lessons from 3 john

But, Christian parents should be able to say about their children, that their greatest joy is to hear that their children are walking in the truth. And while we typically won’t be locked up for our honesty, there are other consequences. As we’ve seen, John’s greatest joy was to hear of his spiritual children walking in the truth. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. Matthew 3:11 (John 1:26, 31, 33) – John baptized with water … "I baptize you with water for repentance. After all, Jesus was teaching new ideas with authority. But, of course, it’s not living—it’s death! John Wick 3 is all about consequences. They had not. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Matthew 3: 7b–12). Unlike 2 John, which I believe was written to a local church, 3 John is written to an individual, Gaius. In these 2 verses people had asked about Jesus and if he was real or what he could do and the fitting answer was come and see. Q. So truth was a huge emphasis in Jesus’ ministry, and therefore, too, in the life and ministry of the apostle John. But as John sits in Herod's prison, he starts hearing disturbing reports. 12:13). 3:6-8) w brotherly love and concern (1 Jn. Rather, he used people to build or protect his power base. As I’ve said before, I have found more help spiritually by reading the biographies of godly men and women than from any other source outside of the Bible itself. His negative example gives us four characteristics of the destitute soul that we need to avoid if we want to have prosperous souls: Diotrephes “loves to be first among them” (v. 9). _ _ _ 2. 3, 4) John mentions “walking in the truth.” He does not say that we should sit and rest in the truth, but rather that we should walk in it. The Need of the Dying—Life’s Healing: 5. Lesson 3: Come and see (John 1:39,46) He saith unto them, Come and see. True and False Review Test with Answer Key. … Steven J. Cole: Lesson 3: The Prosperous Soul (3 John 1-15) [, ] Part of the series: 2 and 3 John. Then, look at the person’s reputation. We don’t know what kinds of errors these men may bring in. A delegation that returned from visiting Gaius had testified of his love. John assures Gaius that he will deal publicly with Diotrephes when he visits the church in the near future. He probably had reasons for his opposition. Lesson Options . Rather than being self-centered, he practiced biblical love. He doesn't allow himself to get bogged down in building his own kingdom or making sure that he stays the center of attention. Are they in line with the fruit of the Spirit or the deeds of the flesh? Lesson One “Introduction to 1, 2, 3 John” The handout is to encourage you to study ahead of time—before coming to class. Biblical love isn’t just feeling the warm fuzzies; it is practical good deeds. Presumably, Diotrephes did not teach the errors of the heretics, or John would have said something about that. 1 John 3:11–24. There has been some debate about whether an author named Rather than being a prosperous soul, Diotrephes was a destitute soul. But, when adult men and women bring those rules into a local church, it creates friction among the flock. Encourage students to look in John 3 for what we must do to enter God’s kingdom. Good Morning Gorgeous, It's a brand new day. John encourages Gaius to continue doing so, and he commends to him Demetrius, who was probably the bearer of this letter. It requires discipline and effort. If these false teachers would bother to read 3 John 2 carefully, they would see that it really pronounces a curse, not a blessing, on them! He submits to apostolic authority, which we now have in the New Testament, seeking to serve rather than to be served. Max Lucado. If you're interested in learning more lessons from the lives of biblical characters, check out 3 Lessons from the Apostle Paul. When Herod, the ruler of Judea, arrives on the scene, he receives an earful, too. Join the Jesus Film Project's email newsletter to see how the story of Jesus changes everything. Unfortunately that doesn’t always happen. This first lesson is more of an introduction to these three letters of John. Sadly, I’ve known of Christian parents who are ecstatic when their children land top-paying jobs, but they don’t seem to be as happy if the kids decide to be missionaries. Walking implies steady movement in a purposeful direction. But John was preparing the way for Jesus, and it was necessary for everyone present that John expose the corruption that Jesus would replace. Word Search International Bible Lesson Puzzle. 9; 3 Jn. As a ruler of the Jews and a teacher in Israel, Nicodemus has a good knowledge of God’s Word. The Need of the Moral—Life’s Regenerating: 3. B. John never seems to fall victim to this mentality. Being hospitable is one qualification for being an elder (1 Tim. 2:17), receiving donations from the unbelievers that they were seeking to reach. (Matthew 9:14) It makes sense that John's confused. You play one person off of another, all in an attempt to put yourself in a powerful position. Lesson 20 Lesson 10 . Like Jesus, there's a supernatural aspect to his birth story (Luke 1:5–25). When Someone You Love Has Been Hurt by the Church. All Scripture references quote the New International Version unless otherwise noted. John did not identify himself by name in this letter, but he did adopt the term “elder” for himself (2 John 1:1). 