3 John
This book is a letter from John to Gaius. The two points he wanted to bring is support for the church and opposition against it. Verse 8 talks about how we should support others:
Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Today this is supporting those in the mission field. When you think about it this is the most important job we do, it’s called the “Great Commission” by many.Interestingly, Jesus never called it that (Mat t28:16-20) but has been labeled by many in the church. John is saying support those who are forwarding the Gospel in Jesus’ name. Ensure they have the resources required for their missions.
We get “envelopes” all the time from youth to go on short term mission trips and give from time to time. John has charged us to do this always and although many trips to us seem more like spring break or summer vacation, they are learning the first step to true mission work. We need to open our doors to help those traveling so they can saves their reserves.
Verse 11 warns the church about imitating evil:
Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
John is actually pointing out an individual, Diotrephes, who apparently has pride issues. He “puts himself first” which is in direct conflict with all of Jesus’ teachings. Above all we are to love one and other in servitude. Once we put ourselves first, we have effectively made ourselves gods. I know this is hard to swallow when you look inward!
When I think about it, I can’t say how many times I “treated myself” first before others. How many times I took the last goodie without offering it to others. I remember how many times my agenda was put before everyone else’s. So when I read this I become very convicted get concerned my actions are not pleasing to God. I do not believe I am trying to be a “god”, but often my actions put me before God or in direct conflict with him.
The key is we are not free to do as we desire. Jesus’ death on the cross freed us from the Law and therefore could live lawless lives. But that’s not what Jesus said, that’s not what the Holy Spirit says, no “do as thou wilt” is from Satan. Self-sacrifice verses a self –centered life is what Jesus wants for us. We should put others before ourselves and that is what Diotrephes was not doing.
I mentioned this on 2 John but look at verse 14 and notice he apparently held back for a face to face discussion:
I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
I wonder how much of the Bible was either lost due to decay or never recorded, like in these face to face meetings. This is where the Holy Spirit comes into play for us today, it helps us discern what is right and what is wrong. We don’t need the entire story or all the minutia of Jesus’ ministry to understand the meaning.