Embracing Hospitality and Truth in Christian Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! Today, we delved into the book of 3 John, focusing on the character of Gaius. Gaius is a figure mentioned in several parts of the New Testament, but the Gaius in 3 John is particularly noted for his hospitality and faithfulness. John the Elder writes to Gaius, expressing joy over his spiritual health and the reports of his faithfulness from traveling teachers. Gaius is commended not for his preaching or teaching but for his generosity and hospitality, which are crucial virtues in the Christian life.
John emphasizes the importance of supporting traveling teachers and evangelists, who were vital to the early church's growth. These teachers often traveled without expecting payment, relying on the hospitality of believers like Gaius. This practice underscores the communal and sacrificial nature of early Christian fellowship. John contrasts Gaius's behavior with that of Diotrephes, a leader who refuses to welcome these teachers and even expels those who do. This serves as a warning against self-centered leadership and the importance of supporting those who spread the gospel.
John also mentions Demetrius, who is well-spoken of by everyone and serves as another positive example. The letter concludes with a personal touch, expressing John's desire to visit and speak face-to-face, highlighting the importance of personal relationships in the faith community.
In essence, the message today is about the importance of hospitality, supporting those who spread the gospel, and being aware of the influence of both good and bad examples within the church. We are called to live according to the truth, display loving friendships, and be vigilant against evil, all while fostering a community that reflects Christ's love and teachings.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Hospitality: Gaius is commended for his hospitality and generosity, virtues that are essential in the Christian life. Hospitality is not just about opening our homes but also our hearts to others, especially those who labor for the gospel. This act of kindness and support can have a profound impact on the spread of the gospel and the encouragement of fellow believers. [05:01]
2. Supporting Gospel Workers: The early church relied heavily on the support of believers for traveling teachers and evangelists. These individuals often traveled without expecting payment, relying on the hospitality of the church. This practice highlights the communal and sacrificial nature of early Christian fellowship, reminding us of the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spreading the gospel. [08:22]
3. Beware of Self-Centered Leadership: Diotrephes serves as a warning against self-centered leadership. He refused to welcome traveling teachers and even expelled those who did. This behavior contrasts sharply with the selfless hospitality of Gaius and serves as a reminder that true Christian leadership is about serving others, not seeking power or recognition. [13:10]
4. The Role of Personal Relationships: John’s desire to visit and speak face-to-face with Gaius underscores the importance of personal relationships in the faith community. Letters and messages are valuable, but nothing replaces the depth of connection that comes from personal interaction. This reminds us to prioritize and nurture our relationships within the church. [23:49]
5. Living According to the Truth: John admonishes us to love the truth and live according to it. This can be challenging, as the truth often confronts us with uncomfortable realities. However, living in the truth is essential for spiritual growth and integrity. It involves being aware of evil, discerning what is good, and striving to live a life that reflects Christ’s teachings. [25:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - Introduction and Personal Story
[01:46] - Prayer and Reading from 3 John
[02:48] - Who is Gaius?
