IMITATING GOOD RATHER THAN EVIL 3 JOHN IMITATING GOOD RATHER THAN EVIL

THE LETTER Written by “the elder” (see 2 Jn 1) A personal letter to Gaius, a beloved & trusted friend Background: The need for Christians to provide hospitality for traveling missionaries Purpose: To encourage Gaius to continue his good works, even though opposed by some Negative example: Diotrephes, who “likes to put himself first” Positive example: Demetrius, who “has a good testimony from everyone”

WHAT DID DIOTREPHES DO? Defied the authority of John Spoke evil against John Refused to “welcome the brothers” (missionaries) Stopped others from welcoming them “De-churched” people who disagreed with him Note: He cared more about getting his own way than about the good of the church or the spread of the gospel!

HOW TO DEAL WITH A “DIOTREPHES” Expose him for what he is Confront him about his sinful behavior Compare Titus 3:10-11 – warn & avoid him Above all, don’t ignore him & let him get away with it!

LESSONS FOR TODAY There are always ______ examples around us, but we must look for & imitate the __________ ones in stead. Supporting & encouraging those who spread the gospel is ________ thing to do. People who insist on having their own _______ cannot be ignored, but must be ____________ as Scripture teaches.

KEY VERSE “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 John 2