3 John
Lesson 13 John 1:1-13
In his third letter, John is writing a more personal letter to a church member named Gaius, commending him for his actions and encouraging him to continue his walk with Christ. We will be taking a closer look at the story behind the letter and see what insights John provides us about walking with Jesus and the responsibilities of our local church as we work together in the Kingdom of God.
Read 3 John, then consider the following.
- Who is Demetrius and what happened to him at Gaius’ church?
- Who is Diotrephes?
- Who is Gaius, and what had he done?
- What does it mean to walk in the truth? (This topic was also covered in our study of 2 John.)
- In 3 John 1:11, what does it mean to imitate what is good? (See also Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 4:8, and John 10:32.)
- What does it mean to imitate what is evil? (See also John 7:7 and 1 John 2:16.)
- What is John teaching the church about traveling workers for Christ and how we are to treat them?
Gaius’ faith and service were commended by John in this letter, and we should view him as commendable as well. What an example he sets for us as individuals and as a church body! On the other hand, even though John and others spoke well of him, because Demetrius was a stranger in their congregation, Diotrephes turned Demetrius away and worked hard to see that no one helped him. Despite Diotrephes’ negative influence and admonishments, Gaius was quick to help Demetrius, and he demonstrated to everyone what a true walk in the faith looks like.
I pray that you have been blessed by our study of 3 John—and all of John’s three letters—and that through this study, your walk with Jesus has been strengthened. May all of us work hard to imitate good works and avoid evil, so that God will use us in His kingdom—just as He used Gaius.
In Christ,
Wes
[2021]