3rd John
- Aiselyn
- Mar 26, 2020
- 2 min read
This week a friend asked me for thoughts on 3rd John and to my shame I couldn’t recall what the book speaks of off the top of my head. So I grabbed my Ironside commentary and sat down to read the 333 word book. A quick read to be sure, but full of good teaching.
John starts off the letter by greeting Gaius and he shares that “There is no greater joy than to hear my children walk in the truth.” This verse has led many to believe Gaius was a convert through John. And this feeling of joy is what any shepherd feels when learning that their sheep continue to grow, thrive, and flourish in a Christ like manner.
A big thing that jumped out to me in my initial read was verse 8 “Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” The church that Gaius was associated with was known in their area for their hospitality, generosity, and all around care, love and support of any who passed their way. The Lord’s work should be supported by the Lord’s people. Practically this looks like support in any form: prayer, practical assistance, or financial. And this call isn’t just to help “official” ministers or missionaries, it’s a call to help those within our own fellowship as well, whether they ask for it or not.
The more controversial side to this letter is when John addresses Diotrephes, the self appointed leader of the church, who has risen up and disregarded what John has had to say. Specifically in regards to John’s lifting up of Demetrius, a brother with a good testimony, a man of God, blameless and willing to serve God. Diotrephes’ rejection of Demetrius inherently rejected the apostle who lifted him up; John. While John was not too worried or effected by this that is often not the case. When a person lifts themselves up to run a church within their particular order of thought they miss out on the call to love. This can cause the younger generation to lose their gusto for God as it were. The younger generation becomes fearful and gains a feeling of insignificance when the Bible clearly teaches that all are equal in Christ (James 2:8-9) and we all have a place in the church. (Ephesians 3)
John finally exhorts the church to imitate what is good, exclaiming that what is good is of God! This is our calling, to follow and accept and love that which is of God. In that thought, what is our individual heart posture when it comes to authority? Whether that authority is parental, ecclesiastical, or external, we are called to respect authority (Romans 13)
So what are my main points from this letter?
Support those around you, in the Lord’s work or in the fellowship of your own church
Be aware of those around you, their motives, and your own
Know your own heart posture when it comes to authority
Be kind and loving, having a testimony of graciousness and helpfulness.
This isn’t my typical post but I felt moved to share my thoughts, hope you enjoyed!
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