Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the epistle of 3 John. I feel a great sense of urgency to publish them because I’m not sure how much time we have left on this big, blue marble. Thank you for reading them. I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, mid to late summer 2010, things are still looking pretty bleak with the economy and unemployment, issues caused by the BP oil spill in the gulf continue, there is massive flooding in Pakistan, building an Islamic mosque near ground zero is still being discussed. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked…Stacey
Take a few minutes to pray and savor the entire epistle of 3 John. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations…
1 – my dear friend – agapetos – beloved.
The same Gaius of Acts 19:28-31; 20:4-5; and 1 Corinthians 1:13-15?
Do you have a dear Christian friend as John obviously did? Do something nice for them, today.
1:2 – How do you pray for your friends? Are you watchful of their spiritual walk? Do you mention it when you notice something amiss?
1:3-4 – John declares that his greatest joy is to hear that his children are walking in the truth. What is your greatest joy?
1:5 – Gaius is apparently faithful in what he does for his brothers in Christ even though he doesn’t know them, personally. How are you faithful toward your Christian siblings? Could you be more faithful?
1:6-8 – These brothers in Christ went out in the Name of Christ. They received no help from pagans. Gaius’ faithfulness translates as love. He is fulfilling God’s command. We should be hospitable to such people, too.
What do you think it means to send them away in a manner worthy of God?
1:9-10 – Apparently, there was someone in the church with an ego, who would have nothing to do with John. He was prepared to confront him about his malicious gossiping. This person also refused to welcome brothers in Christ and would stop those who wanted to welcome Christian brothers by putting them out of the church.
If you know such contentious individuals, spend time on your knees praying for a change in their heart and asking God what you are supposed to do about it, if anything. Search the scriptures for godly ways to deal contentious people.
1:11 – John instructed Gaius to imitate what is good, not what is evil. Who do you imitate? Since only God is good, Who should you be imitating? Is anyone imitating you?
1:12 – I wonder why John mentions another man named Demetrius who is well spoken of by everyone. What do you think?
1:13-14 – John evidently has more to say, but prefers to do it in person, so he closes his letter. What do you think is the importance of greeting the friends there by name?
• Third John commands us to live a life of love and warns us to be on the lookout for deceivers. What is God teaching you in this chapter of scripture? How will you apply it to your life this week?
• What attributes of God do you see in this book?
• What verse of scripture seemed to be God speaking directly to you? What is He teaching you in these verses? How does He want you to respond?
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