Supporting Fellow Believers and Warning against Arrogance

The Blessings Ministry

Blessings and Welcome Friends!!! 🟢
The third letter of John, addressed to an individual named Gaius, serves as a personal correspondence from the Apostle John.
The purpose of this letter is to commend and encourage Gaius for his hospitality and support of fellow believers.
This letter speaks about 3 men specifically:
1 Gaius
2 Diotrephes
3 Demetrius
John begins by expressing his joy upon hearing about Gaius's faithfulness in walking in the truth. He commends Gaius for his loving actions towards other believers, who have testified about his hospitality.
John emphasizes the importance of supporting fellow believers who are traveling and spreading the Gospel, as they rely on the support and hospitality of others.
In this letter, John also mentions a man named Diotrephes, who holds a position of authority within the local church. John criticizes him for his arrogant behavior and refusal to accept John's authority.
He warns Gaius about Diotrephes's negative influence, urging him not to imitate his actions but instead follow what is good.
In contrast to Diotrephes, John speaks highly of Demetrius, who is well spoken of by everyone, including the truth itself.
John encourages Gaius to welcome Demetrius with open arms when he arrives, as he embodies the characteristics of a faithful follower of Christ.
3 John Chapter 1:
1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
In conclusion, John expresses his desire to see Gaius in person and conveys greetings from mutual friends. He ends the letter by expressing his hope for peace to be with Gaius.
Overall, the letter of 3 John emphasizes the importance of showing hospitality and support to fellow believers, while cautioning against the negative influence of those who act in self-centered and divisive ways.
Thank you for listening! 🎧
Glenda Coker
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