Contrasting Examples

9 I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us. 10 When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 12 Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth. 13 I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to write it with pen and ink. 14 For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be with you. Your friends here send you their greetings. Please give my personal greetings to each of our friends there.

INTRODUCTION:

A- John had written to the church about the issue in a previous letter.

1- “I wrote somewhat to the Church” (reading, with the best authorities, ἔγραψά τι) probably means that St. John had written a letter, now lost, and perhaps destroyed by Diotrephes, to the Church to which Diotrephes belonged.

2- Evidently the first letter was much more extensive than 3 John.

B- John raised the issue of whose example Gaius should follow.

1- The example of Diotrephes (an ungodly example)

2- The example of Demetrius (a godly example)

I- A UNGODLY EXAMPLE (3 John 9-10)

3 John 9–10 NLT

A- Desires to be the Top-Dog

(3 John 9)

“I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader (ὁ φιλοπρωτεύων αὐτῶν Διοτρεφὴς), refuses to have anything to do with us.”

B- Depreciates of God-Appointed Leaders

(3 John 9)

“I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us.” (οὐκ ἐπιδέχεται ἡμᾶς)

C- Destroys people with a Devilish tongue

(3 John 10) “When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us (λόγοις πονηροῖς φλυαρῶν ἡμᾶς). Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.

D- Displays an inhospitable spirit

(3 John 10) “When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers (ἐπιδέχεται τοὺς ἀδελφούς), he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.”

E- Destroys fellowship

(3 John 10) “When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.”

II- A GODLY EXAMPLE (3 John 11-12)

3 John 11–12 NLT

11 Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 12 Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.

A- Refuses to be influenced by bad examples

(3 John 11) “Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.”

B- Recognizes the importance of actions.

C- Respects the heart-felt opinions of godly people.

(3 John 12) “ Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.

D- Reflects the truth of God in life.

(3 John 12) “Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.”