1. Love & Truth part II
III John

2. Introduction to III John
We should support ministries that teach the truth
III John looks at the lives of 3 men
This letter is written to John’s friend, Gaius
John shares concerns about the Church

3. John’s Greeting to Gaius
John introduces himself as “The Elder”
Gaius is a man who believes the truth about Jesus Christ, and his life shows it
John prays for his physical and spiritual health

4. John’s Encourages Gaius
John refers to Gaius as one of his “spiritual children”
He is overjoyed to hear that Gaius is living according to God’s Word
He tells Gaius to remain faithful and to keep up the good work

5. Supporting True Bible Teachers
We should show hospitality to those who are teaching the truth
Those who teach the truth are not our competitors; they’re our co-laborers
When you support them, you become a partner in their work for the Lord

6. Diotrephes the Dictator
He wanted to be the Supreme Leader of the church
He refused to receive John or have anything to do with him
He was bad-mouthing the apostles and gossiping about them

7. Diotrephes the Dictator
He refused to show hospitality to traveling ministers – He wanted to do all the teaching
If others showed hospitality to these ministers, he would excommunicate them from the church

8. Things that Destroy a Church
Power struggles
Fighting to get your own way
Gossiping about others
Refusing to help others
Punishing those who do the right thing

9. Dealing with Diotrephes
We have to be courageous enough to confront things/people that threaten the church
Follow Biblical model for church discipline from Matthew 18
This may sound harsh, but the Word of God gives us clear instructions

10. Walking Like Demetrius
He lived out his faith
He had no desire to rule over anyone
He found fulfillment in serving the Lord
Christians like this not only love the truth, they live the truth