So often we are concerned with the outward workings of our own lives and especially of the church. In many ways that should be a rightful concern because what we do is a reflection of what is taking place in our hearts. What we do dictates to others whether or not we are what we say we are. Do you claim to be a Christian? Do your actions back up what you claim? The questions could go far and reaching into the very personal aspects of your life, but our passage today gives us three marks of a believer. This letter was written to an individual named Gaius, but the application for him can apply to the church as well.
First we see that Gaius had a great testimony (vv. 5-6). The text tells us, “Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially {when they are} strangers.” Gaius was known for his personal generosity. His reputation was one of faithfulness. His actions were known beyond the borders of where he lived. Verse 6 tells us that, “and that they have testified to your love before the church.” The ones to whom he acted generously and kindly have testified before the local body of his actions. They were giving praises to the one who deserved them based on his consistent actions.
· What actions ought to exemplify a Christian life? Why?
· How should the characteristics of holiness and righteousness be exemplified in our lives? What should they look like?
· Colossians 4:5, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.” How could this be applied to our lives? What key should we make a priority to add to our lives?
Second we see that Gaius lived a life of sacrificial giving (vv. 7-8). Verse tells us, “they went out for the sake of the Name.” Those who went out were going out to spread the gospel. These were not the ones who left because they were unbelievers but because they were believers and were compelled to share the gospel with those who were outside of the body of believers. Look at verse 6, “you will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” John is encouraging Gaius to send these people out in such a way that God would be honored. How could we send someone out in a manner worthy of God? How could we honor God when someone goes out from among the body to do the Lord’s work? Within a healthy church there will be times where someone from among the body is called out to service and must leave that body. I was always amazed by those in seminary who were so attached to their home church. They talked about what their congregation did for them before they left for seminary. One family we knew would receive a sizable check every Christmas. What are ways that a church could send someone ought in a manner worthy of God? This is more than just money. What about a special service or prayer during a time of worship to send out these people? A prayer of dedication followed by a commitment to prayer for them on a regular basis would be a considerable encouragement to them in their task. Those who are called out by God for a ministry are usually committed wholehearted to that task. There is nothing a church could do for them better than supporting them in that calling. Verse 8, “Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.” We can support such workers in more ways than financially. Since we live in a money-driven world, we ought to support with money and finances. Money is a necessary aspect of all of life. Those given to the ministry are relying on the support of other believers in order to meet their needs and the needs of their families. What are ways that we currently support the work of those called to ministry service? Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, 10% of all undesignated receipts to the Cooperative Program, prayer support of
The third mark we see is a great healing (vv. 9-10). Now this may sound odd but when we look at the passage, John is saying that when he returns to this congregation that the troublesome one will be dealt with. John says that Diotrephes was causing disruption because he desired to be first. His desire was that others would pay attention to him and that he would be first among all of the others. An attitude that is completely contrary to the expressed will of God in his word. God in His word has set an order of leadership for the local church. Diotrephes was attempting to place himself in a position he had not received from God. Not only was he attempting to be first but he was attempting to undermine the God-called leadership through false testimony, namely lying. Diotrephes was not accepting the words and teaching of John and the other elders of the congregation. He would also not receive other brethren called of God. He would put them out and do the same to those who attempted to receive them. Gaius may have been one of those who Diotrephes was seeking to put out for receiving the brethren. The brethren were others called of God to ministry. They were likely traveling missionaries such as Paul was. Diotrephes was one who exemplifies those who are not of God. In order to be of God there must first be a healing within our souls. We must be born again. There must be a healing among the body when events like this take place. There must be healing between those who were wronged and the one who offended the other. In order for the body to work as a whole, there must constantly be healing taking place. If we are to be about the work of God, we must constantly be seeking to be in the righteousness of Christ.
· When a conflict arises within a congregation what must take place in order for the wounds to be healed?
· When a conflict takes place what must happen with those who were involved? Should they be kicked out or should there be a seeking for restoring them to proper fellowship?
· What should happen with those who were offended and received the wrongdoing?
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If not what do we need to work on in order to grow in these areas?
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