1. New Testament Survey: Book of 3 John “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (1:2)

2. Background loved in the truthA personal letter addressed to a man named Gaius—”loved in the truth.” –Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Romans 16:23 Letter deals with love for the Lord and His word, and their love for one another. walk in the truth.”From practical point of view—shows what it will produce in spiritual achievement in the believer who continues to “walk in the truth.”

3. DO NOTOn the other hand, it shows how those who DO NOT walk properly in the Lord and His word conduct themselves. In this way, one discerns genuine from professed believers. true believerAll three letters (taken together) furnish the Christian with an index of his personal spiritual achievement—if he is a true believer! Background

4. Each of these three letters draws a sharp line of distinction between… –Truth and error –Righteousness and unrighteousness –Light and darkness –Love and hatred –Teaching and practice Background

5. Keys to 3 John Key words – Truth (6) Key phrase – “walk in truth” Subject – Christian hospitality Key verse – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (1:4)

6. Contents This epistle is largely a portrait of three men: –Gaius –Diotrephes –Demetrius John paints bright pictures of Gaius and Demetrius and a very dark one of Diotrephes.

7. Gaius John expressed his love for Gaius. – “…To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.” (1:1) Assured him of his prayers – “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (1:2) Told Gaius of the joy he felt because of his stand for the truth – “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (1:3,4)

8. Gaius Commends him for his hospitality and fellowship of faithful brethren – “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,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.” (1:5,6) Encourages him to continue – “Because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.” (1:7,8)

9. D IOTREPHES Wrote to the church but not received by Diotrephes…preeminence sought – “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.” (1:9) John will call his deeds to mind during his next visit – “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.” (1:10)

10. D EMETRIUS Do not follow Diotrephes evil example! – “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.” (1:11) Demetrius has a good testimony that is known by all – “Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.” (1:12)

11. P ERSONAL REMARKS Gives assurance of an intended visit and will talk face to face of things he could not write. – “ I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.” (1:13,14)