3 John

3 John 1-14

Theme: Walking In The Truth

Key Verse: v.11

14 verses; 294 words

Grade: 3.6

AUTHOR

The Holy Spirit of God by inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16) through John (v.1)

Written: A.D.90-95

The three epistles of John have a definite connection to one another:

In 1 John we read of the common life of God's children.

In 2 John we read of the family life of God's children.

In 3 John we read of the church life of God's children.

There are similarities and contrasts between John’s last two letters.

2 John was sent to a woman, 3 John to a man.

2 John urges against receiving false messengers, 3 John warns against rejecting true messengers.

No names marks 2 John, naming of individuals highlights 3 John.

2 John warns against being too soft, 3 John against being too hard.

2 John warns against the deceiver, 3 John against the dictator.

Paul tells us how to preach to the church in 2 Timothy 4:2

“reprove” - convince by proof

“rebuke” - to express disapproval

“exhort” - advise or caution

John tells us who we are preaching to in 3 John

“reprove” - Gaius

“rebuke” - Diotrephes

“exhort” - Demetrius

Here are some EXAMPLES of church members.

I. The Dependable Members. vs.1-8

Their walk is in the truth.

They prosper in the Spirit. vs.1-2

1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

They progress in the Scriptures. vs.3-4

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

They profit the saints. vs.5-8

5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

6 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:

7 Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

II. The Demanding Members. vs.9-10

Their walk is troublesome.

Selfish. v.9

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

Sinful. v.10

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.

III. The Dedicated Members. vs.11-14

Their walk is trustworthy (v.12)

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.

By witnesses - “good report of all men”

By the Word - “and of the truth itself”

By the writer - “we also bear record”

Conclusion:

What kind of member are you?

Are you dependable?

Are you demanding?

Are you dedicated?