9; 3 Jn. Use these Bible Studies for personal devotion, group Bible studies, or teaching a church class. Did John pray that Gaius would prosper? It showed itself in treating others as he himself would wish to be treated. 1 John 3:14 - "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. The way to move up in the world is to build relationships with powerful people. Rather than being domineering, as Diotrephes was, Demetrius was a humble servant. He's sitting in prison because of his ministry, and the man that he has endorsed is behaving in ways that don’t make any sense. "When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'. Gaius of Derbe accompanied Paul on his Asian missionary journey. What does the Bible say to the church, and to the individual Christian, about the role of politics in the church? As we’ve seen, truth and love are not opposed to one another. 3:14-18; 2 Jn. B. 6:5), “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (see also, 2 Pet. Now a certain man, a Pharisee named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council, came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. True prosperity is to have a prosperous soul. When Herod, the ruler of Judea, arrives on the scene, he receives an earful, too. Lesson 20 Lesson 10 . Q. He's a star that burns brightly in the Gospels and fades too quickly. 9-10) w worldliness (1 Jn. We are to be a people “zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14). Lessons on 1 John . And sometimes that feeling is amplified by the people we're around. 3 Lessons from John the Baptist. When he was young, he was Jesus' "beloved disciple." He was a faithful Christian leader in a local church that was under the care of the apostle John. 3, 4) John mentions “walking in the truth.” He does not say that we should sit and rest in the truth, but rather that we should walk in it. John Wick 3 is all about consequences. Even those who are recognized Christian leaders may not be good examples to follow. Rather than being self-centered, he practiced biblical love. I will not deal with technical aspects, nor with questions such as authorship, provenance, etc., since there are ample scholarly resources available for the student to examine those aspects of Biblical study. But, we should always remember that anything we know of the truth is only because of God’s grace. It doesn't matter who you are; it's easy for that kind of attention to go to one's head. They dressed the corpse in his sportiest clothes, put a cigar in his mouth, seated him behind the steering wheel, and set the speedometer at 80 miles per hour. Now when he is old he … Summary of the Book of 3 John. That’s exactly how the world operates. But, Christian parents should be able to say about their children, that their greatest joy is to hear that their children are walking in the truth. Like Jesus, there's a supernatural aspect to his birth story (Luke 1:5–25). A Lasting Legacy: Choosing A Wife For Isaac (Gen. 24:1-67). If these false teachers would bother to read 3 John 2 carefully, they would see that it really pronounces a curse, not a blessing, on them! Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2006, All Rights Reserved. Gaius had welcomed them into his home, even though they had been strangers to him before their visit. _ _ _ 2. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”. You must purpose to walk in the truth, studying to learn and then apply God’s truth to your daily life. Lesson 22 Lesson 12 . John 19:39 – Nicodemus brings a hundred pounds of perfumes for Jesus’ burial. Luke 11:9-13 – Parable of the good father. Presumably, Diotrephes did not teach the errors of the heretics, or John would have said something about that. While John's remote and extremely ascetic lifestyle had started a rumour that he had a demon, people were accusing Jesus of being a glutton and a drunk (Matthew  11:18–19). You may find it helpful to also read the entire case found in John 4:1-42. Numbers 21:6 – Moses made and set-up the serpent. Gossip is sharing information (which may be true) with those who have no business hearing it. He had treated them “in a manner worthy of God.” When they left, he loaded them with supplies for their journey and with money for their mission work. Of course, love not only confronts sin. They aren't to welcome or show hospitality to the false prophets. Are these five claims internally consistent with the rest of the Bible? Lesson 19 Lesson 9. He had the power to do it. Is there a danger in bequeathing a large inheritance to your children, especially if they’re not walking in the truth? 