Fellowhelpers of the Truth

3 John

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.

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.

Fellowhelpers of the Truth

Believers love the spread of the Gospel. v.3 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.

Because we love the Gospel.

God stirs our hearts when we hear stories of how the Gospel changes lives.

I am thankful for all the people who brought me the Gospel.

God has done a work in our hearts. It is from this overflow we desire to help. 2 Cor 8:1-2 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. Gaius helped those who were traveling through on a mission to carry the Gospel.

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

Faithfully means there was a plan not just the occasional involvement. Paul was proud of this. 3 For I rejoiced greatly,

Our relationship is based in the truth. v.1

Friendship can be based upon many things but nothing greater than the truth.

Gaius helped the brother and the stranger. v.5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

There is a reason, besides forgetting it others name, we call each other brother. The "missionary call" leads a family to do the work but it is the Gospel that is put us all in the world of getting the Gospel to the world.

Geography not commitment should be the thing that separates us. 2 Cor 8:13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality,

We should be careful in who we decide to help. v.5 7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth,

They should not be people who do not know and love the Gospel. 2 John If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

Those involved in seeing more churches planting should be given strong consideration.

Story in Republic of GA and getting him the Bible. I believe in foster care. You know who is the biggest advocate and provider for the need, churches.

We should help in a way that honors God and honors the work they are doing. v.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:

We are not giving from guilt. This is something we want as much as the missionary. 2 For 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

We are to be cheerful givers. Understanding this is about worship and not just meeting needs. 1 Cor 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

The great hinderance to this work is not lack of resources but a desire for preemence. v.9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Diotrephes discouraged the church from doing right.

Preeminence: the fact of surpassing all others; He told everyone else they weren’t understanding and threatened them. He was discipling people in the wrong direction. v9 and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

Will have nothing to do with - is another way to think about receiveth us not. Jesus is the hero of the story.