Our Actions testify to our faith

Introduction

Good morning brothers and sisters. It’s great to be hear with you all again today and share God’s word with you, I have been looking forward to seeing you all this week and it does me great good to be here with you again, my church family. Our scripture today will be the letter of 3rd John, if you will all please go ahead and turn there in your bible’s.

After you have done that, I want you to look up at the screen. On there is two true things about me and one false thing about me. Try to figure out which one is which. Go on take a second…. Ok, now that this is done, let me ponder, how did you make that decision. Well, you probably made it off of things that you have observed about me or heard me say. What we do and how we act has a huge effect on how we a perceived and received by others. These actions create testimonies about ourselves and what we know. If you were wonder (share false one). With that in mind, I want to share with you a quote I read recently. It said, “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth.” Does that sound familiar? Well, let me say the whole thing maybe that will help, little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth. These were the words of John in 1st John 3:18 and reminds me much of our sermon title today, our main point today which is, Our Actions testify to our faith.

Scripture

If you would all, please rise for the reading of God’s Word today. The words to the scripture will be on the screen, please read along with me as we are reading. When I am done I will say “this is The Word of The Lord” if you will all please respond with “Thanks be to God.” First, Let’s pray. Father God, we thank You for who You are and what You are doing in us and in this place. Father, move us. Move us in ways that we never thought were possible or things that we thought we would do, all in Your name and Your Glory. You are a wonderful Father, who does things that we can’t even imagine. You are the God of impossible becoming possible. Do things in us that would speak to this. We ask this day Father, that as we are about to enter into Your Word, that You sanctify us with it. Change us so that in some way we can be a reflection of Your greatness to those around us. Take anything away from us today that would keep us from hearing from You, from hearing Your word. Help us perceive Your thoughts and put them into action. Help us bring Honor and Glory to You. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy name that I pray, Amen. 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers[a] came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.

Context

Here we are beloved, we are at the end of this sermon series together. Can you believe it? I hope it has been as big a blessing for you as it is for me. Next week we will start a mini-series on Psalms of Thanksgiving, so be sure to check out Psalm ____ for next week. Then we will move into an advent series to bring us to Christmas time. As usual, please read these texts in your own private devotion time. This will help you really key into and better understand the text. Don’t forget to look into the context before beginning as well.

On the note of context, let me share with you a little bit of context about this letter. And yes, this epistle by the Apostle John is very much a letter as 2nd John is as well. The audience that first received this letter, well, guess what. They were much like the audience of the first two epistles and happened around roughly the same time, though this one is addressed specifically to a brother named Gaius (who history has lost). Gaius would have been a faithful man (a strong and faithful Christina) who was in a place who that enduring false teachers and teaching and even false leaders. In fact, one is named and condemned in particular in this text. John offers these words to Gaius to commend him and show what to do and what not to do. He would have endured destructive and deceitful heresies and scripture being misapplied to meet the needs of the greedy and selfish in the world who looked to either lead the brethren astray or fleece them for all that they could get out of them.

Also, don’t forget that at this time, traveling teachers/preachers were common place and it was expected that the Christian community would support these workers for the Cross of Christ when one came to town. These traveling teachers/preachers often carried with them letters of recommendation from their congregations’ elders to prove their faithfulness to the Cross of Christ. So, there would have no excuse to not do so (support them) in John’s eyes. To do so would have stood in opposition to those that were appointed by God (in these cases often those that the Apostles of Jesus had appointed as truthful to the ministry). Now in our day, era, and place, traveling ministers aren’t super common, though some do exist and some do so inveterately. Today, it may do well to make comparisons to pastors, employed church leaders, missionaries, and traveling evangelists.

This epistle was a sort of specific example of the first two epistles put into action. This letter had that meaning to Gaius, and serves much the same way to us. It shows us some of the important things in his previous writings put into action, saying “yes” to this and “no” to that, making it very clear to us how we are to put the lessons into action and what it looks like. As such, I would invite you all to notice the examples that John gives when he points out 3 different people and what we can learn from them and John’s word’s about them.

Message

Our first point is, A Testimony of Joy

1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers[a] came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

John (The Elder) is writing to a brother named Gaius (and yes mark that Gaius is the first of 3 men to notice). John says that he loves Gaius in truth, meaning not only does he love Him, but he loves Him in the truth, the truth of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. We might say that this person was beloved in The Lord today to John. In fact, John mentions that he is actively praying that Gaius is well, that things (whatever he is doing) are going well, and that everything about him in all areas was going. Some commentators suppose that Gaius could have been physically unwell, if so we do not know how or why or what or even if, but it seems possible through John’s comment that he is praying for him.