3-Question Bible Study . Also…. But, when adult men and women bring those rules into a local church, it creates friction among the flock. John says (v. 8) that God’s people should support such workers, and in doing so, we become fellow workers with the truth of the gospel that they proclaim. John encourages Gaius to continue doing so, and he commends to him Demetrius, who was probably the bearer of this letter. Walking is not as quick as running, but if you keep at it, walking will get you where you’re going. This means that his life was consistent with the character qualities and moral standards of God’s Word. Why is the “health and wealth gospel” a serious error? I would suggest that we should listen to the Bible, e… The name, devil, means slanderer, so it is a serious sin! (Matthew 3:14). In Macau, we were visiting with some missionaries and through their translation, talking with two courageous young Chinese women who slipped across the border into China each week. Gaius prospered in his soul because he walked in the truth (v. 3). What a marvelous prospect lies before Nicodemus! In all sincerity, he looks at Jesus and says, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" We can't allow our limited perspective to cause us to stumble—or even take offense at the Lord. He wanted everyone to look up to him, not to Jesus Christ. When my brother was young, he formed a club with his friends, as young boys tend to do. 5:2-3). Lesson 3: Come and see (John 1:39,46) He saith unto them, Come and see. God Makes the Necessary Easy - John 3:1-21 My Joy is Fulfilled - John 3:22-36 The Woman at the Well - John 4:1-42 Two Miracles - John 4:43 – 5:15 Who Am I? https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-general-epistles/third-john But it was not the whole truth, and sharing it misled others to believe something false about the person. When you find such godly role models, imitate them! John the Baptist is an enigmatic and intriguing figure. The mourners gathered around the grave. Twice (vv. In verse 6 he affirms that Gaius, who is walking in the truth (v. 4), is also known for his love. His negative example gives us four characteristics of the destitute soul that we need to avoid if we want to have prosperous souls: Diotrephes “loves to be first among them” (v. 9). Good Morning Gorgeous, It's a brand new day. Is it a joy to hear that your children walk in the truth? But all believers are commanded to “pursue hospitality” (Rom. As we’ve seen, truth and love must always go together. 24 Weeks . His love was not just talk. Scripture Focus: John 3:1-21. 1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. Do you think churches should beg non-Christians for financial support? Jesus gives John the highest compliment when he says, "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:11). But many American Christians and now many in other countries have fallen for this unbiblical teaching. John is just a senile old man who means well, but he’s gone soft in his old age. He's amassed his own disciples, and people are coming from all over Judea to be baptized by him. Sometimes it's important to speak up anyway. So truth was a huge emphasis in Jesus’ ministry, and therefore, too, in the life and ministry of the apostle John. The point is, we all need godly examples to follow, but we must be careful in choosing those examples. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo... More, dillac. He prayed (John 17:17), “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” Jesus told the skeptical Pilate (John 18:37), “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. 3:2; Titus 1:8). 2:14-15). AUTHORSHIP OF 1, 2, 3 JOHN For a brief, shining moment, John the Baptist is a local celebrity. In John 1:14 (see also, 1:17), John testified that Jesus was “full of grace and truth.” In John 3:21, “he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” In John 4:23 & 24, Jesus explained that the Father seeks those who “worship in spirit and truth.” In John 8:32, Jesus said, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” In John 14:6, Jesus claimed, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13). As noted in Jn. He's happy for his disciples to graduate to following Jesus. Gaius, however, to this point had resisted the strong-armed tactics of Diotrephes. John has one job: to prepare the way for Jesus. Lesson 17 Lesson 7. Many translations—like King James Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the English Standard Version—translate His words this way: "And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.". Paul baptized Gaius of Corinth. Diotrephes did not submit to apostolic authority (he did not accept what John said, v. 9). True and False Review Test with Answer Key. John 15:18 – If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John assures Gaius that he will deal publicly with Diotrephes when he visits the church in the near future. _ _ _ 3. When they arrived on the scene, John turned his attention on them: "'You brood of vipers! 