Podcasts about Diotrephes

John concludes his epistles with living examples, commending Gaius and Demetrius for imitation, and condemning Diotrephes' opposition to the gospel messengers. The post 1, 2 & 3 John Episode 10: Commendations and Condemnations from John appeared first on Two Journeys.

John concludes his epistles with living examples, commending Gaius and Demetrius for imitation, and condemning Diotrephes' opposition to the gospel messengers. The post 1, 2 & 3 John Episode 10: Commendations and Condemnations from John appeared first on Two Journeys.

John concludes his epistles with living examples, commending Gaius and Demetrius for imitation, and condemning Diotrephes' opposition to the gospel messengers. The post 1, 2 & 3 John Episode 10: Commendations and Condemnations from John appeared first on Two Journeys.

John concludes his epistles with living examples, commending Gaius and Demetrius for imitation, and condemning Diotrephes' opposition to the gospel messengers. The post 1, 2 & 3 John Episode 10: Commendations and Condemnations from John appeared first on Two Journeys.

MAY. 4, 2025Why can't we work together? (1)"Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence." 3Jn v. 9 NKJVReason one: insecurity. The Florentine philosopher Machiavelli said, "The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him." Insecure leaders are threatened by talented individuals, so they surround themselves with weak people. As a result, the work suffers, and everybody involved suffers too. When a leader responds to a genuine question by saying, "How dare you challenge my authority," they're dangerous and often not worth following. Insecure leaders usually fail for two reasons: They want to maintain control over everything, or they're afraid of being replaced by someone more competent.Either way, leaders who don't encourage teamwork weaken their own potential and discourage those around them. President Woodrow Wilson said, "We should not only use all the brains we have, but all that we can borrow." John the Apostle tells us that Diotrephes, a leader in the church, "loves to have the preeminence." What was this man's problem? He wanted to blow everybody else's light out in order to let his own light shine. So, John writes: "When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church. Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God" (3Jn vs. 10-11 NLT). Let God's approval— which you already have—make you secure!Why can't we work together? Let God's approval make you secure!Share This Devotional"Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul." 1Sa 14:7 NIVReason two: naivety. An old Chinese proverb says, "Behind every able man there are always other able men." Even if you can do the job yourself, isn't it wise to stop and ask, "Who do I know who could help me to do it better?" That question defines the difference between mediocrity and excellence. Business consultant John Ghegan keeps a sign on his desk that reads, "If I had it to do all over again, I'd get help." We all need that sign! When you have a few victories under your belt, you're at an increased risk of thinking you can do anything and everything by yourself. But when your dream is from God, it will always be greater than your individual capacity and gifts, which means you will have to reach for others. Two men, Jonathan, and his armor-bearer, wiped out an entire Philistine garrison. How? "Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, 'Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.' 'Do all that you have in mind, his armor-bearer said. 'Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul'" (vv. 6-7 NIV). Jonathan, the leader, needed the encouragement and support of his armor-bearer. And his armor-bearer needed the courage and leadership of Jonathan. Together they accomplished amazing things for God.The truth is teamwork is at the heart of all impressive triumphs. The question isn't whether teams have value; it's whether you are humble enough to acknowledge that fact and become a better team player.Why can't we work together?  Become a better team player.Share This DevotiSend us a textSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

I. Diotrephes' Love for PreeminenceII. John's Promise to Remember

When the Apostle John wrote to his dearly beloved friend Gaius, he commended him for walking in the truth, which brought him immense joy. Gaius was distinguished by his openness and hospitality to outsiders, highlighting a stark contrast to Diotrephes. This illustrates the vast difference between spiritual prosperity and backsliding. We explore seven signs of spiritual decline compared to seven signs of spiritual health.

Pastor Lance shares that true spiritual life is rooted in faith in Jesus, with Scripture serving as divine guidance. He emphasizes the importance of humility and service, contrasting self-love with the call to servanthood. He talks about the negative influence of Diotrephes highlighting the need for godly leadership and a return to true Christian values.

Pastor Phelps preaches on 3 John, comparing Gaius with Diotrephes and asking us the probing question, "Who are you like?" Message originally preached Sunday morning March 2, 2025.

