1. IMITATING GOOD RATHER THAN EVIL
3 JOHN
IMITATING GOOD RATHER THAN EVIL

2. 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”

3. 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!

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. 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