Love & Truth part II III John

Introduction to III John We should support ministries that teach the truth III John looks at the lives of 3 men This letter is written to John’s friend, Gaius John shares concerns about the Church

John’s Greeting to Gaius John introduces himself as “The Elder” Gaius is a man who believes the truth about Jesus Christ, and his life shows it John prays for his physical and spiritual health

John’s Encourages Gaius John refers to Gaius as one of his “spiritual children” He is overjoyed to hear that Gaius is living according to God’s Word He tells Gaius to remain faithful and to keep up the good work

Supporting True Bible Teachers We should show hospitality to those who are teaching the truth Those who teach the truth are not our competitors; they’re our co-laborers When you support them, you become a partner in their work for the Lord

Diotrephes the Dictator He wanted to be the Supreme Leader of the church He refused to receive John or have anything to do with him He was bad-mouthing the apostles and gossiping about them

Diotrephes the Dictator He refused to show hospitality to traveling ministers – He wanted to do all the teaching If others showed hospitality to these ministers, he would excommunicate them from the church

Things that Destroy a Church Power struggles Fighting to get your own way Gossiping about others Refusing to help others Punishing those who do the right thing

Dealing with Diotrephes We have to be courageous enough to confront things/people that threaten the church Follow Biblical model for church discipline from Matthew 18 This may sound harsh, but the Word of God gives us clear instructions

Walking Like Demetrius He lived out his faith He had no desire to rule over anyone He found fulfillment in serving the Lord Christians like this not only love the truth, they live the truth