Be Careful!
Introduction
The Apostle John sent out itinerant evangelists and teachers to his churches in Asia Minor. They were rejected in one of the churches by a dictatorial leader, Diotrephes; he even excommunicated members who showed any hospitality to John’s messengers. John wrote this letter to commend Gaius for supporting the evangelists and, indirectly, to warn Diotrephes.
Thesis: God commands us to support evangelists and missionaries.
Commendation of Gaius, vv. 3-8
A. Faithful to the Truth, v. 3
B. Walks in the Truth, v. 3
C. Provides for the Teachers of the Truth, v. 5
- Showed hospitality to strangers of truth.
- Sent the teachers of truth in a “manner worthy of God,” v. 6.
- a. Teachers are missionaries of God.
- b. Teachers do not receive income from pagans.
- “We ought to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”
Condemnation of Diotrephes, vv. 9-10
A. Always wants the attention that belongs to Christ, v. 9: “he loves to be first.”
B. Refused to recognize the evangelists as brothers.
- Refused to welcome the brothers.
- Refused to provide hospitality to the brothers.
- Gossiped maliciously against the brothers.
C. Diotrephes excommunicated those who showed hospitality to the brothers.
Command to Gaius, v. 11
A. Do not imitate evil or evil ways.
B. Imitate good.
C. How to tell the difference between good and wicked people:
- “Anyone who does what is good is from God.”
- “Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”