3rd JOHN: A CONTRAST OF TWO MEN

May 9, 2004 PM

3 JNO 1:1,9

INTRO: I am glad for the few very personal letters which the providence of God chose to include in our New Testaments. We have looked at Pauls letter to Philemon and Johns letter to the elect lady. Both of those letters were very personal and included the warmth of dear friendships. This evening we will look at one more of those personal letters ... 3rd John. This little letter lets us see two men (actually, a third is mentioned), both of whom were apparently disciples. However, there is a vivid contrast between them, and John makes that contrast very clear in the letter. In this case, the letter names the principle characters (different from 2nd John when he simply addresses the elect lady). Our thoughts to tonight will center on how John describes the two men: Gaius and Diotrephes.

I GAIUS, WHOM I LOVE IN THE TRUTH

A. He is well beloved - v. 1

1. John had no trouble expressing his feelings of affection for others

2. I recall, too, Jno 21:20 - the disciple whom Jesus loved

3. I believe people about whom we care need to know, to hear us expressing our affection and love for them!

B. He is in the truth - v. 1

1. Jno 14:6 & Jno 17:17 are both critical to this expression

2. Gaius is in Christ, and his life is governed by Gods word!

3. John and Gaius, then, shared a like precious faith (2 Pet 1:1)

C. His soul prospereth - v. 2

1. notice that Johns wish is for him to prosper in health as his soul does

2. this tells me that here is a man whose spiritual life is excelling!

3. 2 Thes 1:3 - your faith groweth exceedingly

D. His brethren came and testified of him - v. 3

1. he was a man of excellent reputation!

2. how zealously do we guard our reputation as Christian people?

3. 2 Cor 3:2 - can we afford to be even the least bit careless?

E. His children walk in the truth - v. 4

1. so, he is a family man ... a faithful father

2. Eph 6:4 - Gaius had taken such a responsibility to heart!

3. it is too easy for fathers to give this responsibility to mothers

F. He was a man of great charity to brethren, and to strangers - vv. 5-8

1. so generous was he that others bore witness of his charity publically!

2. his specific interest? those who preached the word to others

3. a key statement is v. 8 - when we give assistance to others who preach and teach the gospel, we are fellowhelpers to the truth!!!!

II DIOTREPHES, WHO LOVED TO HAVE THE PREEMINENCE

A. He loveth to have the preeminence among them... - v. 9

1. there are certainly people who are prominent among Christians - their roles put in prominent places - teachers, preachers, elders, etc.

2. but they seek no preeminence ... they did not set out to be a position which would bring them public attention, etc. (or, should not have!)

3. but Diotrephes was full of pride, ambition, self importance - Prov 29:23

B. He receiveth us not - v. 9

1. Diotrephes refused to host, to receive, to listen to an apostle of Jesus!

2. by contrast note Jude 1:17 - apostolic teaching was vital to faithfulness

3. but apostolic presence would be a challenge to Diotrephes ... and he wanted no rival to his own power

C. He casteth them out of the church - v. 10

1. he treated the church as if it was his own! could do with it as he pleased

2. anyone who disagreed with him he threw out of the church!

3. he wanted his power, his preeminence to be supreme ... here was a tragic situation in a congregation of the church of the Lord

D. So, at v. 11 John gives wise advice, imperative advice...

1. the word follow is imitate - imitate that which is good

2. one writer commented, Everybody is an imitator - and thats so true

3. but John urges Christians to be careful about whom they choose to imitate ... certainly, not a Diotrephes

CLOSE: The letter closes with a brief word about friends. Gaius and John must have had mutual friends in Christ. It is always a blessing to hear from and be remembered by friends. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Cecil A. Hutson

09 May 2004