This book is the second shortest book in the Bible. The word truth is mentioned 6 times. The theme is the importance of hospitality to those working to spread the gospel. This is a personal letter from John to his friend, Gaius.
3 John 1-4 – As in 2 John, John identifies himself as ‘the elder’ to avoid persecution. He is writing to commend and encourage his friend, Gaius. John prays for Gaius’s total well-being. He wants Gaius to enjoy good health and to continue his good work. Gaius was a good example of walking in the truth. To live in the truth means to allow the truth to affect every part of your life. The truth is that Jesus Christ is Lord. To live in that truth is to live as God wants you to live.
This is a good model for our prayers. It’s not unspiritual to pray for physical health. We ought to pray for spiritual, emotional, and relational health. There is also another good lesson here. We should rejoice in seeing others living out the truth and celebrate one another’s progress.
3 John 5-8 – John called Gaius his dear friend and praised his good deeds. Gaius was true to what he believed and always helped and loved other believers. Many were travelers on behalf of the church and the church needed to provide for them. Today we call them missionaries. They need food, supplies, and places to stay as they travel.
Churches are to help and support servants of Christ. When we do, we are joining them as workers of the truth. We are helping them spread the Gospel. As they work for the Lord, we are partners with them.
3 John 9-12 – John warns and condemns the behavior of Diotrephes a dictatorial church leader because he was full of pride, didn’t receive the apostles, and spoke malicious gossip about them. He was a bad example. We are not to imitate what is evil, but what is good. John commends the example of a man named Demetrius who had a good testimony for all. He recommended him to Gaius. Demetrius was faithful to the truth and was a good example to follow.
Not everyone in the church is perfect. There can be those who try to take charge and run everything their own way. It is usually their pride that gets in the way. That pride can lead to rebellion, hinder God’s work, be a stumbling block for others, and result in disunity within the fellowship. If you’ve been a witness to this kind of rebellion, don’t be discouraged. Remember no one is perfect, only Jesus. There will always be bad examples and good examples around us. Look to those who give positive examples.
John ends his letter by saying he has more to say but wants to meet face to face. He sends greetings and peace from the members of his church. As Christians, we can and should have a sense of peace even in difficult times. Jesus is our source of peace.
Key verse: “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” – 3 John 11.
Principles:
I have enjoy studying these writings of 1, 2, 3 John. I look forward to studying the gospel of John in the fall. Until then join me throughout the summer for more lessons for encouragement and truth through the Word. Hope to see you here. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
__________________________________________
If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.
No comments:
Post a Comment