Church Relationships

John to Gaius

John is writing to a brother in the faith named Gaius. He is writing him to let him know that he is sending missionaries to the church. He wants to make sure that they are well taken care of while they are with the church.

He praises Gaius for his faithfulness of walking in the truth. John does not elaborate on the evidence other than treating strangers well and loving the brethren. Gaius was living for Jesus Christ. He was not necessarily involved in the ministry of the church other than being a faithful member that demonstrated a genuine relationship with Jesus to other Church members. John commends him by expressing his joy about Gaius walking in the truth.

John had become friends with Gaius during his time at the church. This is why church is so important. Relationships are built. Relationships are what bring satisfaction in life. To have good friends and be surrounded by people that love and care for you is priceless.

John to Diotrephes

John writes about a man in the church named Diotrephes. This is a man in the church that stirs up trouble. He is one that wants control in the church. He rejects John and anything that John supports. He is a tyrant in the church. He is not walking with the Lord. He desires to be “first” in the church. He wants all the attention and power. He is trying to sway the church to his agenda and not the Lord’s. He is probably benefiting from his agenda and does not care about what the Lord wants to do through the church.

John writes about a man in the church named Diotrephes. This is a man in the church that stirs up trouble. He is one that wants control in the church. He rejects John and anything that John supports. He is a tyrant in the church. He is not walking with the Lord. He desires to be “first” in the church. He wants all the attention and power. He is trying to sway the church to his agenda and not the Lord’s. He is probably benefiting from his agenda and does not care about what the Lord wants to do through the church.

John says that he will come and meet with Diotrephes face to face and expose his wicked deeds. The wicked deeds were putting people out of the church that sided with John instead of him. He would use church discipline in a way that it was never intended to be used.

Diotrephes wanted a church where people would worship him instead of the Lord.

John to Demetrius

Demetrius is a man in the church that admires John. John says that he has received a good testimony.

John also instructed the church to follow Demetrius example and not Diotrephes. Demetrius demonstrated what it looked like to walk with the Lord. John said that not only do the people give a good report about him but also the truth itself testifies. He was one to model your walk after.

This is another blessing about being part of the church. You can see how other Godly people live their lives and model your life after them.