CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
AUGUST 31, 2021
A. Starting point: 1 Tim. 2:1-6

B. Praying from: 3 JOHN

“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.
HOSPITALITY COMMENDED
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:
SELF-SUPPORTING EVANGELISTS
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.
WORLDLY AMBITION OF DIOTREPHES
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.
SPIRITUAL REPUTATION OF DEMETRIUS
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.”
I. THE PLEASURE—vv. 1–3
1. Person—v. 1. Gaius a layman, who gave himself and money unto God.
2. Prospering—v. 2. God wants us to be healthy. (1) A healthy mind, (2) A healthy body, (3) A healthy soul. Compare with Exodus 15:26.
3. Proof—v. 3. Rejoicing because the people are still serving God in their daily lives.
4. Pleasure—v. 4. John rejoices as all Pastors do when they see Christians being faithful.
II. THE PARTNERS—vv. 5–8
HOSPITALITY COMMENDED
1. Affection—v. 5. Love shown to the visiting Pastors, teachers and missionaries.
2. Action—v. 6. Showing kindness to God’s servants by taking care of them while they work for God among the people.
SELF-SUPPORTING EVANGELISTS
3. Affect—v. 7. They did not accept money from sinners. They accepted money only from the Christians who were helped by them.
4. Attitude—v. 8. Felt it a duty to help in sharing the expenses of God’s work. By doing so, they were partners in God’s work.
III. THE PROBLEM—vv. 9–12
WORLDLY AMBITION OF DIOTREPHES
1. The man—v. 9. Diotrephes was a proud person, not willing to take orders from John. John had authority over him, but he refused to accept it. Disobedience is the root of many sins.
2. The manners—v. 10. Diotrephes not only opposed John and other workers, he also encouraged others to follow his wicked ways. John would tell them about him when he came.
SPIRITUAL REPUTATION OF DEMETRIUS
3. The message—vv. 11–12. “Do not let Diotrephes hurt or influence you in any way toward God’s work.
IV. THE A-MEN OF ROMANS 16:20, 24, 27
16:20 “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. A-men.”
16:24 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. A-men.”
16:27 “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. A-men.”