Walking in Truth

The Steps: A Mechanical Analysis

Create the loops: This involves forming two loops, each with a free end. Think of these as two mechanical components that will interact to create the knot.

Interlock the loops: The key to a secure knot is to interlock the loops in a way that creates a mechanical advantage. This is often done by passing one loop over and under the other, creating a series of tension-resistant points.

Pull the free ends: By pulling the free ends, you are tightening the loops and increasing the tension at the interlocked points, making it more difficult for the knot to come undone.

If you did not understand what those instructions were to, they are instructions on how to tie your shoes.

The books of John can be like this. We understand what John says in 1 John, but 2/3 John give us the examples or pictures of what John says in 1 John.

The book of 1-3 John work together. It is believed that the letters were all written to same area. John lays out the foundation in 1 John. The theme is “We know the truth, walk in the truth, and do not be deceived.” 2 John theme is “truth and obedience will keep you away from false teaching”. 3 John the theme is “knowing the truth changes your behavior”.

What is the Truth

1 John 1:1–4 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”

Who is the Liar

1 John 2:20–22 “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.”

Consequences

1 John 3:10–12 “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.”

1 John 4:20–21 “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”

3 John examples

Paul’s Prayer for Gaius

Paul prays that Gaius will prosper, be in health, just his soul prospers. This is a personal prayer for someone. This is not a promise of health and wealth if we follow God. This is a prayer that Gaius is doing well.

“I” in verse 1 is emphatic of “I Myself love you in truth”.

John is praying continually for Gaius to prosper in every way. That he would be as healthy as he is spiritual.

Prosper here conveys the idea of having a good journey, not the idea of gaining tons of wealth.

Application: If you were to have the same physical health as spiritual health, what would that look like? Would it be the ICU or fitness stud.

Gaius’ Walk

John commends Gaius saying “whom I love in Truth” and “ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth”

Commendations: 1. your love before the church in both the strangers and the church. His love for others was making more disciples.

When compared to 1 John 4:19–21 “We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” Gaius’ love for God is how and why he could love others.

Spurgeon said “People cannot see your heart, but they can see your life. Walk, live out, day by day, the gospel truth that is in you by virtue of your union with Christ. Abide in Christ and bear much fruit (cf. John 15).”

Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1,2,3 John (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014), 168.

Diotrephes discord

John says that Diotrephes “loves to have the preeminence”. he does not love others. John specifically says not to be like him. 3 John 11 “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.”

Unlike, Gaius, Diotrephes loved himself more than God. Diotrephes loved his preeminence. John is clear that we are not imitate evil, but what is good. We are not to be like Diotrephes. We are not love ourselves more than God. It will always bring about discord,

Diotrephes also did not welcome visitors to the church, but rather put them out of the church. 3 John 10 “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.”

His accusations against John were causing discord in the church.

John instructs that those that do evil has not seen God. They do not know the truth in 3 John 11 “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 Testimony

Not much is said about him except that he had a good testimony and of the truth itself.

Being a testimony of Truth

is knowing the truth/ it is not enough to know about the truth, but you have to be changed by the truth

is being a conduit of love

is not afraid to have a testimony of truth

is not concerned about their preeminence, but is a servant

is welcoming to people that do not advance their personal agenda

is an imitator of good

Being a testimony of truth is a disciple making disciples

Are you a Gaius or a Diotrephes?