3rd John

Prosperity, Generosity, and Trouble Makers?

Sermon Text: 3John 1-12

3 John 1–12 (NKJV)

The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth. I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.

Prosperity & Truth

3John 2-4 “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Prosperity Is from God and comes in all kinds of ways. Earthly wealth such as gold, silver, land, domesticated animals or real property. There is spiritual prosperity such as salvation, eternal life with Jesus in Heaven and Earth. The whole ‘Born Again’ experience is prosperity of soul and spirit. God can give you wealth and disciple you how to use it well and use in a godly way. Gods wealth is put into your hands for Godly stewardship and accountability. Enough on prosperity. Spiritual prosperity comes from an intimate relationship with Jesus through Holy Spirit and the Holy Scriptures.

This is a very warm personal and loving greeting to Gaius. It seems odd that this would be interpreted as a doctrinal reference for the prosperity gospel. We need to be so careful in using the scripture to support our view. Use Scripture in context and you will be in the safe zone. It is hard to read and teach in context and be in error. Let Holy Spirit teach you Gods Truth in the Holy Scriptures. Let God prosper you according to Gods will. God is faithful and will provide all we need. Onward to Gods Truth!

Gods Truth is an Interesting subject to be measured in the Standard of Gods Truth. In the sermon on 2 John, truth was established and defined. Last weeks sermon covered it well. So these points only:

1. God cannot lie- Scriptures that confirm this honest reliable fact

Nu23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” 1Samuel15:29 “And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for the he is not a man, that he should repent.” Tt1:2 “in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”

These Scriptures make our point. God cannot lie and the scriptures are the truth ; words from a God who cannot lie. We can surly trust in Gods Holy Scriptures as our Standard for Truth; Gods Truth.

2. God is The Standard for Truth.

These are Gods Holy Scriptures as they are in the Holy Bible. Jesus is the Truth. John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John15:26 “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” John17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

John 14:17 “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” More reference to this fact:

2Timothy3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

2Peter 1:20-21 “knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

So many are searching for the real truth. After reading and praying through these scriptures there is much hope that we will trust Gods Word as TRUTH. Keeping the words for Gods Truth in our heart, generates and activates the faith that the TRUTHS that was planted in our hearts works as God said it would.

Generosity and Agape

3John 5-7 “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.”

A great joy for any leadership is the act of praying and laying on of hands to send out a person, family, or group out to do ministry called forth by the Holy Spirit. Send them out with full support, prayer and lots of agape. A wonderful experience for all. Generosity is Holy Spirit breathed and defined as giving overabundantly with a pure and humble heart and hand to a ministry in need of the gift.

Trouble Makers

3John 9-12 “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.”

Trouble makers are everywhere in the church world. They come in all sizes all shapes, all genders, all walks of life, all ages in life. If you haven’t encountered a trouble maker you are rare indeed? All men and women should be tested before putting them in any ministry according to Apostle Paul. Diotrephes failed the test while Demetrius was commended. He actually Got the Apostle Johns approval as a having a good testimony. Diotrephes would get a disapproval. His methods and attitudes would be addressed when Apostle John arrived.

Conclusion

Many discussions were being primed when Apostle John wrote Gaius. Gaius would have time to address these problems, seek more help in taking care of them. Gaius also had time to think about some of these problems , pray about how to handle them, and show his church how to handle all these problems in a godly way with godly results. May we all have the same response. Church problems need Godly council, prayer and Godly solutions with godly outcomes.

Pastor Prayer

Help us Holy Spirit to seek your council and wisdom in addressing church problems in a godly way. Open our hearts to Truth, love, generosity and Godly wisdom. Help us move with wisdom towards addressing the inevitable trouble makers. Keep us steadfast in your Truth Jesus. Keep our faith deeply rooted in your word and may in the overflow of Holy Spirit out of our inner most being, minister in your love. Teach us your ways Jesus! Teach us how to be your disciples. Please Jesus transform our soul and strengthen our spiritual man with purity, humility and your steadfast love. Please build up our faith with wisdom and knowledge of your Holy Word. Jesus come quickly and fill our lamps with your Oil from Holy Spirit that we would be yearning for your presence in our daily lives! Come Holy Spirit and overflow our hearts.

Pastor Blessing

May God bless you to prosper in Health and Spiritual well being. May your relationship in Jesus be more intimate and fulfilling with each prayer and devotion reading. May your spiritual ears hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. May your spiritual eyes behold Jesus in all His glory. May your love and joy run over in your heart in abundance. May you grow in generosity and godly love. May you find Gods peace that you may rest in it all this week.

OUTLINE for 3John sermon 11/13/202

1. Prosperity ( soul and spirit) 3John:1-2

3 John 1–2 (AV 1873) The elder unto the wellbeloved 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.

2. Generosity & Charity (AGAPE) 3John:6-8

3 John 6–8 (AV 1873) 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: 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.

3 John 6 (AV 1873) 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:

3. Trouble makers Contrast by good man

Trouble Makers (Diotrephes) 3John 9-10

3 John 9–10 (AV 1873) 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: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

Evil Man ( Diotrephes)

3 John 9 (AV 1873)

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Contrast Good Man (Demetrius) 3John: 11-12

3 John 11–12 (AV 1873)

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.