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Recording from Selkirk Street Evangelical Church, Hamilton 27th June 2004
SOME NOTES
This a personal letter. The most personal of the three we have by John. But not private. Very attractive, very brief. Very direct, straight and honest. It opens up a very serious problem that has arisen in a church. Churches in the early days not perfect, any more than today
There are 4 men that appear:
- The elder
- Gaius
- Diotrephes
- Demetrius
The Elder
The writer calls himself The Elder as he does in 2nd John. We can conclude that this is the apostle John. It is a term of affection and respect which he had well & truly earned. It was how Christians had come to regard him. Appropriate in a letter in which he’s going to emphasize service comes before status in every church. What matters is how we serve, not position
Gaius
Who the letter is written to. We don’t know who Gaius was. He is called “the beloved” he is a highly respected Christian. There is a personal bond in the Gospel between John & Gaius. A gospel bond of love.
He was in good shape spiritually. “I am praying that you will get along well and be in good health just as you are in good spiritual health”
What is good spiritual health?
Firstly, it is being faithful to the truth. Gaius walked the talk. He lived the truth. His whole life was worthy of the Gospel. When it comes to our beliefs, spiritual health is when they shine through everything we do. Profession has to be matched by practice, doctrine by deeds, beliefs by behaviour
Secondly, spiritual health is loving as a Christian should. Gaius treatment of the brothers shows remarkable kindness. These brothers were strangers to him. Christians ought to give help, show hospitality. So that we may work together for the truth. You contribute, you give, you pray, you help everyone you can who is involved in this kind of work. You may not go, but you can become part of it. Everyone can be involved
Diotrephes
Big trouble. Flawed character. A bit of fraud. Root of the trouble – he wants to be first. Determined he will get his own way
- Firstly, he blocked a letter than john has sent to the church. Wasn’t’ going to let an apostle get in his way!
- Secondly, he gossiped about John – fabricated lies. For his own end prepared to say the worst of things about the best of men
- Thirdly, he refuses to welcome the brothers. This exclusivism is in its nature intolerable. Then worse. He prevents others from welcoming. He excommunicates them! Dictatorship not leadership
Such a man with such an attitude is a menace in any church. Selfish amibition has wrought havoc down through the centuries and always will. Odd how people will in a church want to have a place, above all a place. It does harm. Runs counter to the teaching of the Lord Jesus
A leader is a person who is to serve the people of God. Not lord it over them. Only one has first place, only one is pre-eminent, only one is Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord!
Never fall into the trap of saying it’s my church and it must suit me
Demetrius
A shining example. Good reputation & testimony from everyone. Not only do people speak well of him but his life is true to the gospel as everyone can see. More than that. John adds “and I bear witness to him”. Some people think from that he was the bearer of the letter. Perfectly possible / probable. John points to Demetrius as a good example to follow
Value of personal conversation. John was intending to be there if at all possible.
Final greeting of Peace
The word “eirēnē” with all the fulness of being well in God. Peace.
“Friend”: Made sure that every individual, every Christians, is included in this greeting. Single them out. Include them. Against the background of the exclusivism of Diotrephes. We embrace all the Lord’s people one by one. Individuals precious to him and therefore dear to us