3 John - Walking in Truth, Welcoming with Love, Witnessing by Reputation

Introduction

•3 John: 15 verses, focuses on relationships, character, and reputation.

•Personal letter from John highlighting how the gospel shapes interactions with others.

Gaius – Gospel-Centered Hospitality (3 John 1-6)

•Beloved friend of John; faithful, loving the Lord, walking in truth.

•Demonstrates gospel by living it: love, hospitality, support for others.

•Encouraged to support traveling gospel workers with practical needs (v7-8).

•Gospel-centered hospitality is tangible and relational, not just doctrinal.

Diotrephes – A Warning (3 John 9-10)

•Puts himself first; refuses to welcome gospel workers.

•Speaks against John; ejects faithful brothers from church.

•Self-centered motives, even if seemingly protective, lead to poor outcomes.

•Danger of self-centered leadership: good intentions without gospel focus are destructive.

•Key principle: Right doctrine + wrong spirit = harm.

•Self-centeredness in the church is anti-gospel.

Demetrius – A Reputation That Speaks (3 John 11-12)

•“Do not imitate evil; imitate good” (v11).

•Reputation consistent with gospel; life reflects truth and love for the Lord.

•Character and example are visible to the community.

•Serves as a positive role model: people follow by observing life, not just words.

Key Takeaways on Reputation

•Every believer leaves a legacy: reputation matters.

•Choices determine if remembered like:

•Gaius – faithful, hospitable, walking in truth.

•Demetrius – consistent, Christlike character.

•Diotrephes – self-centered, destructive leadership.

•Live in a way that points others to Christ.