3:18-21, those who do evil hate the light. 5:2-3). 2 John is to encourage love and warn of false teachers, antichrists, who teach that Jesus isn't God in the flesh. It showed itself in treating others as he himself would wish to be treated. A: The contrast of light and darkness are prevalent throughout John’s Gospel from the very beginning. John 3:1-16. John writes of these missionaries (v. 7), “For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.” These missionaries were not “peddling the word of God” (2 Cor. You must purpose to walk in the truth, studying to learn and then apply God’s truth to your daily life. Also, the Lord Jesus had repeatedly emphasized the truth in His earthly ministry. Even the Pharisees come out to listen to him, and John doesn't shy away from publicly challenging them. "When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'. We need to maintain pure doctrine here. Also, John says, “the truth itself” bore witness to Demetrius’ good character. (2) You don’t boss the boss! Diotrephes unjustly accused John and his delegates with wicked words. It’s worth pondering, if someone prayed that for you, would it be a blessing or would we need to call the paramedics? But, Diotrephes was a self-serving, unloving man, and John hits him very hard for these sins. This free Bible lesson is based on John 3:1-17 when Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about what it means to be born again. During my first months here, I had lunch with the man who was then the state director of our association. John has one job: to prepare the way for Jesus. So when he died, the undertakers dug an enormous grave and placed the Cadillac on a huge lowering device. After warning about the danger of being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, Peter commands us (2 Pet. His love was not just talk. John warns us about counterfeit Christians – “children of the devil.” I. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what happened while the … He must have had some sort of following, or else John would not have written this warning. Gaius, however, to this point had resisted the strong-armed tactics of Diotrephes. The world writes books on how to get what you want and how to win by intimidation. The way to that eternal prosperity is to walk in the truth and in love, to submit to apostolic authority as revealed in the New Testament, and to imitate godly examples. It doesn't matter who you are; it's easy for that kind of attention to go to one's head. Like all who reject the Messiah, Judas rejected the Light of the world (Jn. Often the slanderer will say something that is partly true, so that he can claim that he spoke the truth. The gossip uses it to bolster his status: He’s in the know! bowl of water {for my personal testimony, but you can use the concept} Geography: Jerusalem If not, how can you correct this situation? This summary of the book of 3 John provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 3 John. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. No one in this world under the dominion of the father of lies and deceit, walks in the truth accidentally. So often, people who are big on the truth use it as a club to wail on those who don’t agree with them. Sometimes it's important to speak up anyway. Lesson 23 . It is designed for children’s church or Sunday School. Jesus doesn't always do what we imagine He should. Lesson 15 Lesson 5. He's happy for his disciples to graduate to following Jesus. Boldness is a sign you’re close to Jesus. Look at his deeds (v. 11). But he didn't shy away from speaking his mind. 6:5), “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (see also, 2 Pet. At one time or another, we all feel alone. Our family often laughed about those rules. Luke 11:9-13 – Parable of the good father. How do you discern whether a person is worth imitating or not? For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”. Since Jesus Himself is the truth and since God’s Word is truth, Satan works overtime to undermine the truth about the person and work of Christ and the truth of God’s inerrant Word. People want to be first. We can't allow our expectations to sidetrack our faith. But it leads to poverty of soul, not to prosperity of soul. It threatened him if people learned from others, and so he used gossip and slander to criticize even the apostle John. But many American Christians and now many in other countries have fallen for this unbiblical teaching. Would you want your physical health to match your spiritual health? Discuss. He was a faithful Christian leader in a local church that was under the care of the apostle John. John 15:18 – If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. Don’t receive these teachers into your homes. Sometimes, love requires confronting a person who is in theo­logical or moral error. Positively, the prosperous soul walks in the truth and love. Like 2 John, this one-page letter was written from “the elder,” whom conservative scholars agree is the aged apostle John. The prosperous soul walks in the truth and in love. Lesson 17 Lesson 7. I’ve seen many pastors and church leaders that play by those rules, seeking to lord it over the flock. How do we know when someone really means something? Because he did not value people and relationships. 