It's clear that John cared about Gaius, Though John had probably never actually met him. Despite never having met, John has received nothing but good report about this brother. In fact, John says of this, For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers[a] came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. The goodness and the uprightness of God was clearly on display in Gaius, this led to a good testimony of not just Gaius, but of his God as well. As Gaius treated the servants of God, probably traveling ministers, whom John thought of as co-workers in the Gospel, in a way was God honoring and Christ exalting. Hearing these testimonies brought John great joy, knowing that his spiritual children are walking in the truth and remember the words and actions and deeds and lessons of Christ and put them into action. In a similar way, we bring God great joy when we do and act in the same way, so we should endeavor to always to as such.

A second point is, A Testimony of Faith

5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

John says that Gaius’s actions were faithful. That they were heard about by many and they found joy and heard a refreshing testimony of faith given to them. Even though these men were absolute strangers. John asserts that you remembered Jesus’ commands, to Love God and Love people, especially the brethren. We have heard this many times through this sermon series, and as you can see, John takes following these commands of Christ very seriously. In fact, John says that we do well to treat these people well, to send them in a manner worthy of God. Today, we would call this being hospitable and giving them what they need for the road journey.

This ministry of hospitality and support is not only an opportunity, but also an obligation. Galatians 6:6–10 makes it clear that those who receive spiritual blessings from the minister of the Word ought to share with him in material blessings, let me read that section of scripture of Galatians, 6:6-10 it says, “6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Take that in mind and then here John’s word’s, these people have gone out, putting all other things aside, for the sake of the name. The name of Who? The name of Jesus of redeems us from sins, who’s death on the cross spares us from the just wrath of God at our time of judgement. John then goes on to say, because of this, the brethren have an obligation, that we support people like this. When we do this, we become fellow workers for the truth of King Jesus as well.

Now today, in our context, traveling preachers/teachers aren’t common. Instead, as we said earlier, it would be better for us to draw comparison and application to those that are pastors, employed church leaders, missionaries, and traveling evangelists. One thing we can do as church to exemplify this right hospitality and support as John is charging is give and give well to missionaries. As you know, the Lottie Moon Christmas offering is coming. This offering goes to support of missionaries all throughout the world. I challenge everyone in this room today, to go ahead and begin praying and considering what it is you can give this year to be fellow worker in truth throughout the world.

A third point is, A testimony of Wickedness

9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

Moving on to a new subject, John goes to say that he had written to Gaius church about something, but it seems as though it wasn’t received. This was all through the action of one person, Diotrephes. Now, Diotrephes is the 2nd of three people we are observing today. He is the example of what not to do. He was clearly a wicked man who is only interested in using the church, the church body, to his own wicked gains and wants. So known and bad was this that John says out right that he puts himself first (remember who we are always supposed to be putting first… it’s God), big mistake.

John even goes on to say that Diotrephes had an authority problem, that is unless he was the one in authority. Diotrephes refused to acknowledge the right authority that John had within the church. Let me say that again, he didn’t recognize JOHN’s authority. Who is John? Well, only one of the 12 apostles! Oh wait, I mean one of the inner three, one of the closest apostles of Jesus to Jesus. The one that scriptures say was particularly loved by Christ. So, Jesus appointed him (John), Diotrephes refuses to acknowledge this, so Diotrephes is refusing to acknowledge Christ, another massive and wicked mistake in your church Diotrephes. He then even goes on further to slander John and those who John sends to the church, this is an issue that John knows he will have to address in person. Let’s hope we never come across one of these people in our faith lives and lets do our part to correct people early on. Not doing so could lead to a situation like this one. Matter of fact, I was rightly corrected by a brother once this week. We all need this and need to accept it humbly as it is good for our faith.

Back to Diotrephes, Here was a person that should probably have been removed from the church, but instead he was in charge of it. In fact, this wicked “Believer/brother” was throwing out the faithful and those sent to teach the church. The only testimony that can truly be shared of this man is wickedness and that he is one of the anti-Christ, one against Christ. Don’t be like this guy, do the opposite of him. Do well for the body, not just our body here in our church but for the entire body of Christ, the Universal Church. Watch for the brethren, support them where it is needed, and have a heart that is ready to believe The Lord Jesus on all matters and to repent where it is needed.

