1. A Look at Third John

2. Imitation Determination The Gracious Gaius (3 John 1-8) “A person of good spiritual health.” –We must give heed to our spiritual health.  Jesus—“physician, well, sick” (Mt. 9:10-13)  Paul—“weak, sick, dead” (1 Cor. 11:30)  Hebrews—“feeble, lame, be healed” (12:12-13)  A regular check on our spiritual condition is essential to our spiritual health.

3. Imitation Determination The Gracious Gaius (3 John 1-8) “A person of good spiritual health.” –We must give heed to our spiritual health. –The “secret” to Gaius’ spiritual health  God’s truth was in him (v. 3). –Truth purifies (1 Pet. 1:22-23); sanctifies (Jn. 17:17); edifies (Eph. 4:15; Ac. 20:32); guards (Psa. 119:11).  He walked in the truth (v. 3-4). –Truth is THE guide on THE path (Psa. 119:105).  He practiced the truth (v. 5-8; cf. Jas. 2:14-26). –He encouraged, helped & sacrificed for brethren. –He loved the church—it was obviously first in his life. –He became a “fellow worker for the truth.”

4. Imitation Determination The Gracious Gaius (3 John 1-8) “A person of good spiritual health.” –We must give heed to our spiritual health. –The “secret” to Gaius’ spiritual health –God’s criterion for financial & physical health = in proportion to spiritual health  God’s standard for how rich one may become = only as rich as prosperity of the soul will allow  How well off would you be if your financial & physical health were in exact proportion to sp? –We must learn to put spiritual over material!

5. Imitation Determination The Domineering Diotrephes (3 John 9-10) “A person who loved to have preeminence.” –We must not denigrate God’s design for His church & its organization.  God likens His church to a flock of sheep.  His design is for shepherds to lead His “sheep.”  His design is for a plurality of shepherds.  If I’m not a shepherd, I’m a sheep.  Even a shepherd is still a sheep himself.  It is unscriptural & detrimental to the church for one person (man or woman) to seek to control, “run” or rule a congregation of God’s people.

6. Imitation Determination The Domineering Diotrephes (3 John 9-10) “A person who loved to have preeminence.” –We must not denigrate God’s design for His church & its organization. –The “signs” of Diotrephes’ love for 1 st  Arrogant, unreasonable, defiant—“rule or ruin”  Interfered with apostolic letter to church  Refused to acknowledge apostolic authority  Spoke nonsense against apostle w/ wicked words  Refused to receive missionaries  Forbade others to receive missionaries  Expelled from the church those who attempted to

7. Imitation Determination The Domineering Diotrephes (3 John 9-10) “A person who loved to have preeminence.” –We must not denigrate God’s design for His church & its organization. –The “signs” of Diotrephes’ love for 1 st –God’s design requires:  Giving Christ preeminence (Col. 1:18)  Respecting & obeying shepherds (Heb. 13:17)  Respecting the authority of God’s Word (Jn. 12:48)  Humility, not seeking my way (Phil. 2:3-4)  A spirit of service (Mark 10:42-45) –A Diotrephes has no place in the Lord’s church.

8. Imitation Determination The Dependable Demetrius (3 John 12) “A person of known & proven character.” –We must strive to have a “good name.”  It has great value (Prov. 22:1).  Those sought in Acts 6—of “good reputation.”  Qualif. of elder—“good testimony” (1 Tim. 3:7)  Good name only earned by genuine goodness: –Good people are honest (Eph. 4:25). –Good people are compassionate (Eph. 4:32). –Good people love God & obey Him (1 John 5:3). –Good people encourage others (Acts 11:23-24). –Good people do good (Gal. 6:9-10).

9. Imitation Determination The Dependable Demetrius (3 John 12) “A person of known & proven character.” –We must strive to have a “good name.” –The “witnesses” of D’s good character:  All men  The truth  The apostle John –Demetrius was not afraid to live an open Christian life for others to see (cf. Matt. 5:16).

10. Imitation Determination God’s Desire for Us –Imitate what is good –Do NOT imitate what is evil Which one are you most like? –Gaius—in good spiritual health? –Diotrephes—love to have preeminence? –Demetrius—of known & proven character?

11. Becoming Like Christ Believe Jesus is God’s Son – John 8:24 Repent of your sins – Acts 3:19 Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9 Be immersed in water – Acts 2:38 –Sins are forgiven – Acts 22:16 –Added to His church – Acts 2:47 –Registered in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 Imitate Christ – 1 Peter 2:21; Ephesians 5:1