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3 John 1-15   1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I was overjoyed when brothers came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 5 Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brothers and sisters, and especially when they are strangers; 6 and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we may prove to be fellow workers with the truth. 9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with malicious words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brothers either, and he forbids those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does what is good is of God; the one who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we testify too, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I had many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.     BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener's Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Daily Dose of Hope February 25, 2025 Day 3 of Week 48   Scripture:  Ezra 5-6; 3 John   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope!  This is the devotional and podcast that goes along with the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.   Our Old Testament reading is Ezra 5 and 6.  Work on the temple had been delayed (due to the opposition) for about sixteen years. Now, it was time to get back to work, time for a new beginning. However, the restarting of construction arouses suspicion among the pagan politicians of the area. Thus, they inquire of the Jews about the building project.   The Jewish leaders quite eloquently laid out a brief history of the temple, why it was destroyed, and why they were rebuilding. But the governor of the area is determined to get to the bottom of the situation. He actually sends a letter to the king to verify that Cyrus really did give permission for this work to take place. But we see God's hand of intervention here. The governor does not stop the work, he allows it to go on as they are waiting to hear back. Keep in mind, it could take five or six months to simply receive a reply. The Jewish people are faithful, they keep working hard on the temple, unsure of what the king's answer will be. Ultimately, they trust God. They forge ahead, trusting that God is the one who has authority over every human king and governor.  The Lord of all will ensure that HIS will is done.   In chapter 6, the decree from King Cyrus was found in the royal archives and sure enough, it was clear that Cyrus had given permission and resources for the Jewish people to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. King Darius wrote back stating that the Jews were to be left alone in the building, no more obstacles, and that their expenses were to be paid from the royal treasury! Wow! God is pretty amazing. Thus, work resumed on the Temple until it was complete.   When they finished, there was a big celebration. They dedicated the house of God with many animal sacrifices, by properly installing the priests, and then celebrating Passover with one another. This got me thinking about celebrations. How important it is for us to celebrate together as a people of God. We need times of fellowship and joy as a way to remind one another of the amazing work of our God. In the midst of everyday tasks and the struggles of daily life, we forget. We have short memories. Friends, we need to celebrate. We need to come together, to laugh, to dine, to say, “Our God is so good!” Honestly, I don't think we celebrate enough. We need to work these experiences into the rhythm of church.   John's third letter is the shortest book in the Bible. Unlike 2 John, which is addressed to a whole church, this letter is addressed to an individual named Gaius but also includes references to two other people–Diotrephes (the troublemaker) and Demetrius (probably the bearer of the letter). There isn't a lot of theological meat in the letter but it does give insight into church dynamics, particularly personality conflicts and the fact John fears his authority is being dismissed.   If you read through the text (and I hope you all have), the general sense of the letter is one of encouragement and praise up until we get to the main issue. It seems there is a problem that John feels the need to address. Diotrephes is refusing to host the missionaries that John is sending to the church; a failure to show hospitality would have been shocking in their culture and certainly embarrassing for John. The phrase “who loves to be first” might be better understood as the one who wants the authority for himself. His refusal of the missionaries wasn't just a rejection of the missionaries but truly disrespect and rejection of John himself. Plus, Diotrephes is spreading gossip and refusing to welcome other believers. He is ruling the church with an iron fist. No wonder John feels the need to address this issue immediately. This has the potential to destroy the young church and damage their witness for Jesus in the community.   I know this will be shocking but ambition, arrogance, and gossip still have a tendency to find their way into the church (I know, gasp!) They are just as damaging, just as destructive, just as heart-breaking today as they were then. I'm guessing that all of us know at least one person who was hurt by a church-goer who was too heavy-handed, patronizing, dehumanizing, or just plain mean. People leave churches all the time because of these things. For me, it is literally painful to think about. And yet, I totally get it. Churches are filled with humans and humans are sinful.   So what's the answer? How do we get a group of sinful people to live the faith and not be all about themselves? The only answer is Jesus within us. It was the only answer in John's day and it's the only answer now. We must actually have the desire and the motivation for Jesus to transform us, I mean really change our hearts. We have to repent of our selfishness, humble ourselves, and allow God to use us as HE pleases.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Teacher: Adam BarnettThe elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name. – 3 John 1:1-15 “3 John is a treasure that provides a glimpse into early church dynamics, provides a much-needed exhortation to Christians today, and makes a significant theological claim about where the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be found.” – Karen Jobes1 - Walk in the truth.“If we were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us?” - Josh McDowell 2 - Practice hospitality.When we extend hospitality, we make our faith visible. 3 - Imitate good.Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. – 3 John 1:11Who has influence in my life, and is their example one I should imitate?