Another point is, A Testimony of Goodness

11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

Don’t be like Diotrephes, who has a bad testimony. Rather, make your life one that stands as good and true testimony of your faith and reliance on God. Don’t do evil, do good. Those that do the good thing (which will always have something to do with pointing others to Christ) is from God. Those that do not, are not from God. Look at who a person is pointing, and imitate them only if you see that they are pointing at Christ and not at themselves or anyone else who isn’t one of 3 persons of God.

Now we see our 3rd person to notice. This is Demetrius, Demetrius is a man that has done the right thing. He has pointed at and has pointed others to God. Everyone who knows him, know this about him, that he serves God with all of his being and knows that his faith is well placed. It is well placed in the truth, in the truth that Jesus Christ is way, and the life, and the truth. There is no other way to the father, except through Jesus Christ. There is no other to eternal life as opposed to eternal death. Yes, many things may lie to us and say that they are a way, but this is the only way. The only way is that even though we stood condemned before God in our sins, Jesus Christ came and paid the sacrificial price at the cross so that all who call upon His name in truth would be saved.

John says that Demetrius, who was likely one of these traveling pastors/teachers, probably one that was kicked out by Demetrius and treated well and hospitably by Gaius, that Demetrius’s life displayed this. John says that he affirms this in Demetrius life. Wow, could imagine the complement, that apostle John says that your life is life with Christ on display? What would it take for our lives to look like that? What do we need to put aside or away to have Christ either on display or on greater display in our lives? Think about these things, do these things beloved.

Our next point is, A Testimony of Oneness

13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.

John brings this friendly letter to a close. He says that he would like to met Gaius soon, that he would to talk to him face to face. Even though they never met, John knows that Gaius and John are one. They are one in Christ, who unites all believers together into a perfect and eternal family. All believers are family, no matter who they are or how great or small they are. We have no time for petty bickering amongst denominations and churches and within churches when we have a world that needs the hope of Jesus! Keep these things in mind, I’ve heard it said that around 80% of Christian County are largely unchurched people. It goes further on, cities near and far from us are living in a post Christian world. In fact, a city just a little over an hour away from us made the top 100 post Christian cities in America list. This was Paducah, which sits at number 80. Cincinnati who we talked about a few weeks ago sits at number 71. Meanwhile Springfield, MA sits at number 1 in our country, there is so much need for unity in The Church! Our understanding of this, this oneness in Christ is a testimony of our faith in and of itself. The world is watching, how are we treating the brethren? Good I hope, support fully I hope, encouragingly I hope, Selflessly, I hope.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, do you hear these things? Do they motivate you!? What do we need to put aside so that we can? Do we have A Testimony of Joy, one that not only shows our testimony of Christ in our lives but also brings joy to the brethren? Do our lives show A Testimony of Faith, faith in Jesus Christ and what his accepted sacrifice means for us in our lives? How do we avoid A testimony of Wickedness, that does not show true faith or joy in Christ? Can you imagine every giving of you A Testimony of Goodness, that Christ was so important to you that everyone knew it. What do we need to focus on to receive, A Testimony of Oneness thinking of the big picture of kingdom of God rather than what we want? All this, we need to remember that Our Actions testify to our faith.

To those in this room today who are not yet believers in Jesus Christ yet, let me speak directly to you friend. I know what you are hearing and what you feeling doesn’t make any earthly since. It doesn’t, because we aren’t talking about just earthly things, we are talking on the things of God, the issues of the heavenly places. From birth, we are all every one of us, myself and yourself included, spereated from God because of sin. No one is good or good enough on their own. They only way you will ever be “good enough” to get to see God in all His glory and splender in heaven is by accepting the sacrifice of Jesu Christ on the cross to pay for your sins. There is no other, no other way WHATSOEVER. So, I invite you accept his and respond today.

Let’s conclude. Before we do though, I want to remind everyone of the newsletters up front and of next week’s thanksgiving gathering. During song together if you would like to pray or need someone to talk to, I will be here. After it too, we will have a brief time of testimonies to share. Let’s pray. Father God, we thank you for your word and your message today. Help us take it in apply to our lives wholeheartedly. We thank you for this occasion as church together and I thank you especially, making it through our first sermon series together. I thank you for these brethren and ask that you bless us each to your service this week as we go. It’s in these things I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy name I pray. Amen.