[04:26] - The Importance of Names in Scripture
[05:01] - Gaius’s Hospitality
[06:09] - Faithfulness and Generosity
[07:17] - Supporting Traveling Teachers
[08:22] - The Role of Traveling Evangelists
[09:26] - Providing for Gospel Workers
[10:30] - The Example of Carmen
[11:32] - Valuing God Over Self
[12:04] - Mentorship and Learning
[13:10] - Warning Against Diotrephes
[14:29] - The Importance of Truth
[15:35] - Leadership and Power
[16:08] - The Gates of Hell
[17:15] - Awareness of Evil
[18:48] - Spiritual Warfare
[19:18] - Teaching and Sin
[20:22] - Deliverance from Evil
[21:27] - Influence of Bad Examples
[23:10] - Overcoming Evil
[23:49] - Conclusion and Personal Greetings
[25:30] - Admonition to Love the Truth
[26:14] - Loving Friendships and Hospitality
[27:37] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 3 John 1:1-15
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific virtues is Gaius commended for in 3 John? ([02:48])
2. How did John the Elder describe his feelings upon hearing about Gaius's faithfulness? ([02:48])
3. What actions did Diotrephes take that John criticized? ([13:10])
4. How does John describe Demetrius in his letter? ([13:50])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think John emphasizes the importance of hospitality in his letter to Gaius? ([05:01])
2. What might be the implications of supporting traveling teachers and evangelists in the early church context? ([08:22])
3. How does the behavior of Diotrephes serve as a warning for self-centered leadership within the church? ([13:10])
4. What does John’s desire to visit and speak face-to-face with Gaius tell us about the value of personal relationships in the faith community? ([23:49])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own practice of hospitality. How can you open your home and heart more to others, especially those who labor for the gospel? ([05:01])
2. In what ways can you support gospel workers in your community or globally? Consider both practical and spiritual support. ([08:22])
3. Have you ever encountered self-centered leadership in a church setting? How did it affect the community, and what steps can you take to promote servant leadership? ([13:10])
4. Think about your personal relationships within the church. How can you prioritize and nurture these relationships to build a stronger faith community? ([23:49])
5. John admonishes us to live according to the truth. What are some uncomfortable truths you need to confront in your own life, and how can you strive to live a life that reflects Christ’s teachings? ([25:30])
6. How can you be vigilant against the influence of bad examples within the church? What steps can you take to ensure you are following what is good? ([13:50])
7. Identify one person in your church or community who might need encouragement or support. What specific action can you take this week to show them Christ’s love and hospitality? ([05:01])
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Hospitality
Gaius is commended for his hospitality and generosity, virtues that are essential in the Christian life. Hospitality is not just about opening our homes but also our hearts to others, especially those who labor for the gospel. This act of kindness and support can have a profound impact on the spread of the gospel and the encouragement of fellow believers. Gaius’s example shows us that even simple acts of hospitality can be powerful expressions of God’s love and can significantly contribute to the growth and health of the church community. [05:01]
1 Peter 4:9-10 (ESV): "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt genuinely welcomed and supported by someone’s hospitality. How can you extend that same warmth and generosity to someone in your church or community this week?
Day 2: The Vital Role of Supporting Gospel Workers
The early church relied heavily on the support of believers for traveling teachers and evangelists. These individuals often traveled without expecting payment, relying on the hospitality of the church. This practice highlights the communal and sacrificial nature of early Christian fellowship, reminding us of the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spreading the gospel. By providing for their needs, we become partners in their ministry and help to advance the kingdom of God. [08:22]
3 John 1:5-8 (ESV): "Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth."
Reflection: Identify a missionary or gospel worker you know. How can you support them this week, whether through prayer, financial support, or a word of encouragement?
Day 3: The Dangers of Self-Centered Leadership
Diotrephes serves as a warning against self-centered leadership. He refused to welcome traveling teachers and even expelled those who did. This behavior contrasts sharply with the selfless hospitality of Gaius and serves as a reminder that true Christian leadership is about serving others, not seeking power or recognition. Leaders in the church are called to be shepherds who care for their flock, putting the needs of others above their own and fostering a spirit of unity and love. [13:10]
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: Reflect on your own leadership roles, whether in the church, at work, or in your family. Are there areas where you might be acting out of self-interest rather than service? How can you shift your focus to better serve others?
Day 4: The Importance of Personal Relationships in Faith
John’s desire to visit and speak face-to-face with Gaius underscores the importance of personal relationships in the faith community. Letters and messages are valuable, but nothing replaces the depth of connection that comes from personal interaction. This reminds us to prioritize and nurture our relationships within the church, fostering a sense of community and mutual support that reflects Christ’s love. [23:49]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community you haven’t connected with in a while. How can you reach out to them this week to strengthen your relationship and encourage them in their faith journey?