“Walking in Truth and Love Through Hospitality”  February 23, 2025 3 John Pastor John Choi  Sermon Application [file]   ----more---- 3 John 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.  2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.  9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name. Christians walk in truth and love by imitating Christ and lifting up one another.          •  Prosperity gained in truth and love (1-4)           •  Others lifted up in truth and love (5-10)           •  Christ imitated in truth and love (11-14)

The Apostle John's letter to Gaius encourages emulating goodness over evil, highlighting the behaviors of Demetrius and Diotrephes. John stresses that our choices reflect our understanding of God, linking small acts of kindness to divine presence. Through intentional decisions, we embody Christ's love and goodness in daily life.

3 John 1-15 The book of 3rd John is a study of personalities—about three men with very different personalities, Diotrephes, Demetrius and Gaius.  And in these men we see a picture of the church, both then and now.  Dr. James Boice contrasts these three men and directs us in the characteristics of the ones that we should follow.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." These words, penned by the apostle John, echo through the centuries, reminding us of the profound connection between truth and joy in the Christian life. This letter is addressed to a Christian leader named Gaius, whom John commends for his hospitality and faithfulness to the truth. However, another—Diotrephes—is criticized for his pride and rejection of church authority.  The Rev. David Boisclair, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 3 John.  In these epistles, John defends the truth of Jesus Christ against false teachings, calling believers to remain steadfast in their faith and grounded in the apostolic witness. He emphasizes the essential connection between truth, love, and fellowship, urging Christians to walk in the light, love one another, and reject anything that denies the person and work of Jesus.  Through 1 John, we explore the assurance of salvation, the battle between light and darkness, and the call to abide in Christ. In 2 John, we are reminded of the importance of holding fast to the truth while guarding against deceivers. Finally, in 3 John, we see a personal glimpse into the challenges of church leadership, hospitality, and Christian unity.  Together, these letters challenge us to live faithfully as God's children in a world that opposes His truth.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The books of 1 2 & 3 John, are letters written by the Apostle John, emphasising the importance of love, truth, and fellowship with God. John encourages the relatively new Christian movement of believers – the Church - to walk in the light, love one another, and reject false teachings. He highlights the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ and the need for believers to live righteously, reflecting God's love in their actions. In 2 John, John writes a brief letter to a specific church congregation, urging them to continue walking in truth and love. Again, he warns against false teachers who deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ and encourages the recipients to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ. 3 John is a personal letter from the Apostle John to his friend Gaius. John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality towards traveling missionaries. He contrasts Gaius's positive example with the negative behavior of Diotrephes, who refuses to welcome the missionaries and seeks to undermine John's authority. The book of Jude, written by Jude, the brother of James (and half brother of Jesus), warns against false teachers who have infiltrated the Christian community. Jude urges believers to contend for the faith and remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ. He highlights the importance of building oneself up in faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and showing mercy to those who doubt. Jude concludes with a beautiful blessing, praising God for His ability to keep believers from falling and to present them blameless before His presence.

The Apostle John wants to see the gospel grow and multiply throughout the world. And there are a few key ways the local church can facilitate that growth. By thinking of ourselves less and sacrificing for others more, we can all participate in the supernatural growth of the gospel.Application Questions: 1. Who are the brothers and sisters serving the kingdom who need your hospitality and support?2. Where do you see the spirit of Diotrephes at work in the church or in your own heart?3. Who is a "Demetrius" in your life? Who, specifically, should you be imitating?

