Workers for the Truth
Sermon 2 in Series
3 John 5-15
[5] Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, [6] who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. [7] For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. [8] Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
[9] I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. [10] So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.
[11] Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. [12] Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
[13] I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. [14] I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
[15] Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.
1. How does this passage point back to the theological truths of loving in truth, walking in truth, and rejoicing in the truth.
2. What type of “missionary” is John referring to? How does John describe these “sent” (like Demetrius)?
3. Have you considered the importance of hospitality in the Christian life? What does it look like to welcome in brothers and strangers?
4. What type of support does John ask Gaius to provide? In what new ways could you invest in the Kingdom of God?
5. How does John handle the opposition of Diotrephes? How does this serve as a roadmap in our lives?
6. How are local churches and missions connected? Why is the connection important?
7. Paul tells us to “examine our own work.” How might the Lord be leading you or your family to engage more in being workers for the truth?
References: Exodus 34:6-8, Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 9:38, Mathew 20:25-28, Matthew 25:31-46, Galatians 5:16 – 6:10, Philippians 4:10-20, Hebrews 13:7, 2nd John 9-11,