The Three Men Of 3 rd John

The Three Men Of 3rd John

Theme of the book – Christian hospitality Purpose of book – To commend Christian faithfulness and hospitality & to condemn those in the church who act like Diotrephes 3 John

Key word(s) – Truth; 3 John

I. Introduction 1-4 II. Commendation of Gaius 5-8 III. Condemnation of Diotrephes 9-10 IV. Recommendation of Demetrius 11-12 V. Conclusion 13-14 3 John - Brief outline:

1. Third John is a neglected epistle 2. It is a meaningful letter – full of tenderness 3. It is a look into the lives of early Christians – Christians like you and me Introduction

4. It centers around the lives of three major characters: Gaius Diotrephes Demetrius Introduction

The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (Verses 1-2)

The elder (v. 1) – reference to the aged John, who wrote the letter V. 2 – All things should be gauged by spiritual prosperity – John prayed that Gaius would prosper physically as he did spiritually I. Introduction To Letter – Vs. 1-4

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (Verses 3-4)

Vs. 3-4 “Walk in truth” - Following faithfully the word of God Gaius was a beloved man and a truth follower I. Introduction To Letter – Vs. 1-4

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: (Verses 5-6)

Traveling preachers needed help – place to stay – food – support Gaius was hospitable toward all men (Vs. 5-6) II. Gaius – Lover Of Hospitality Vs. 5-8

Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. (Verses 7-8)

He was encouraged to continue supporting preachers (Vs. 7-8) II. Gaius – Lover Of Hospitality Vs. 5-8

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: (Verses 9-10)

and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. (Verses 9-10)

What he did: He had turned away traveling preachers He had turned out of the church those who were helping traveling preachers III. Diotrephes – Lover of First Place – Vs. 9-10

Characteristics of Diotrephes: He put himself first He spoke evil of John These two characteristics often go together – lovers of first place are often critical of others III. Diotrephes – Lover of First Place – Vs. 9-10

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. (Verses 11-12)

Demetrius had a good report of others, of the truth and of John His life showed that he followed God’s word He appears to be offered as a pattern for Gaius and others to follow IV. Demetrius – Lover Of Faithfulness – Vs. 11-12

Lessons For Us

1 Pet. 4:9 “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” 1. We are to be hospitable

2 Jn. 4, 6 4 - I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth,… 6 - And this is love, that we walk after his commandments… 2. We must “walk in truth”

Proverbs 11:2 “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” 3. Sinful pride can cause us to lose our good judgment

We may have to serve in the face of opposition from others 4. Christians are not always what they should be

What example are we setting in the local church? Who are we imitating? Gaius had Diotrephes and Demetrius – who would you have followed? 5. Christians often imitate other Christians

Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” 6. We must not let the “spirit of Diotrephes” dominate our lives

3 Jn. 11 “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” 7. We must follow that which is good

If John had written a letter in which your name was mentioned, what would he have said about you? Conclusion

The Three men of Third John, outline by Winfred Clark (Expositions of the Expositor) “The Third Epistle of John, Mark Copeland, (executableoutlines.com. ) The Third Epistle of John, Know Your Bible, by Frank J. Dunn, 1997 References

The Three Men Of 3 rd John