In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld talks about the challenges and beauty of the local church, using the short book of 3 John. He compares the faithfulness of Gaius, who welcomed traveling missionaries, with the actions of Diotrephes, a church leader who sought power. Dr. Neufeld also highlights Demetrius, a faithful believer whose life showed godliness and truth. These examples remind us of the importance of staying faithful in the church, even with its flaws, and how everyday Christians can make a lasting impact by living out their faith.A Portrait of Christian Faithfulness: In spite of its brevity, 3 John provides us with a portrait of what faithful Christians in the early church did when it came to living a life of faith. It is a reference point of what a life of faithfulness should look like—even if we don't work in full-time ministry. It's amazing what God can do when we allow ourselves to be taught by His Word! A characteristic of a faithful Christian is someone who fully trusts God with their life without wavering, but what else does faithfulness entail? Does living a life of faith stop inside of us, or is faithfulness a quality that others can see from the outside?

Pride and power can be dangerous forces within the church. Dr. John Neufeld explores the story of Diotrephes from 3 John 9-10, a man who, driven by self-importance, rejects the authority of the apostles and manipulates the church for personal gain. In contrast, Gaius serves as an example of humility and faithfulness. This study challenges us to reflect on the destructive nature of pride and the importance of humility in our walk with Christ.A Portrait of Christian Faithfulness: In spite of its brevity, 3 John provides us with a portrait of what faithful Christians in the early church did when it came to living a life of faith. It is a reference point of what a life of faithfulness should look like—even if we don't work in full-time ministry. It's amazing what God can do when we allow ourselves to be taught by His Word! A characteristic of a faithful Christian is someone who fully trusts God with their life without wavering, but what else does faithfulness entail? Does living a life of faith stop inside of us, or is faithfulness a quality that others can see from the outside?

Jesus is the good shepherd – and in this world of sin and death (Romans 5 v.12) how urgent it is to find and hear the voice of the good shepherd.  There have been many shepherds over the Centuries that have been good up to a point; for example, David, Solomon, Elijah and Hezekiah – and in recent Centuries, men of the calibre of Tyndale may well qualify. But they have been far outnumbered by worthless shepherds – and sadly is that not just about totally the situation today? Our thoughts travelled along these lines as we read the 11th chapter of Zedekiah.  Verse 12 has that intriguing reference to those “who weighed out my wages thirty pieces of silver.”  Those who readily paid over the money to Judas Iscariot were extreme examples of worthless shepherds, totally blind to the “good shepherd” . The one who received the 30 pieces of silver was the worthless one among the 12 Jesus was training to be shepherds to take his place after he left the earth. Do such shepherds exist today?   The final verse of Zechariah 11 says, “Woe to my worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock …”     Tragically worthless shepherds think they are serving God – the scribes and Pharisees are outstanding examples of this. They have existed in every generation; John, in his old age, wrote of a church leader called Diotrephes (see 3 John v.9,10) who was such a person and John adds, “whoever does evil has not seen God.”  Our minds must have spiritual vision to “see” God.  Doing evil starts in small ways, but whether small or not so small, there is a common factor says Jesus, “the world …. hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.” [John 7 v.7] Do we avoid reading God's word because it pricks our conscience?  It is tragic that worthless shepherds think they are serving God, Diotrephes surely did, but those who constantly read and absorb God's word, learn to be in awe of God, and so progressively develop an attitude that fits them to be seen by God and His Son as worthy shepherds, In the process of this they learn what it is to endure:- this brings us to our concluding thought in today's ch. 13 of Revelation. Verse 8 tells us of “the book of life” and those whose names are not written there. How tragic!  But then comes the challenge -“If anyone has an ear, let him hear … here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.” [v.10,11]  And as we try to endure we can add a parallel thought, ‘if anyone has an eye, let him read' and, as a result, really follow in the footsteps of the good shepherd.

Text:  3 John Main Idea: Doing spiritual Good to others testifies that we are walking in the truth I. Be like Gaius: live a testimony of the truth in love(v.5-8) II. Don't be like Diotrephes: It is bad to put yourself first (9-10) III. Be like Demetrius: His testimony points to God (10-11)  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:  1. What does it mean to "walk in the truth," and how does this look in our daily lives? 2. How can we, like Gaius, show love and hospitality to strangers or those working for the sake of the gospel? 3. What dangers do we face when we put ourselves first, as Diotrephes did, and how can we guard against this in our own lives? 4. What does it mean to “imitate good” (verse 11), and how can we follow the example of those with a good testimony like Demetrius?  5. How can we actively seek out examples of godly living and apply those examples to our own lives? Who in your life can you imitate as they follow Christ?

