Title: Scripture: III John
Type: Expository Where: GNBC 8-7-22
Intro: John Wooden was the legendary head basketball coach at UCLA from 1948 to 1975. Does anyone know where he coached before his tenure at UCLA? Indiana State University, 1946 to 1948. Wooden was one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history, compiling a .813 winning percentage over 40 years of coaching! As great of a coach as Wooden was, he was an even greater man. Coach John Wooden is one of the most revered coaches in all of sports. But perhaps he'll be best remembered as a mentor, a friend, a loving husband and father, and a source of endless wisdom and grace to hundreds of players, thousands of coaches, and millions of fans and admirers through the decades and around the world. Wooden has long said that his wisdom came primarily from two sources—his earthly father and from his heavenly Father. Wooden was a devout Christian. Wooden once said, “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” Today in 3rd Jn we’ll see 3 men mentioned, one was concerned about his reputation whereas two were concerned about their character. Important and challenging letter.
Prop: Today we’ll divide III John into 3 specific sections to easily understand.
BG: 1. III Jn is the shortest letter in the NT. It is 219 Greek words.
2. Some similarities b/t IIJn and III Jn, however, more personal. Same designation: “The elder”
3. II Jn. was a warning about showing hospitality to false teachers. III Jn. is a warning against not showing hospitality.
Prop: Let’s examine 3 specific sections of III John.
I. Section I – A Greeting to Gaius. Vv.1-8
A. John Begins this Letter by Writing to a Specific Person.
1. In this Letter, John writes to a Specific Person, rather than a Specific Church.
a. Who is this Gaius? Several men by that name in the NT. Gaius of Corinth (I Cor. 1:14; Rom. 16:23) (Origen said he was the Bishop of Thes.). There was a Gaius of Macedonia who suffered at the riot of Ephesus (Acts 19:29). There was a Gaius of Derbe who traveled with Paul to Greece and Macedonia (Acts 20:4). An extra-Biblical source (Apostolic Constitutions, 7.46.9) says that this Gaius was the Bishop of Pergamum, appointed by none other than…John! Some ambiguity. Why? Well, Gaius just happened to be the most popular name in the Roman world at that time! Illust: Like “James in the USA. In the past 100 years 4.6 million “James” have been born in the USA.
b. Although we may not exactly know who Gaius was, we know exactly what he was! He held a position of responsibility and authority in a local church. Pastor/elder. As a result, visiting evangelists and teachers were prone to stay with him. We know that the Apostle was affectionate towards him as he referred to him as “beloved” or “dear friend”.
2. John’s affection towards Gaius is Observed in his Prayer for Him.
a. 3 of the 1st 11 Greek words in this letter refer to “love”. John loves Gaius in the Lord and offeres a prayer for him. That prayer 3 parts: 1. Gaius’ material well being. 2. God to grant Gaius good health. 3. Recognition of Gaius’ spiritual progress in the Lord.
b. Illust: Consider your and my prayers for loved ones. Not all that different from John’s prayer. We often pray for God to bless our loved ones financially. (Illust: When the kids were young pray for people in the church, those who had businesses. When got to Dana Greer, one of the kids would say: “Please please Mr. Greer’s business. Another would chime in: “With someone else’s car!” But we commonly pray for financial blessing. We pray for physical health and protection. And of course, we pray that people will grow spiritually.
B. The Evidence of Gaius’ Spiritual Well Being Brought John Joy.
1. Seeing another Believer growing in the Lord brings every Christian Joy.
a. V.3 – John heard a positive report about Gaius from other believers (Read v. 4). Whatever Gaius’ position in the local church, other Christians recognized his consistent faithfulness to the saints and steadfast commitment to the truth of God’s Word. There is nothing that does a parent’s heart good like hearing positive reports about your children from others. Gaius was his child in the Lord and was encouraged to know doing well in the face of severe trials.
b. Illust: Christian parents let me ask you. Can you relate to John’s cause for joy? It is great for children to have multiple lessons and be well rounded. It’s great if they do well academically, athletically, play music or attain notoriety for acting or speech or drama. But all of that is for naught if they are not walking with the Lord! One day in each of your children’s lives the last recital will be performed, the last pitch will be thrown, the last race will be run, the last class taken, the last play performed. Realize then it is more important that they walk in the truth than they were Divisional Champion or played D1 or were principal at some orchestra. Sunday School. Youth Group. College. (Don’t come to me in 5-10 years and say: “The Church let my …down. Your traveling teams had little junior out of church 30 wks of the year.
