Review of last week’s teaching:
I. How John prays for Gaius
A. for good health
B. that all may go well
C. for his soul to get along well – a soul can still get along well during trials
II. Walking in the Truth
A. Walking refers to lifestyle, actions, good deeds becoming of Christlikeness
B. Truth refers to a correct view of Jesus’ personhood and his teachings
1. Jesus is the crucified and risen Lord, the gentle Healer, and the good Teacher
C. Gaius was a faithful servant even unto strangers as part of the family of God
D. For the Sake of the Name – to honor and promote Christ
Imitating the Good (3 John 1:9-14)
I. How should we deal with malicious people? (Vss. 9-10)
A. Call attention to their actions
1. “Me first” attitude
2. Malicious gossiping
3. Unwelcoming to brothers in Christ
4. Threatening and controlling others
B. These are all very immature attitudes
1. Not unlike young children and bullies
II. Modeling what is good (Vss. 11-12)
A. Follow and imitate Jesus
1. God alone is “good” (Mark 10:17-21)
B. Follow and imitate godly mentors
1. Trusted leaders who speak God’s word (Hebrews 13:7)
a. Who would this be for you?
2. A lesson from Paul (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:2)
a. Read the Scriptures often!
3. Those who are “well-spoken of”
a. by everyone
b. by the TRUTH itself
1. what does this mean?
c. Proverbial wisdom – walk with the wise (Proverbs 13:20)
III. Spread peace and greetings whenever you can (Vss. 13-14)
A. Write often
B. Visit even more often
B. Why should we use their names?