In this episode, we dive into 3 John, exploring the life of Gaius, a man who faithfully supported missionaries, despite opposition from Diotrephes, a self-centered church leader. Through Gaius' example, we learn the importance of being a rope-holder—supporting those who carry the gospel to new places. We'll also look at the dangers of selfish leadership that can disrupt a church's mission. This episode calls us to examine how we support missionaries and serve alongside those spreading the good news. Join us as we unpack the lessons of generosity, selflessness, and the critical role of supporting God's global mission.

In this concluding sermon of the "Truth & Love" series, we explore the Apostle John's final letter, 3 John, where he emphasizes the inseparable nature of truth and love. Through his words to Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius, John illustrates the power of words and the importance of speaking the truth in love. The sermon highlights Gaius's faithfulness and hospitality, offers correction to Diotrephes's self-centeredness, and affirms Demetrius's good reputation. Listeners are encouraged to practice hospitality, embrace godly correction, and affirm others, all while holding fast to the objective truth found in God's Word. Join us as we delve into how these timeless principles can transform our relationships and communities. For more information about our church, visit npfcc.org To help support the ongoing work of NPFCC and our mission partners around the globe, you can make a donation at npfcc.org/give

3 John: Truth and Faithfulness among Friends A Survey of the Bible For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. Message Slides3 John Chart - WilsonIntroduction to 3 John - John HannahThe Occasion of 2 & 3 John - Danny AkinIntroduction to 2 & 3 John - Andrea KöstenbergerThemes in 2 & 3 John - Joel WilliamsContext: Who, Where, When, and Why?• Who composed 3 John?• Who was John's original audience?• When was 3 John written? • Where were the author and his readers?• Why was 3 John written? Content: How and What? COMMENDATION - Gaius is Faithful (1-8) . - Salutation (1-4) - Hospitality for Traveling Brothers in Christ (5) - A Worthy Reputation for Worthy Hospitality (6) - A Partnership Worthy of the Truth (7-8). CONDEMNATION - Diotrephes is Disruptive (9-10). - Character: He is arrogant and unteachable (9). - Spiteful Conduct: He is a malicious gossip (10a). - Divisive Conduct: He does not welcome brothers (10b). - Disruptive Conduct: He removes his opponents (10c). COMMENDATION - Demetrius is worthy (11-15) - Do what is right and prove you are from God (11). - Demetrius is affirmed (12). - Epilogue: Plans for a Visit and Greeting (13-15)• What is the message of 3 John? Conviction: So What?• Where does 3 John fit? - With only 219 words (in the original Greek) 3 John is the shortest New Testament book and the shortest book in the entire Bible. - Unlike 1 and 2 John which are written to churches, this letter is written to an individual named Gaius. It also includes references to two others; a warning about Diotrephes and a commendation of Demetrius. - This personal communication gives us some important insight into the life of the early church.• What should we believe? - Taking care of other believers, even if they are strangers, is an important aspect of church life. - Divisive conduct in the church is a significant issue and should be addressed directly. - Christian community should be grounded in good conduct.• How should we behave? - Live a lifestyle shaped by the truth of God's Word. - Take care of believers, even if you do not know them well. - Be discerning about divisive people in your church community.Next Steps • Be faithful to the truth and to other believers.• Beware of divisive people.• Embrace believers with a good reputation. This Week's Growth GuideGod's Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.•. Monday - 3 John 1-6•. Tuesday - 3 John 7-8•. Wednesday - 3 John 9-10•. Thursday - 3 John 11-12•. Friday - 3 John 13-14Home Church Questions• Read the text together. How did Ken's message apply to you personally?• Gaius showed loving hospitality to the Christians who were strangers (verse 5). Read Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2, and 1 Peter 4:9. Do you find opening your home to other believers, even strangers, difficult or easy for you? Why is that?• What two types of assistance does John describe for Christian workers in verses 5 through 8? Would John suggest this assistance is prompted by duty or opportunity? Why (see verse 8)?• How are you (or how can you be) involved in supporting the work of those who have extended the reach of the gospel?• Look closely at verses 9 and 10 and find the various character faults of Diotrephes. When and in what ways do these self-love and self-promotion faults show up in your life? • How will these affect your life if you continue to let them guide your attitudes and actions?• In what ways do those same attitudes and actions of Diotrephes create divisions in the church? How can you help prevent this happening in our church?MISSION HIGHLIGHT - Pray for the Unreached: The North Yemeni Arabs in Yemen Yemen has a population of 13.3 million, with Islam as the dominant religion and Arabic as the spoken language. Christians make up less than 0.1%, and there is no reported movement of the gospel or written/oral scripture available in the country. Workers are needed to serve the population, with 266 required for a ratio of 1 worker per 50,000 people. Focus prayer on healing the trauma of Yemeni families affected by war, famine, and other hardships. Pray for spiritual hunger among leaders and the spread of God's Word through accessible formats like phone apps and audio.FinancesWeekly Budget 35,297Giving For 10/06 47,517Giving For 10/13 20,813YTD Budget 529,457 Giving 462,583OVER/(UNDER) (66,874)Celebrating 25 years with Ken and DawnJoin us tonight, 5-7:00 p.m., as we gather to continue to celebrate Ken and Dawn with a church-wide picnic - hamburgers, hotdogs, and pulled pork. Bring your lawn chairs and a note to Ken expressing how the Lord has used his time at Fellowship to impact your life. New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Operation Christmas Child• Operation Christmas Child season is in full swing. The GO Store, located in Downtown Conway, is the perfect place for you to buy approved items to put in your box for a fraction of the cost of retail. That means, if you plan to pack 1 box, you might be able to pack 2 or 3 boxes for the same amount! • Build a shoebox online: You can give boys and girls in need a tangible expression of God's love through a gift-filled shoebox packed from your computer or handheld device. In just a few clicks, you can select toys and other fun items to include as well as a letter and photo to delight the heart of a child. Visit our website to learn more: fellowshipconway.org/occ. • We need MANY volunteers for OCC Collection Week, November 18 - 25, so please visit the Fellowship app on your phone and click the OCC icon to sign up or fellowshipconway.org/occ Fellowship Kids Family HikeFellowship families plan to join us on Saturday, November 9, at 10:00 a.m. Please bring a picnic lunch and meet us on the playground at Woolly Hollow. We will head out for a fun hike and come back to enjoy a picnic lunch together. Fellowship 101We invite you to join us on Sunday, November 10, at 9:00 a.m. to learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to hear about our mission, values, and our ministries. If you're new to Fellowship, join us in the conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. Feed the Need - Sunday, November 3, 10-2:00 p.m.Multiple ways to serve! First, we need 24 volunteers to serve the day of the event at the Walmart Neighborhood Market. Volunteers will sort, box, load, and help spread the word! Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. Second, you can go to one of the participating grocery stores, shop for items on the list, and drop them with the volunteers in the parking lot! Let's help this year's event be a great success!

