doubt if I
would have the unusual health I enjoy today, had God not put me in the
position of "do" or "die". So I find myself thanking Him for permitting me
to have the accident of 61 years ago. It forces me to exercise my will to
walk wisely: body, soul and spirit. My daughter said to me one day - "Dad,
if you don't do those stretching exercises every day, you'll end up like a
board!" It got my attention. I have no choice. God in His wisdom and mercy
has put me in a position where I *must* seek Him for His wise guidance in
all of the above matters. JW.




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