THREE TYPES OF CHURCH PEOPLE IN THIRD JOHN

Church members have great potential and also can cause grave problems. Some are to be commended and others confronted. John does both in his third letter. 

Those commended serve as bookends to the one confronted. So, the Apostle commences and concludes the epistle on a positive note. The middle section pulls no punches in exposing a problem person in the congregation.

First, he describes GAIUS THE GENEROUS, (v. 1-8). Old John loved this man. He prayed for him to prosper materially and physically in measure as he did spiritually. He knew Gaius would be a good steward of his time, talent, and treasure, for Gaius had demonstrated his love for the Lord and support of the needy. John rejoiced in how Gaius was walking in the truth. He knew that when missionaries came to the church, Gaius would support them in their work. Such church people are a great joy to their pastor!  I have known many such generous souls across the years that God blessed in order for them to be a blessing. 

But, secondly, John turns to DIOTREPHES THE DOMINATOR, (v. 9-11). He was a “church boss,” a member who acted as a mobster. He sought the preeminent position of power. He wanted in the spotlight. His attitude was like that of some members I have known, “I was here when the preacher came and I will be here when he leaves—and if he doesn’t watch out, he will be gone sooner than later!”  Such are troublemakers who like to throw their weight around. They have a venomous tongue and spout “malicious words.” Such must be called out or they will do great harm to the Gospel work. Sadly, the Devil has these planted in many churches. 

Thirdly, the Apostle ends with a glowing word about DEMETRIUS THE DEVOUT, (v. 12-14). Those who knew him were quick to laud him. If you took the plumb-line of Scripture and placed it beside Demetrius, you would see how straight he was doctrinally and morally!  John was delighted in such devotion. As discouraging as a Diotrephes can be, a Demetrius is heartening. People like this fuel the pastors fire to go serve the Lord. They serve as deacons, teach Bible studies, care for children, prepare the building for the worship service, greet the newcomers, collect the offering, and on and on we might go. They are often unsung heroes who shun the spotlight, but the Lord is taking note and their reward waits in glory!

Thank God, that having pastored churches for around a half century, I have had the joy of seeing many generous and devoted souls like Gaius and Demetrius. I will admit I have been wounded by a few seeking domination, but when they demanded that I leave, so far they were the ones who eventually left!  So, preacher remember that those who are for you are usually more than those against you. Supremely, since God is for you, who can be against you?  If Diotrephes has his way and runs you off, shake the dust off your feet, and move on to your next assignment! Jesus—the only perfect Preacher was rejected, so we must not think we can please everyone!

THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF FAITH

The old hymn begins, 

    How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord 

    Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.

That firm foundation of faith is featured in Acts 4. There are several facets of faith that we see. 

FIRST, WE SEE A CONFESSIONAL FAITH (v.1-22). We have the confession of Peter and John. There are core convictions that Christianity has which are compelled to be communicated. Such terms as, “speaking,” (v.1), “teaching…proclaiming,” (v.2), and “the word,”  (v.4). As a result of the preaching, faith was formed in “about five thousand.”  The core message is Christ—“the name of Jesus…crucified, whom God raised from the dead,” (v.10). He is “the cornerstone” of faith (v.11) and the Gospel message declares, “there is no other name…by which we must be saved” (v.12). That confession is a must for true faith (Rom.10:9-10, 13). The Spirit bears witness to Christ through His church (v.8) compelling us to confess Christ, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard,” (v.20). 

FURTHER, WE SEE A COURAGEOUS FAITH (v.23-31). This courage is required because of the conflict. Proclaiming the Gospel is an assault on the kingdom of darkness. The devil and his minions will fight back, and so we note, “they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus,” (v.18). Such threats and rage had been predicted by David, writing Ps.2 quoted here (v.25-26). But, the kings of the earth are no match for the King of  Eternity!  The “Sovereign Lord” ( v.24), even uses the wicked to work His will (v.27), “to do whatever [God’s] hand and [God’s] plan has predestined to take place.”  The church’s prayer was not for the removal of conflict, but for the reinforcement of courage, “to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” (v.29). Such prayers will shake the world and send us out to speak boldly (v.31). 

FINALLY, WE SEE A COMMON FAITH (v.32-37). Now, by that, I do not mean the faith is cheap and ordinary, but that it is faith all believers have in common. This calls us to do life together in community (v.32). Such common faith produces uncommon fruit—“great power,” and “great grace,” (v.33), inspiring testimony and generosity (v.34-35).

SEEING THE SAVIOR, SHOWING THE FAVOR

 

But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  Now by chance a certain priest came down that road.  And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was.  And when he saw him, he had compassion.  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’  So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”  And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”  Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”  (Luke 10:29-37)

People don’t just need to hear about Jesus from us, they need to see Jesus in us!  God is good, and when I do good, then I am being like Him.  We call the Samaritan in Christ’s parable, “The Good Samaritan,” because of his generous actions toward someone who could not help himself.  I am showing the resemblance to my Heavenly Father when I give, since He is the great Giver.  Others ought to see the favor.  God brings us into contact with those He intends for us to serve through His providence.  We do not run into need by accident, but by appointment from God.  How are we to respond?

The Good Samaritan saw the need.  Our eyes may be blinded by greed rather than seeing the need.  We may be aware, but quickly direct our gaze elsewhere, because it makes us feel uncomfortable—and the self-centered soul wants comfort more than anything.

The Good Samaritan felt the pain.  He took pity on him by having empathy for the fallen man.  Those who help are those who feel the hurt—who are able to interject themselves into the suffering of others and think, “If it were me, how would I feel?”

The Good Samaritan took some action.  He went to the poor fellow and gave him first aid.  While he wasn’t a doctor, he did what he could.  Just because I don’t have the money to help everyone, doesn’t mean I can’t help someone.  Although I can’t have enough time to serve everyone, doesn’t mean I don’t have the time to serve someone.  God doesn’t want our excuses; He wants our effort!

The Good Samaritan did follow-up.  It wasn’t a few dollars tossed in that would solve the long-term needs of the wounded fellow, although it would perhaps have salved the short-term conscience of the Samaritan.  There needed to be an extended investment to do whatever it took to help the fellow.

It is fascinating that the two “spiritual” men in the story were too holy to get their hands dirty and too busy with their religion to display the fruit of faith.  The priest and the Levite got as far away from the need as they could and hastened on to their religious event as fast as they could.  No wonder Jesus branded such as, “Hypocrites.”  They resembled their father—the Devil—and the Lord pointed out that fact.  Satan is a thief—supremely self-centered—and so are his offspring.

Since God is the great Giver, His grace should move me to go and do likewise.  Through my sacrifice of time and treasure today, by whatever means and in whatever measure God provides, I want others to see the Savior as I show the favor!