0327 丟特腓 Diotrephes by 靈修廣播站

Bible Basics with Mike Roberts Ep355 - Could I be an Unwitting Diotrephes

The Darkness of Diotrephes by Strong Tower Bible Church

In the book of 3rd John, John calls out a man named Diotrephes, the leader of a house Church, for acting like a jerk. Diotrephes is a consumer, and life has become all about him. How do we stop being consumers and start being contributors when it comes to our walk with Jesus? 3 John 1-15 Speaker: David Wyman

In the book of 3rd John, John calls out a man named Diotrephes, the leader of a house Church, for acting like a jerk. Diotrephes is a consumer, and life has become all about him. How do we stop being consumers and start being contributors when it comes to our walk with Jesus? 3 John 1-15 Speaker: Tim Sullivan

In the book of 3rd John, John calls out a man named Diotrephes, the leader of a house Church, for acting like a jerk. Diotrephes is a consumer, and life has become all about him. How do we stop being consumers and start being contributors when it comes to our walk with Jesus? 3 John 1-15 Speaker: Bob Kadlecik 

In the book of 3rd John, John calls out a man named Diotrephes, the leader of a house Church, for acting like a jerk. Diotrephes is a consumer, and life has become all about him. How do we stop being consumers and start being contributors when it comes to our walk with Jesus? 3 John 1-15 Speaker: Kevin Ozolins 

