Christians are
encouraged throughout the New Testament to follow what is
good and shun the evil. In the short epistle of III John,
we are given examples of both the good and the evil.
Body:
I.Imitate the Good – Gaius (III John Verse 11)
· John
begins the letter by praying that Gaius would be in good
physical health as his spiritual health prospered. (III
John Verse 2) Our spiritual well-being needs to be at least
as good as our material well-being.
o Losing one’s soul
(Mark 8:36-37)
o Parable of rich
fool (Luke 12:16-21)
o Wealth can destroy a
person. (I Timothy 6:9-10) But if one has the right
attitude toward money, they can do much good with their
wealth.
· Gene
Taylor notes, “How different the world would be if this
prayer of John were realized in all people.”
o Many wealthy would
become poor.
o Many poor would
become wealthy.
o Many in good health
would become sick.
o Many sick would get
better.
o What about us? In
what category would we best fit? (Hebrews 5:13-14, I
Corinthians 11:30)
· Gaius
possessed many qualities worthy of imitating.
o He didn’t follow the
false teaching of his time, but followed the truth. (III
John Verse 3) (John 17:17, Psalm 119:160)
o He also practiced
the truth. (III John Verse 4) (Psalm 86:11) Note that II
John Verses 1-2 are also equivalent to walking in the
light. (I John 1:7)
o This was manifested
in his life; he was concerned about others. (III John
Verses 5-6) (Romans 12:13) He supported preaching of the
truth. (III John Verses 7-8)
II.Shun the Evil – Diotrephes
· Diotrephes
loved to have the preeminence and wanted to be at the head.
He thought his opinion was always the best. Christians are
not to think too highly of themselves. (Romans 12:3)
Christians should have the attitude of Christ. (Philippians
2:1-4)
· He placed
himself above an apostle and thought he had more authority.
(I Thessalonians 4:8)
· He spoke
malicious words against John. (Ephesians 5:3-4)
· He would
not help or show concern for others. John said that he
would be punished.
Conclusion:
Which of these two men
are you most like? Your answer will determine the destiny
of your soul.