1 JohnEverlasting Mercy Fellowship

3rd John 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.

Comparison: One of these things is not like the others…

Gaius, Diotrephes & Demetrius: An analysis of 3 men…

3 men… The epistle is addressed to Gaius in

order that the issue of hospitality might be dealt with. Gaius had previously worked w/Paul (see Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1st Corinthians 1:14; 3rd John 1:1)

At the writing of the epistle, Gaius & Diotrephes were church leaders. Diotrephes, who is a wayward leader, used his authority improperly (see 3rd John 1:10).

A comparison is drawn between Gaius & Demetrius behavior & Diotrephes behavior which was “imitating evil” as opposed to “imitating good” (see 3rd John 1:11). We’re going to look at all 3 men mentioned by John.

Gaius – exalted

Gaius Beloved (see 3rd John 1:2) Walked in truth (see 3rd John 1:3; Psalm

86:11) His testimony had veracity (see 3rd

John 1:3) Referred to as "Child of John“ (see 3rd

John 1:4) His behavior matched his spiritual

father Practiced hospitality (see 3rd John 1:5-

8; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1st Peter 4:9)1. He was faithful to contribute to the need of

the saints by showing them hospitality.2. He showed his kindness by being hospitable

to brothers he didn’t know – he didn’t have to build w/them 1st.

3. His display of hospitality demonstrated his understanding of missiology (see Mark 6:10-12)

4. He encouraged itinerant gospel preachers by supporting them w/his hospitality.

Diotrephes – villified

Diotrephes Placed himself 1st, his needs above

everybody else's (see 3rd John 1:9; Philippians 2:3-4; James 3:16)

Didn't acknowledge apostolic authority (see 3rd john 1:9; Hebrews 13:17)

Participated in gossip (phluarOn – to bubble up) (see 3rd John 1:9-10; Ephesians 4:31)

Didn't practice hospitality (see 3rd John 1:10-11)▪ Prevented other believers from practicing

hospitality through use of his authority.▪ Disciplined people who practiced hospitality by

revoking their church membership.

Demetrius – verified

Demetrius There are 2 Demetrius’ mentioned in

scripture. This 1, who is clearly a brother & Demetrius the Silversmith who was responsible for creating a riot in Ephesus (see Acts 19:23-Acts 20:1).

Demetrius has a solid testimony▪ Verified by all those who know him (see 3rd

John 1:12).▪ Verified by the truth which is another way of

saying he was verified by his fruit (see 3rd John 1:12; Matthew 12:34).

▪ Verified by the apostles who stake their own credibility on it (see 3rd John 1:12).

So you love God, huh?

3rd John 1:11 parallels 1st John 4:20.

Do not imitate evil (Diotrephes) but imitate good (Gaius & Demetrius).

Love for an unseen God demands love for visible believers.

Failure to do so shows a misunderstanding of fellowship with God & fellow believers who God loves & gave His grace to.

This week & next week

Fundamentals of the faith, lesson 6 & listen to the John MacArthur sermon, Exchanging a living death for a dying life

Introduction to the gospel of John.