In the book of 3rd John, John calls out a man named Diotrephes, the leader of a house Church, for acting like a jerk. Diotrephes is a consumer, and life has become all about him. How do we stop being consumers and start being contributors when it comes to our walk with Jesus? 3 John 1-15 Speaker: Aaron Patton

Have you ever wondered how early church leaders balanced authority and hospitality while spreading the gospel? In this episode, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston delve into the book of Third John as part of their New Testament overview series. They discuss the letter's background, authorship, themes, and key characters, emphasizing the importance of authority in the church and hospitality. Through engaging pop quizzes and insightful commentary, they explore how the Apostle John addressed the challenges faced by early Christians, particularly the commendable actions of Gaius and the problematic behavior of Diotrephes. The episode concludes with reflections on how modern Christians can extend hospitality within their communities.[00:00 - 05:21] Introduction and OverviewTiffany and Pastor Jeff introduce the Third John and a brief letter with 15 verses.Pastor Jeff quizzes listeners on other one-chapter books in the New Testament.They discuss the authorship of Third John and John's self-identification as "the elder."[05:22 - 11:00] Background on John and GaiusPastor Jeff shares a detailed background on the Apostle John, his life, and his writings.He explores Gaius's identity, including possible mentions in other New Testament books.[11:01 - 16:05] Breakdown of Third JohnVerses 1-8: Commendation of Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling Christian teachers.Verses 9-10: Critique of Diotrephes for his rejection of authority and refusal to welcome missionaries.Verses 11-14: Praise for Demetrius and John's concluding remarks.[16:06 - 22:06] Theological ThemesAuthority in the church: John's guidance on dealing with church leadership and those proclaiming the truth.Hospitality: The importance of welcoming and supporting those who serve in ministry.[22:07 - 24:24] ConclusionPastor Jeff and Tiffany share reflections on extending hospitality within the church.They encourage listeners to apply theological insights to their daily lives.Direct Quotes:"John writes for the sake of the name and they receive no monetary support from the Gentiles." – Pastor Jeff Cranston"It takes a degree of trust and acceptance to be hospitable to others, especially to strangers." – Tiffany CokerJoin the ConversationWe love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org.Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranstonRemember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for lis

Revelation 10 (CEV)Andrew and Edwin consider how John includes in his writing hints, clues, and statements of his authority over and against the voices with which the message of truth competes among the churches.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=16683The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_________________Pentecost You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. - Acts 1:8 Confession Officiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen. Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. Invitatory & Psalms Officiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us.  Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Venite Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord renews the face of the earth: Come let us adore him. Alleluia. Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land. Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord renews the face of the earth: Come let us adore him. Alleluia. Psalm 20 Exaudiat te Dominus BCP p. 608 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, * the Name of the God of Jacob defend you; Send you help from his holy place * and strengthen you out of Zion; Remember all your offerings * and accept your burnt sacrifice; Grant you your heart's desire * and prosper all your plans. We will shout for joy at your victory and triumph in the Name of our God; * may the Lord grant all your requests. Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed; * he will answer him out of his holy heaven, with the victorious strength of his right hand. Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, * but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall down, * but we will arise and stand upright. O Lord, give victory to the king * and answer us when we call. Psalm 21 Domine, in virtute tua BCP p. 608 The king rejoices in your strength, O Lord; * how greatly he exults in your victory! You have given him his heart's desire; * you have not denied him the request of his lips. For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, * and set a crown of fine gold upon his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: * length of days, for ever and ever. His honor is great, because of your victory; * splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him. For you will give him everlasting felicity * and will make him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king puts his trust in the Lord; * because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he will not fall. [Your hand will lay hold upon all your enemies; * your right hand will seize all those who hate you. You will make them like a fiery furnace * at the time of your appearing, O Lord; You will swallow them up in your wrath, * and fire shall consume them. You will destroy their offspring from the land * and their descendants from among the peoples of the earth. Though they intend evil against you and devise wicked schemes, * yet they shall not prevail. For you will put them to flight * and aim your arrows at them. Be exalted, O Lord, in your might; * we will sing and praise your power.] Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Lessons Prov. 8:22-36 A Reading from the Book of Proverbs. The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth-- when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world's first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race. And now, my children, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Happy is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; but those who miss me injure themselves; all who hate me love death." Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. 21. You are God Te Deum laudamus You are God: we praise you; You are the Lord; we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:    Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,    heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;    Father, of majesty unbounded,    your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,    and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge.    Come then, Lord, and help your people,    bought with the price of your own blood,    and bring us with your saints    to glory everlasting. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. 3 John 1-15 A Reading from the Third Letter of John. The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you; they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on in a manner worthy of God; for they began their journey for the sake of Christ, accepting no support from non-believers. Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we may become co-workers with the truth. I have written something to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing in spreading false charges against us. And not content with those charges, he refuses to welcome the friends, and even prevents those who want to do so and expels them from the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. Everyone has testified favorably about Demetrius, and so has the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true. I have much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink; instead I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face. Peace to you. The friends send you their greetings. Greet the friends there, each by name.   Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. 16. The Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus - Luke 1: 68-79 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, * born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Prayers Officiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The Lord's Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The Suffrages Show us your mercy, O Lord;And grant us your salvation.Clothe your ministers with righteousness;Let your people sing with joy.Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care;And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. Proper 2 Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with free hearts those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. A Collect for Peace O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Collect for Grace Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For Mission Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Thanksgivings The General Thanksgiving Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. Chrysostom Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. Conclusion Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia. Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.Ephesians 3:20,21