Day 5: Living According to the Truth
John admonishes us to love the truth and live according to it. This can be challenging, as the truth often confronts us with uncomfortable realities. However, living in the truth is essential for spiritual growth and integrity. It involves being aware of evil, discerning what is good, and striving to live a life that reflects Christ’s teachings. By committing to the truth, we align ourselves with God’s will and become beacons of His light in a world that desperately needs it. [25:30]
Ephesians 4:25 (ESV): "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you might be avoiding the truth. What steps can you take today to confront this issue honestly and align your actions with God’s truth?
Quotes
1. "Can you imagine having dinner with this man? What would be said about us? Are we known as being faithful? Does the body of Christ. And I'm not talking just the one here. But the body of Christ. Overall. Have any clue. Who we are? And should they? But it looks like Gaius might have been well known. Interestingly enough. He wasn't well known for preaching. He wasn't well known for teaching. He was well known for being generous. And hospitable. Something we're all supposed to be." [05:31] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I think that. Sometimes we value ourselves so highly. That we forget. That it's God that we value. Christ and Christ alone. And we are to be his witnesses. We are to teach. Others. I've been so honored. A young woman has asked me. If I would work with her. She is. In children's ministry. And she is a reservist. And thinks that God might be calling her. To be a chaplain. To be a teacher. To be a minister of the gospel. To the military." [11:32] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Don't ever get too old to be taught. You know my dad used to say. You learn something every day. And then you die. He was not what I would call an optimist. But he kind of was. And so it's important. It's important that we honor our teachers. It matters." [12:35] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Dear friends. Don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. And remember. Those who do good. Prove that they are God's children. And those who do evil. Prove that they do not know God. Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius. As does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him. And we know. You know. We speak the truth." [13:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As we mature in Christ. We come to understand. That we are. The word says. The gates of hell will not prevail against us. That's. All of that evil. That took place there. Christ has overcome. It says it will not prevail against us. It doesn't say might not. And so. When we see what's going on in this world. And we get frustrated by it. We have to remember. It's been overcome. The battle is over. The war is over. The battles are still going on." [23:10] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Follow only what is good. Is it just me. That's clear isn't it. Follow only what is good. There's nothing complex about that. Other than the fact that we have to discern. What's good and what isn't. And that's where the difficulty can come in. Don't be led by bad examples. Again. I can hear my mom. As we mature in Christ. We come to understand. That we are. The word says. The gates of hell will not prevail against us." [22:32] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Times of refreshment come. From the presence of the Lord. Now there you should be going. Duh. Of course it does. When was the last time you were just alone. Blocked out the noise. So I don't have much problem with this. I live alone. It comes. From being present in the Lord. And I'm going to tell you. You can live alone and still not go into the presence of God. Be aware of the evil. Love the brothers and sisters. And by all means. Be Jesus to someone. That's what he's telling us." [26:57] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I do believe that. The reason the word of God. Talks about evil. Is because as Christ followers. We need to be aware. Of evil. And we need to be battling it. We are in a war. It's a spiritual war. But we are in it. And I don't believe. That your. Following Christ is authentic. If you are not aware of the battle. And praying. That's our major weapon. Being active in changing. What you can change." [18:20] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I think that. Sometimes we value ourselves so highly. That we forget. That it's God that we value. Christ and Christ alone. And we are to be his witnesses. We are to teach. Others. I've been so honored. A young woman has asked me. If I would work with her. She is. In children's ministry. And she is a reservist. And thinks that God might be calling her. To be a chaplain. To be a teacher. To be a minister of the gospel. To the military." [11:32] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I have much more to say to you. But I don't want to write it in pen and ink. For I hope to see you soon. And then we will talk. Face to face. Peace be with you. Your friends here. Send you their greetings. Please give my personal greetings. To each of our friends. There. When was the last time you received a letter?" [23:49] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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