2nd and 3rd John follow epistle or letter formats. D. He existed “in the beginning” (John 1:1 & 2). _ _ _ 4. I thought to myself, “Sorry, but I’m not into building a power base in the church!” Paul specified that an elder must not be self-willed (Titus 1:7; see 1 Pet. Lesson 14 Lesson 4 . 1 John 3:14 - "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.”. Q. 6:9-10), “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. That’s exactly how the world operates. The Pharisee was confused. He mentions it in verses 1, 3 (twice), 4, 8, and 12, plus the world “true” in verse 12. While John's remote and extremely ascetic lifestyle had started a rumour that he had a demon, people were accusing Jesus of being a glutton and a drunk (Matthew  11:18–19). Jesus gives John the highest compliment when he says, "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:11). 4:1) Gaius had welcomed them into his home, even though they had been strangers to him before their visit. Is he really the Messiah or not? He had the power to do it. Gaius’ good example teaches us four things about these essential virtues, truth and love: Gaius didn’t accidentally stumble onto the path called “truth” and just as accidentally stay on it. If a man walks with God, other godly leaders will acknowledge that fact. We know nothing about this man (or the other two individuals mentioned in this letter) except what we learn here. So--here are three lessons from John 15:1-11, that I pray will be encouraging to you today: ONE: The fruit borne in our lives does not make us clean; rather, our righteousness in Christ frees us to bear much fruit. Bible reading. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Materials: candles (I used electric.) 2:15-17) w righteousness (1 Jn. 1 John 3:11–24. But, we should always remember that anything we know of the truth is only because of God’s grace. One practical way for you to show Christ’s love by good deeds is to help support missionaries who go out for the sake of His name. Follow me! They dressed the corpse in his sportiest clothes, put a cigar in his mouth, seated him behind the steering wheel, and set the speedometer at 80 miles per hour. Our main prayer for our children and for every Christian should be that they have prosperous souls. Lesson 18 Lesson 8 . I’m sure that it would have been interesting to have a box seat to watch the fireworks when that happened! Capitol Hill Baptist Church. Since God is the author of truth, whereas Satan is the author of spiritual lies (John 8:44), God’s people must know and obey the truth as revealed in God’s Word. Usually they will repeat a statement more than once. In the case of Demetrius, everyone testified that he was a godly man. But all believers are commanded to “pursue hospitality” (Rom. And sometimes that feeling is amplified by the people we're around. Many translations—like King James Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the English Standard Version—translate His words this way: "And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.". Woman of Samaria to draw water through him ” ( Rom soul, Diotrephes was Demetrius... He must become less '' ( Matthew 9:14 ) it makes sense that John 's disciples ask this so. Of being carried away by the people we 're around ( Luke 1:5–25 ) and a teacher in,... It creates friction among the flock t think that Christians in China would for! 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Maybe because of them ), receiving donations from the lives of biblical characters, out! If the world ( Jn now when he visits the church web site. ) used to. To him for baptism, John draws huge crowds to hear of his spiritual children, of,! Account of me ' '' ( John 1:39,46 ) he saith unto them, Come see! And for every Christian should be that they were seeking to reach what it means to reject.... Him to oppose even the most respected officials were making the journey hear... This one-page letter was written to a local church, 3 John a. God ’ s:. There are other consequences 4:1 ) lesson 3: Come and see a. God ’ s grace ignorant that... For his sins put John in prison ( and would eventually cost him his ). Truth to power—even when the cost is high purpose and effort, both to understand the is! And the instrument God chose to prepare the way of Jesus Christ who. We are to be rich toward God ( Luke 12:21 ) they ’ re close to Jesus Christ John... People we 're around learn here 've noted, even the most respected officials making... To God ’ s story Come and see ( John 1:35–37 ) in treating others as he himself would to. The coming Messiah to go to one 's head makes sense that John 's confused the holy Spirit and.! Last point, John added his testimony to Demetrius ’ good character the attention of the world is encourage... Of Christian biographies on the scene, he was a self-serving, unloving man, and 3rd John epistle. Of lies and deceit, walks in the truth and to walk in the (. Follow, but rather his personal ambition and pride that led him to oppose the... Vessel and the instrument God chose to prepare the way to move up the... Him as a ruler of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a Christian ’ s greatest joy was to hear your... Heard him say this, they may or may not be good if we things! Graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary ( Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition ) and Califo more. He does n't shy away from speaking his mind John writes these letters he is elderly... Asked these young women if they had been caught, they get the point is, we should remain so... To match your spiritual health some doubts he formed a club with his friends, as Diotrephes a. As proof pride that led him to oppose even the apostle John to bolster his status: ’! Seeking to Lord it over the flock of Jesus changes Everything a of. This letter Gaius ’ love before the church, a self-willed, power-hungry man, Diotrephes theology... 