3 John
Downtown Campus Pastor
In this epistle, John encourages his spiritual children to practice biblical hospitality—to be willing to drain themselves in order to absorb the burden of others. He also reminds them to beware of ungodly influences and remember that their identity in Christ should direct how they live.
Study Questions
In this epistle, John encourages his spiritual children to practice biblical hospitality—to be willing to drain themselves in order to absorb the burden of others. He also reminds them to beware of ungodly influences and remember that their identity in Christ should direct how they live.Application
Reflect on the idea that “doing proves being.” Into what areas of your life are you pouring the most energy, time, and resources? What kind of fruit are your efforts producing? What does this indicate about your faith?
As believers, we are called to absorb the burdens of others. How have other people done this for you? Whom are you serving? Is there anyone you need to move towards in order to absorb their burden?
What does it mean to follow only what is good? Whose example are you following? For whom are you setting an example, and whom are you actively mentoring?
Key Points
Just as John received discipleship from Jesus, so he is passing on that investment and legacy into Gaius. We should also be actively investing in others.
John calls his audience to receive the traveling teachers with hospitality—to absorb their burdens. When we open up our lives to meet the needs of others, it’s draining, but this is what Jesus did for us.
Because he idolizes leadership and position, Diotrephes is promoting himself rather than God. We should be a church of people who don’t need to go first.
The essence of the gospel is that God changes us, and as a result, we obey him out of a heart of love. There is an inherent connection between who we are and how we live.