Introduction

 

I.        It is not unusual for us to wonder what the early church was like.

A.       We know a lot about its early leaders, such as Paul and Peter.

C.      But what about the average Christians themselves?

II.       The Third Epistle of John reflects the life of the early church.

A.       It is a letter from the apostle John to a Christian named Gaius.

B.       It gives us a glimpse of the type of people in local churches.

C.      We’ll come to realize that there is not much difference between people back then and in the church today.

 

Text

 

I.        Gaius: a good man (1-8).

A.       He was clearly a dear friend of John.

B.       John prayed he would prosper physically as well as he did spiritually (3 John 1-2).

C.      John loved and prayed for Gaius, because he was a man who:

1.       Had a good reputation (3 John 3a).

2.       Walked in the truth (3 John 3b).

3.       Gave John great joy when hearing of his faithfulness (3 John 4).

4.       Was hospitable toward all (3 John 5-6a).

5.       Encouraged and supported gospel preachers (3 John 6b-8).

II.      Diotrephes: a self-centered man (9-11).

A.       Notice Diotrephes’ character.

1.       He was a self-promoter (3 John 9a).

2.       He was insubordinate (3 John 9b).

3.       He was slanderous (3 John 10a).

4.       He was vindictive (3 John 10b).

B.       Diotrephes shows that “he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11b).

III.     Demetrius: an exemplary man (11-12).

A.       John encourages Gaius to imitate what is good (3 John 11).

B.       Demetrius is then offered as a pattern for Gaius.

1.       Demetrius had a good report from all the brethren (3 John 12).

2.       Demetrius had a good report from the truth itself.

3.       Demetrius had a good report from John and the apostles.

 

Conclusion

 

I.        Thus we have these portraits of three men preserved in this letter, giving us some insight into the life of the early church.

A.       Most were good men, but sadly there were some bad as well.

B.       Sadly, not much has changed, has it?

II.       There are certain sad realities we learn as a result of selfish Christians.

A.       Christians are not always what they should be.

B.       Christians often imitate other Christians.

C.      Christians often allow the “spirit of Diotrephes” to reign.

III.      I hope that “The Three Men Of Third John” will stimulate our thinking.

A.       What kind of example are we setting?

B.       What kind of example are we following?

C.      What kind of stand are we taking?