2. John gives us interesting insights into the life of Gaius.
a. Reading vv. 5-6 we see that Gaius was a well balanced Xstian who was loving and who loved the truth. Gaius’ life was open and transparent. He was letting the light of Christ shine through him consistently. He wasn’t hiding it from anyone. His love of the Truth and love of the brethren was known to all. Even “strangers” could see his faithfulness. That’s a great testimony. Would make for a good obituary!
b. Illust: Christian, let me ask you: “Is you and my life an open book?” One of the best compliments I ever received as a pastor came from a non-Christian who wasn’t a part of the church I served. Individual knew me from another setting… an agency I volunteered with. One Sunday came to church to visit for special service. “Wow Chris, you act the same in church as you do outside of church!” (I am pretty cure that was a compliment!)
C. John Commends another Quality of Gaius’.
1. Vv. 5-6 – “Beloved” or “dear friend”. Joh is now focusing on Gaius’ demonstration of Christian love. He was consistent in providing hospitality to traveling preachers and teachers. Now, ALL Christians are to demonstrate hospitality (Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2; I Pet. 4:9). Do you practice hospitality or remain cutoff from people?
a. Greek word: noun – “philoxenia” or adjective “philoxenos” – literally “a love for strangers”. When we do this, we may be entertaining angels unaware (Heb. 13:2), we are certainly receiving Jesus Himself (Mt. 10:40-42; 25:35)
b. Illust: Christians are to be a hospitable people. Let me ask you a question: “Is you and my home or apartment your refuge or your ministry center?” How we answer says a lot about our values. Illust: “Candle in the Window Hospitality Network” – Craig and Theresa Bowen. One of Carol’s best friends in grad school. Saw the need. Now worldwide ministry.
2. John now looks at Gaius’s future ministry.
a. He moves from what Gaius was doing (v.5) to what “you will do” (v.6). Urges Gaius to keep entertaining these good traveling teachers. In II Jn the Apostle warns against allowing some traveling teachers. In III Jn. he praises Gaius for demonstrating hospitality to this class of people and encourages him to continue doing so.
b. Illust – Now if you want to think about this very practically can see the church still does this today! Last week had traveling missionaries, Jesse and Joyce Northcutt. Today we have the DeGraafs! Both families are dedicated, committed Christians doing a great work for the Lord. We need to demonstrate hospitality. Offer encouragement.
D. Applic: III Jn begins with an in-depth greeting to Gaius.
II. Section II – A Tale pf 2 Brothers: Diotrephes and Demetrius vv. 9-12
A. A 2 Part Discouraging Message Regarding a Man named Diotrephes.
1. Diotrephes was a Selfish Bully in Church Leadership.
a. Diotrephes loved himself more than others- “who loves to be first” – v.9 Selfishness is one of the most common sins in humanity. It is closely associated with pride. Selfishness says that “I am the most important.” “I am the most busy.” “I am the smartest.” “I am the most capable.” Selfishness is one of the most common sins of humanity. However, it must be absent in church leadership! Illust - Read with interest of an armed church robbery that took place at a church in the Bronx two weeks ago. “Bishop” Lamor Whitehead of the “Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministry” was preaching when 3 armed men rushed into church. Took $1 million in jewelry from the pastor and wife! Now, I am sorry for the Bish, but I think someone is a little selfish!
b. Diotrephes’ problem wasn’t doctrinal error or heresy, but rather personal ambition. He was used to getting what he wanted and he decided that was the way it was going to be in Church too! Illust – Interestingly, the name, Diotrephes was as rare as Gaius was common. Name meant, “Zeus reared”. Only found in registries of Greek aristocracy. So, can assume that Diotrephes’ social prestige led to his disgraceful behavior. Beware powerful and wealthy. The Church is not your personal playground and is not run the same way.
c. Illust: I have a friend who is a retired pastor in a foreign country. 50+ yrs ago when he was beginning, Evangelicals only made up about 25% of his denomination. Today that number is more like 70%. However, his comment to me was that there are 10x as many scandals today…affairs, embezzlement, and power-hungry preachers. Doctrinal orthodoxy does not guarantee godly behavior. In our country need look no further than Mark Driscoll and James McDonald. Both men great Bible teachers. Both men arrogant, egotistical leaders who bullied and manipulated congregations.
2. Diotrephes Also Rejected Church Authority.
a. v.9 – “does no accept what we say.” This was an overly ambitious person who resisted God appointed authority. He publically attacked John and forbade John’s followers from visiting the churches, even excommunicating some and threatening physical violence against others. What was his motivation> Theological? Social? Ecclesiastical? NO! IT was moral! It was sin! It was self-love!
b. Illust: Last week I referenced the UMC split. One of the main factors leading up to that split was no ability to enforce discipline on violating pastors, bishops, or districts. The Church rejected its own authority. When you become a member of a church you are placing self under the spiritual authority and protection of that body. That’s why godly leadership is important. That’s why doctrine matters. In our day, respect for church authority has all but vanished. Many professing Christians think their “private lives” are no business of the church. Excommunication from a local body is hardly ever taken seriously since it rarely prevents someone from joining the church next door with no questions asked. Yet, how I act and what I say is important. If you are a Christian, what you say and how you act needs to line up with what the Bible says. Your opinion comes in a distant second to that.
