John writes this short note to his dear friend Gaius. May we encourage each other by giving words of truth and grace to one other in Christ.
3 John 1: Greeting
1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Support and Opposition
5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are,
6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.
10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
Final Greetings
13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink.
14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, every one of them.
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Things to think about…
1. John’s third letter leaves no doubt as to its recipient – “to the beloved Gaius”. What a tender address. May we address those in Christ with such tender affection and grace. It is not just health, wealth and happiness John is espousing to Gaius here in 3Jn 1:2. John wants him to be well not only in body, but in soul. John’s joy is confirmed because Gaius is “walking in the truth” 3Jn 1:3,4. Lord continue to grant this grace to your people.
2. John compares Gaius’ godly character along with Demetrius in the church as those who welcome strangers and have a good testimony etc, in contrast to the character of Diotrephes who puts himself first and is dividing the church by saying that the Apostle John and his fellow workers should not be received by the church, 3Jn 1:9. John says he is dealing with it, having written a letter to the church, 3Jn 1:9. Sometimes this is required, but it’s never pleasant.
3. This Diotrephes is a real piece of work. He has slinked his way into the church and is a leader. As such he forbids true followers of Christ from joining into the church. As such he is an instrument of Satan. Every pastor has had to deal with such people at one point or another. The Apostle Paul says “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.”, 1 Tim 5:20. John says he will be doing just that with respect to Diotrephes when he arrives, vs 10.
4. Sometime when we are confronted by a challenging figure in the church like Diotrephes, the temptation is to fight fire with fire. Never the best option. John here simply says “do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God”, vs 11. John makes the point that our response even in difficult situations is associated with our identity and therefore our destiny in God.
5. Again, face to face is always the better option – John gives Gaius the same signoff as he did ‘to the elect lady’, in his second letter by saying, “I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink, I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.”, 3Jn13,14. With all the technology we have to communicate, nothing will ever surpass the clarity of engaging with someone in person.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. Leaders’ meetings this week. Year planning goals/events/services.
2. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor.
3. New contacts remain engaged and connected into the church.
4. Our One for Israel ministry.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Youth Pastor motion agreed to set aside 3 days for the role and Jarrod Christian starts today. Everyone will meet him on Sunday if they haven’t already.
2. Ministry Leaders being set apart.
3. Thankyou to those who have supported the church and youth and young adults role - $49. 640 raised thus far.
4. New folk becoming members of CBC
5. Those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
