Truth and Love #14

Three Lives, Three Stories

III John

 GAIUS

Gaius was spiritually healthy

III John 1-2

The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. NKJV

Gaius had a good reputation

III John 3

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. NKJV

Gaius lived a godly life

III John 4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. NKJV

Gaius was generous

III John 5-8

Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, 7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking

nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth. NKJV

DIOTREPHES

Diotrephes was self-centered

III John 9

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. NKJV

Diotrephes was selfish

III John 10

Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. NKJV

Matthew 20:25-28

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” NKJV

Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn

from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. NKJV

DEMETRIUS

Demetrius had a good reputation

III John 11-12

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true. NKJV

Demetrius lived a life in line with the truth

III John 13-15

I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name. NKJV

John’s closing reminded Gaius that:

- John was there to encourage him

- He had the promise of the peace of God

- He was not alone