B. Demetrius Was Godly Example the Apostle Positively Contrasts with the life of Diotrephes.
1. After Excoriating Diotrephes’ Evil Example, John Praises Demetrius’ Good example.
a. Notice, John turns from exposing Diotrephes’ immoral behavior to commending Demetrius’ good. We all need to Church who we are going to imitate!
b. Illust: Everybody is an imitator. Natural for us to find examples to wan to copy. Illust- Told you when I was a kid I idolized Pete Rose and copied Joe Morgan’s batting stance. (Didn’t help any!) You and I need to choose who we are gong to imitate in sports, performances, marriage, business, and yes, in the Christian life! Who are you listening to? Who are you siding with. Be very careful. Last 2-3 yrs seen a lot of Christians identify with foolishness that is not Scriptural.
2. John gives Demetrius an Impressive 3-Fold Praise.
a. 1st, he is spoken of well by everyone. 2nd, his testimony is confirmed by the truth. 3rd. Church leadership spoke well of him. Now that is an excellent report. Would like it if we were to get that type of a Google Review!
b. Illust: This past week I was asked to fill out a reference form for a young man enrolling in seminary education. Needed references from close family member, church leader, work mate, etc. Why? Need to know if this is a quality individual who is consistent in his faith or a rapscallion!
C. Applic: Diotrephes and Demetrius demonstrated a specific teaching of our Lord’s. “Wheat and the Tares” – Mt. 13:24-30. Diotrephes and Demetrius, like wheat and tares, grow up in the same field. Unnoticeable at first. Yet ultimately will be easy to see and in the end one will be harvest whereas the other will be thrown into the fire to be burned.
III. Section III – The Conclusion of the Matter. Vv. 13-14
*John’s concern in conclusion is that believers should be caring Christians.v.13
A. John Demonstrates that a Caring Christian Desires the Presence of Fellow Believers.
1. John concludes his letter to Gaius with these words in verses 13-14, “I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.” This is very similar to II John’s conclusion. John said that he had much more that he wanted to write to Gaius but he would rather speak to him in person. If Demetrius was the one who carried the letter to Gaius, he would have confirmed John’s sentiment to Gaius. John longed to see Gaius and the rest of this beloved church again. It is important for us to realize that God has made us for fellowship not only with Himself, but also with others in the Church.
2. Illust: Earlier this past Spring I was walking my mother in law’s dog, Isaac. An older man was walking on the street and asked me if I was related to the dog’s owner. He had often seen and talked with Pastor Hackmann when he was still alive and walking Isaac. He then recognized me as the “son in law” who preached the funeral. He stated that he was a Christian and we began to talk about a lot of questions he had. It was obvious that he had made a commitment to Christ and had studied a lot of issues. However, when I asked him where he went to church, he kind of sheepishly looked down and said: “I don’t really go to church.” “That’s too bad. You are missing out and you are causing others to miss out as well.” God created us for fellowship with Him and others. Need each other.
B. John Demonstrates that a Caring Christian Desires Peace for Fellow Believers. V.14
1. “John’s final words to Gaius are these, “Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name”. John wishes “peace” for Gaius. This is not merely the absence of conflict or strife but is instead an invocation for God’s blessing to be with Gaius. John also lets Gaius know that the friends who were with John send their greetings to Gaius. Moreover, John wants Gaius to greet each of the friends who were with him “by name.” John had a very good knowledge of the church of which Gaius was a member. John had a personal and pastoral affection for each of the members.” (From sermon by Freddy Fritz on III Jn.)
2. I guess we tend to say “Goodbye” in our culture when leaving or signing off on a letter. However, in John’s day, it was common to wish the other person “Peace”. In our day of hostility and anxiety, maybe we should go back to John’s example and wish one another peace. That peace is ultimately found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
C. Applic: I’ve read that the footprints put on the moon will probably be there a long, long time – maybe almost as long as the moon itself lasts. Unlike on Earth, there is no erosion by wind or water on the moon. Nothing gets washed away. Since the Moon has no atmosphere, it is exposed to the solar wind, a stream of charged particles coming from the sun, and over time this acts almost like weather on Earth to scour surfaces on the moon, but the process is very, very slow. Some people claim that the footprints by the astronauts could be there 100’s of years from now. We’ll all leave behind lasting “footprints” in life. Where you go, what you do, what you accomplish, what influence you have on others are the permanent legacy that you leave behind. Today, we’ve seen examples of Consistent, Caring, and Carnal Christians. We can certainly learn from each of them. Which will you imitate? Our ultimate example is the Lord Jesus Christ.