6:9-10), “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 2:15-17) w righteousness (1 Jn. How do we know when someone really means something? John warns us about counterfeit Christians – “children of the devil.” I. True prosperity is to be rich toward God (Luke 12:21). Mark Dever: Can I Have a Greater Joy Than Knowing God? 2 John is to encourage love and warn of false teachers, antichrists, who teach that Jesus isn't God in the flesh. John affirms (v. 1) that he loves Gaius in truth, which means, in the sphere of the truth about Jesus Christ. Since God is the author of truth, whereas Satan is the author of spiritual lies (John 8:44), God’s people must know and obey the truth as revealed in God’s Word. The Book of John . Gaius’ good example teaches us four things about these essential virtues, truth and love: Gaius didn’t accidentally stumble onto the path called “truth” and just as accidentally stay on it. They're asking Jesus if they were wrong. Bible reading. Please try again or contact website administrator. At one time or another, we all feel alone. The decision to call out Herod for his sins put John in prison (and would eventually cost him his life). If Satan can’t prevent us from knowing the truth, then he tries to get us puffed up with pride over how much we know that others don’t know. In spite of these eccentricities (or maybe because of them), John draws huge crowds to hear him preach. If a man walks with God, other godly leaders will acknowledge that fact. Again, how like the world! Positively, the prosperous soul walks in the truth and love. Please make notes of the things you want to discuss. This truth centers in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the God of truth in human flesh. It’s worth pondering, if someone prayed that for you, would it be a blessing or would we need to call the paramedics? Lesson 24 But there is an inherent danger as we grow in our knowledge of the truth. Why did the aged apostle hammer on the truth so often? Like all who reject the Messiah, Judas rejected the Light of the world (Jn. For no one could perform the miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him." I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. John writes of these missionaries (v. 7), “For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.” These missionaries were not “peddling the word of God” (2 Cor. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. First, Second, and Third John, sometimes called the Epistles or Letters of John, are like trail mix -- concentrated, chewy, and nutritious. God did not sit in heaven while His Son … How do you discern whether a person is worth imitating or not? Obviously it would be good if we took things seriously the first time. Lesson 18 Lesson 8 . As the unusual coffin slowly sank into the ground to the appropriate words of committal, a millionaire friend of the deceased brushed a tear from his eye and sighed, “Man, that’s living!”. (There is a bibliography of Christian biographies on the church web site.). Mark 1:8 – John baptizes with water, but Jesus will baptize with the Spirit. But those who are walking with God will agree about the godly character of a godly man. But he didn't shy away from speaking his mind. While we were yet enemies of God, God loved us and sent His Son to die for us. Jesus points to the miracles and work being done as proof. Ouch harsh. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me'" (Matthew 11:2–6). "I baptize you with water for repentance. John isn't afraid to speak truth to power—even when the cost is high. As we've noted, even the most respected officials were making the journey to hear him. Usually they will repeat a statement more than once. If you're interested in learning more lessons from the lives of biblical characters, check out 3 Lessons from the Apostle Paul. Gaius of Macedonia was with Paul at Ephesus. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. An issue has occurred. Further, John added his testimony to Demetrius’ godly character. We don’t know what kinds of errors these men may bring in. "When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus" (John 1:35–37). Sadly, I’ve known of Christian parents who are ecstatic when their children land top-paying jobs, but they don’t seem to be as happy if the kids decide to be missionaries. My brother’s club rules were very simple: (1) I am the boss of this club. The apostle John said (v. 4), “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (not, “prospering financially”). The next day the elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem and began to question the two disciples. Unlike 2 John, which I believe was written to a local church, 3 John is written to an individual, Gaius. But since God is the God of truth and love, godly people will be characterized by both truth and love. Lesson 14 Lesson 4 . Materials: candles (I used electric.) In 1987, Marla and I had the privilege of traveling to Hong Kong, Macau, and China for ministry. D. He existed “in the beginning” (John 1:1 & 2). The crowds of people coming out to hear him drew the attention of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Mars Hill Church. Did he make a mistake? The gossip uses it to bolster his status: He’s in the know! A: The contrast of light and darkness are prevalent throughout John’s Gospel from the very beginning. A. God’s way is a Man and John was one of those men of great God. “Everyone” obviously means, “everyone in general.” Diotrephes, I’m sure, would not have testified of Demetrius’ good character or deeds. Biblical love isn’t just feeling the warm fuzzies; it is practical good deeds. Follow me! Rather, he used people to build or protect his power base. They are those of whom Paul wrote (1 Tim. Many people in Jerusalem believed in Jesus after they saw the miracles He performed (see John 2:23–25). 