Characters In Christian Community Series

Characters in Christian Community

Survey of 3 John

A couple of months back, We had a lunch with those in our church who recently graduated from college. A common theme of many recent graduates was a desire for community. It was no surprise, but it was difficult to nail down exactly what that community look like. So I took an email survey of young adults from our church asking what is their picture of a warm church community.

Before I share some of their responses from the survey, I want you to have the opportunity to describe your picture of a warm church community. In your own mind, take a minute to complete this sentence, “ I picture a warm church community to be…” After a minute, I want to give you a chance to share your description with the people around you.

What came to my mind that describes a warm community, not necessarily a church community, is captured in this song, "Where everybody knows your name (Cheers)." Let’s play this song. (Play video)

According to this song we need community because life is hard. And community is where everybody knows your name, where you don’t struggle alone, and where you are accepted unconditionally. This is the theme song to Cheers, a 1980s sitcom that takes place in a bar in Boston.

Now Here are a few of the many survey responses from our YAs:

I picture a warm church community to be Acts 2 church, a place where people share life comfortably not just on Sunday and people are genuinely care what others' going through both ups and downs. A community where you would cheer people on and mourn with those who mourn and challenge one another to be devoted in God's words and go outside our church building to serve the needy together. Be the light that would shine and warn the world together.

I picture a warm church community to be a place of openness and vulnerability. A place where everyone is welcomed and has a part in the church body.

I picture a warm church community to be a place that welcomes broken hearted sinners and provides spiritual fulfillment through Christ, equipping them to face the challenges of the world.

I picture a warm church community to be home - or at least the idea of home. Where you feel secure, love, rest, and can be yourself without worry.

I picture a warm church community to be...gospel filled people,lovingly involved/interested in each other and welcoming to everyone.

If you were listening carefully to the song and to the responses from the young adults, and even to your neighbor’s descriptions, you would have noticed those in the bar and those in the church were looking for community similar in some ways and different in others. This shouldn’t surprise us.

Similar, because we are all broken people living in a broken world. We have the same needs from community. Different, because those in the bar are comforted by the god in a bottle and we’re comforted by the God of the Gospel. They have the evening news, we have the Good News.

But in order for Christian community to be different from bar room community we must be intentional characters in Christian community. Our text is 3 John (Read)

Let me begin by directing our attention to the similar. We see these in the initial and final greetings of 3 John. The initial greeting (1-2) points to caring for the whole person. The final greeting (13-15) points to caring for the individual person.

Caring for the whole person.The Christian community is a spiritual community. But it is also a physical and emotional community, because we are spiritual, physical and emotional beings. True Christian community happens when you cry, and I taste salt. When you get promoted, I throw a party.

Caring for the individual person. Christian community involves face to face interaction. Where everybody knows your name. And we are glad that you came. Your presence matters, and so does your absence. This happens in Small Groups only, rarely in gatherings this size.

Let me continue by summarizing 3 John in context before applying it to our community. Notice John points out three characters. John commends Gaius for his hospitality to missionaries. John corrects Diotrephes for being self-centered.. Finally John calls us to the example of Demetrius, a worker for the truth or the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let’s look closely at these three characters in Christian Community and see who we want to become like. First is Gaius. Second is Diotrephes. Third is Demetrius.

We see Gaius facilitated the gospel. Vs. 3-8

Gaius represents the character in Christian community who promotes the gospel and partners with gospel workers. He promoted the gospel by living what he learned. We see this in verses 3 to 4.