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3 John

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Faithfulness, Fellowship, and Facing Down Pride

A Study Guide for Godly Influence and Discernment in Ministry

1. Introduction: A Personal Letter with Public Lessons

  • Written by the apostle John to a believer named Gaius.

  • This brief letter contrasts three men: Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius.

  • The focus is on how we treat others—especially those who serve the gospel.

Reflection: Your influence in the church matters—not by your title, but by how you treat people and support the truth.

2. Gaius: A Model of Faithfulness

  • John commends Gaius for walking in truth and showing hospitality to traveling missionaries (3 John 1–8).

  • He rejoices that Gaius’s actions match his beliefs.

  • Gaius supported gospel workers even though they were strangers to him.

Takeaway: Love and truth work together—and practical support for ministry is spiritual fruit.

3. Diotrephes: A Warning About Prideful Leadership

  • Diotrephes rejected John’s authority, spread false accusations, and refused to welcome faithful workers (3 John 9–10).

  • He even tried to excommunicate those who did the right thing.

Lesson: Pride in leadership is dangerous. A controlling spirit can harm the church more than false teaching.

4. Demetrius: A Good Reputation Matters

  • John affirms Demetrius as someone “well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself” (3 John 12).

  • Reputation isn’t everything—but it reflects consistent character.

Encouragement: Stay faithful in the quiet, honest, humble things. People—and God—notice.

5. Walk in the Truth, Love the Brethren

  • This short letter reinforces John’s consistent theme: truth and love go hand in hand.

  • Faithfulness is not just believing the gospel—it’s backing it with action.

  • Hospitality, integrity, and humility are marks of godliness.

Reminder: Real ministry isn’t about being seen—it’s about being faithful.

6. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On

  • 3 John 4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

  • 3 John 5 – “It is a faithful thing you do… for these brothers, strangers as they are.”

  • 3 John 11 – “Do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God…”

7. Questions for Discussion or Journaling

  1. What makes Gaius a model believer?

  2. Why is hospitality such a powerful expression of the gospel?

  3. How does Diotrephes serve as a warning for modern church leadership?

  4. What qualities in Demetrius would you want said about you?

  5. What does John mean when he says to “imitate good”?

  6. How can you support those who serve in gospel ministry—even if you’re not on the front lines?