In this new reflection, Jonathan shares the Biblical principles of teamwork and selflessness that should be found within the church community. Continuing from last week's reflection, "Are you walking in truth?", Jonathan recounts the story of Bill Romanowski, an incredibly talented former NFL player known for his less-than-ideal teamwork. His story is a modern parallel to the Biblical account of Diotrephes, who prioritized self-interest over communal harmony. Join us as we uncover what the Bible says about true servanthood and how we can walk as godly team members daily.After you listen to this episode, you may have questions. We would love to hear from you! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/CandidAlso, join the conversation on our social media pages:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpodTwitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod 

3 John (ESV)Andrew and Edwin consider the often overlooked description of Christians and disciples found at the end of 3 John: Friends.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=15863The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

3 John (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin consider the notion of being fellow workers in the gospel of Jesus. We won't all be doing the same work, but we all need to be working in some way for the gospel.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=15853The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Listen to the full-length version or read the manuscript of this message here: https://wfth.me/postcards.  Before the creation of the earth, the sin of pride caused separation from God. And since he was cast out of heaven, the prince of this world--Satan--has been using this insidious offense to establish a wedge between us and the Lord. In these verses from his short letter to a friend, the Apostle John warns us of a prideful church leader, describing five symptoms of pride so we can recognize this soul disease in others ... and in ourselves.

In this episode of "The Bible Study with Dr. Stephen Lawson," Dr. Lawson delves into the concluding verses of 3 John, emphasizing the importance of personal connection and ministerial care. Addressing Gaius, John's letter highlights the necessity of face-to-face communication in ministry, especially when dealing with complex church issues like those caused by Diotrephes. Dr. Lawson reflects on how ministry transcends mere doctrinal teaching, underscoring the need for personal involvement and the development of deep, trustful relationships within the church community. He connects John's heartfelt approach to modern ministry, reminding us that personal attention and immediate action are often crucial in handling church matters effectively.

In this insightful episode of "The Bible Study with Steven Lawson," Dr. Lawson delves into the crucial topic of role models in the Christian life, drawing from 3 John. Emphasizing the significance of choosing the right influences, he contrasts the negative example of Diotrephes with the commendable qualities of Demetrius. Lawson highlights the impact of surrounding oneself with godly individuals, reinforcing the transformative power of positive role models in shaping one's spiritual journey. Through a verse-by-verse exploration, he offers practical wisdom on discerning and emulating those who align with God's truth, urging listeners to reflect on their own influences and the lasting imprint they leave on their faith.

Scripture says much about love—that it's patient and kind, that we should bear with one another in love, and so on. So why was the apostle John quick to condemn a prideful member of the early church? Hear the answer on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in 2 and 3 John' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. • Read stories from listeners like you who have benefited from Truth For Life. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

“One bad apple spoils the bunch.” This saying highlights the detrimental effects a corrupt individual can have on an entire group. Listen to Truth For Life as Alistair Begg examines the apostle John's condemnation of one such “bad apple” within the church. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in 2 and 3 John' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. • Read stories from listeners like you who have benefited from Truth For Life. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!