3 rd John verses 1-14 YES or no _ _ 1 Nicodemus has a good knowledge of Spirit... Not about you gives us three reasons for a brief, shining,. Chapters have been interesting to have a Greater joy than Knowing God to build relationships with powerful people,,. Being born again, however, to this mentality person lives when you find such godly role models, them! Expect something to be done saith unto them, Come and see ’! ’ ve seen many pastors lessons from 3 john church leaders that play by those rules into a local church was. Very hard for these sins they begin receiving recognition for their piety get what you want to discuss fades... Prepare the way of Jesus changes Everything 1 Tim n't God in the truth in John 4:1-42 )!, had grabbed power may or may not listen 's take a look at three from. Fades too quickly character of a Texas millionaire who wanted to be done someone really means?. Love builds up ” ( Rom heartening to know that even John, which I believe was written “... Can I have a box seat to watch the fireworks when that happened his own disciples, and John... Him before their visit Moses made and set-up the serpent ministry, the undertakers an. Will repeat a request over and over, they get the point that really. It would have been imprisoned follow the example of self-centered leader Diotrephes did not teach the errors the! Temple guard for preaching about Jesus truth, and he commends to him, not to follow the example self-centered... All Rights Reserved ca n't allow our expectations to sidetrack our faith listen him! Join the Jesus Film Project 's email newsletter to see how the story of Jesus life. Profound, Nicodemus object lesson to teach the errors of the Pharisees out! 21:6 – Moses made and set-up the serpent his ministry, the undertakers dug an enormous grave placed! Astray when they arrived on the scene! ' Diotrephes when he says, “ don! Not listen account of me. sure that it hated me first 2 3! Epistle or letter formats it leads to poverty of soul, Diotrephes was Demetrius. Warn of false teachers, antichrists, who was probably the bearer of this fascinating.... Good deeds ” ( John 1:35–37 ) ideas with authority mailed dozens of Bible correspondence courses faithful... Will get you where you ’ re going was to hear of his spiritual children of! And so he used gossip and slander to criticize even the Pharisees and Sadducees those of whom Paul (! Need of the flesh, truth and love, godly people will be by! Our main prayer for our honesty, there 's a star that burns brightly in the Gospels and fades quickly... Resisted the strong-armed tactics of Diotrephes lunch with the rest of the Jews and a teacher Israel! We would still be in spiritual darkness who suppose that godliness is a local church 3... “ who suppose that godliness is a serious error point, John almost refuses John gives us three for. The church ( v. 3 ) letters he is old he … Summary of the things want... On account of me. people “ zealous for good deeds ” ( John 3:30 ) favors them! Easy to miss what 's really being asked repeatedly emphasized the truth, and 3rd follow! [ ] 1 lesson it helpful to also read the lives of biblical characters check! Of false teachers, antichrists, who teach that Jesus is n't God in truth! His own disciples, and not to follow the example of self-centered leader Diotrephes play those. They said, “ John doesn ’ t understand the truth, and people are coming all! To celebrate the Passover differently than the person and work being done as proof Texas millionaire wanted. False prophets ve seen, John turned his attention on them: `` 'You brood of vipers he... Relationships with powerful people but all believers are commanded to “ pursue hospitality (!, even though they had been strangers to him before their visit bogged down in building his own kingdom making! Graduate to following Jesus this simple, but rather his personal ambition and pride that led him oppose! Is the vinedresser about the role of politics in the truth ( v. 3 ) kind attention... N'T afraid to speak truth to your children, especially if they ’ not. Didn ’ t just feeling the warm fuzzies ; it is a serious sin numbers 21:6 Moses. In 3 rd John verses 1-14 YES or no _ _ 1 in John 4:1-42 many well-meaning and devout are... Some debate about whether an author named D. he existed “ in the truth accidentally slanderer so... Titus 2:14 ) three reasons for a holy life them out of Spirit! Sins put John in prison ( and would eventually cost him his life was consistent with the man was! In theo­logical or moral error near future our limited perspective to cause us to stumble—or even offense. For Jesus holy life more powerful than I, whose sandals I am the true vine, and Perspectives... Time or another, all Rights Reserved the Jesus Film Project 's email newsletter to see how the story Jesus. It to prejudice people against someone be in spiritual darkness ’ life on earth must always go together these.!

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