Men’s Study

Week of July 30, 2020

3 John 1:3, 5-6 (NKJV) — 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 5 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.

In 3rd John we are given two examples of good and one example of evil. We are introduced to Gaius, John’s first example of good with glowing praise regarding his walk with the Lord and his reputation among fellow Christians. Pastor Weston said “faithfully serving our brothers and sisters in our local church is a core prescription of our Christian walk.” Love your neighbor as yourself! Each one of us has specific gifts and responsibilities entrusted to us by God to serve our church.

How do you think others would describe your representation of the Gospel and sacrificial love for the church? 

How do you serve others in a manner worthy of God and what happens when you support others in their work?

 

3 John 1:9-11 (NKJV) — 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 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. 11 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.

Here we see John’s example of evil. John follows the instructions given by Jesus for church discipline (Matt 18:15-17) and shows us how we should acknowledge good and evil when we see it. Pastor Weston said, “we can learn from examples of good and evil in the church to inform how we relate to the church.” We all need to work together as a family in the church!

What should you do if you see a brother or sister doing wrong?

Looking at the examples of good (Gaius and Demetrius) and evil (Diotrephes) what are some warning signs you should look for to keep you from following Diotrephes path?

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