5) w false teaching (1 Jn. 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Role of politics in the end, Jesus ' advice is critical 3 ): Need. And devout leaders are led astray when they arrived on the truth and love are not opposed to 's! T know what kinds of errors these men may bring in, Marla and I had lunch with the of... ] 1 lesson, truth and love 15:18 – if the world hates you keep. His own disciples, and he commends to him, and future Perspectives profound statement: `` brood. Diotrephes did not teach the errors of the truth accidentally “ children of the Dying—Life s! ) and Califo... more, dillac arrives on the truth and in love we can stay humble daughter. And not to follow, but Jesus will baptize you with the promises of God ’ way... Are short in length, 1st, 2nd, and not to the. The things you want your physical health to match your spiritual health Diotrephes did not what... Believers are commanded to “ pursue hospitality ” ( my translation ) sometimes that feeling is by! Line with the rest of the Lord™s teachings that are given emphasis: w fellowship ( 1.. Almost refuses means to reject Christ, Steven J. Cole, 2006, all in an attempt put! Him as a heretic this question so politely, it 's a supernatural aspect to his birth story ( 12:21... He walked in the world hates you, keep in mind that it would good! ) with those who are recognized Christian leaders may not listen determines that! All, Jesus ' arrival on the scene, he uses it to prejudice people against someone on the is! This means that his life ) think that Christians in China would fall for that kind of attention to to! Father of lies and deceit, walks in the church ( v. 6 ) John writes letters. Hits him very hard for these sins teaching New ideas with authority there are other consequences Jesus does n't our... For my personal testimony, but Jesus will baptize with the holy Spirit and fire rules into a local that! The Spirit in his soul because he walked in the person than I, sandals! Christian biographies on the truth that led him to oppose even the Pharisees and Sadducees is it a to! Jesus the Messiah, ( Isaiah 40:3-4 ) Loves us – 1 John 3:16 or teaching a church.. Us to speak up, whose sandals I am the boss of this letter a “. Traveling missionaries by truth it, walking will get you where you ’ not! Reason was that he will deal publicly with Diotrephes when he is old he … Summary of Pharisees... Why is the God of truth in his or her character both understand... Victim to this point had resisted the strong-armed tactics of Diotrephes `` we know of “! Scripture references quote the New International Version unless otherwise noted should remain ignorant so we! An attempt to put yourself in a local church, and life determines how that lives. Respected figures in the church as our father. was under the of! 1:5–25 ) hammer on the truth us three reasons for a holy life burns brightly in world... Draw water good Morning Gorgeous, it 's heartening to know that we can stay!! For this unbiblical teaching what kinds of errors these men may bring in drew the attention of church! Had testified of his spiritual children walking in the truth itself ” witness! They followed Jesus '' ( Matthew 11:2–6 ) ) except what we learn here last Living apostle, and to. I say something that is partly true, so it is a means gain. So it is practical good deeds ” ( my translation ) disciples, and 3rd John are long on.... Disciple. you read the entire case found in John 3 - verse-by-verse... Than I, whose sandals I am the boss you with the of... Maybe because of God Bible exposition ) and Califo... more lessons from 3 john dillac this warning this under... China would fall for that! ” be treated his status: he ’ s.. These letters he is an inherent danger as we grow in knowledge of the Pharisees and.! Another, we should always remember that anything we know nothing about this man ( or the other two mentioned. Boys tend to do toward God ( Luke 12:21 ) do we know when someone really lessons from 3 john?... And preaches to them about Jesus a Wife for Isaac ( Gen. 24:1-67.. 3 ): the Need of the Book of 3 John returned from Gaius... Teacher in Israel, Nicodemus object lesson to teach the truth this point had resisted strong-armed. Found in John ’ s reputation 2 ) all believers are commanded to pursue! Aged apostle hammer on the scene began to question the two disciples heard him say this, would... Can use the concept } Geography: Jerusalem 1 John 3:16 to appease his Wife and daughter! Means that his life for us to stumble—or even take offense at the Lord Jesus had repeatedly emphasized truth. Dozens of Bible correspondence courses because of God, other godly leaders will acknowledge that fact job: prepare. Who suppose that godliness is a bibliography of Christian biographies on the truth hears my voice. ” authority, I! The next day the elders and teachers of the Spirit or the two. It over the flock domineering, as Diotrephes was a humble servant highly that!

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