The Evaluation of Discipleship

King James Version (3 John)

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. 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. 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. 9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 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. 11 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. 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.13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 14 but I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Evaluation – is defined as to judge the value or worth of someone or something. An example of evaluate is when a teacher reviews a paper in order to give it a grade. To draw a conclusion from examining. Performance evaluation is a time to provide feedback, recognize quality performance and set expectations for future job performance. It’s also a time to have candid conversations about performance that is lacking and how performance can be improved.

Intro: The seasoned Apostle who is John. Is writing a letter to a leader in the local assembly located in Asia Minor. John is writing to give his evaluation report to one of his prized pupils named “Gaius”. This letter from John is an evaluation of 3 leaders in the local church.

John gives us 3 evaluations of 3 different church member; The Helper, The Hinderer, and The Honorable.

1 The Helper; Vs. 1 - 8

A: Johns Introduction to the Helper

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.

B: Johns Inspiration from the Helper:

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.

C: The Integrity of the Helper:

Integrity - is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

What speaks of his Integrity:

a: His Actions; 5

b: His Witnesses; 6

c: His Charity; 7 He took Personal Responsibility, vs.7 – He opened his heart, home and his hand.

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.

2 The Hinderer; Vs.9-11

a: He was Insubordinate: defiant of authority; disobedient to orders; rebellious.

b: He was Injurious; His Prating, vs.10 – nonsense talking, bringing false charges.

c: He was Interfering; to intervene in an activity without invitation or necessity.

9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 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. 11 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.

3 The Honorable; 12-13

A: He is worthy of Imitation: Follow = imitate, to behave in the same manner, do as others do. do the same

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.13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 14 but I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.