SURREY CHAPEL – Fellowship Group Notes for the 28th/29th May 2014
3 John
Walking in the way

In 2 John the Apostle is writing to a church to tell them not to welcome those who do not teach the truth. Now in 3 John he writes to an individual - Gaius – who maybe a church leader – to tell him that he should welcome those who DO teach the truth. Henrietta Mears gives this summary of John’s Letters – 1 John ‘Jesus the Life’, 2 John ‘Jesus the Truth’ and 3 John ‘Jesus the Way’ (See John 14:6) Gaius had found Jesus to be the Way and in his everyday life tried to show that to others.

COMMENDATION   v 1 – 8  (Gaius)
v1-2	Note his prayer for a healthy body and a healthy soul. Right and good to pray for both.
In what different ways does John refer to Gaius? (v1,2 &4) What do they tell us?
v3-4	Gaius’ walk. How does he define the spiritual health that Gaius is known for? 
How should such a definition affect the way we pray?
What had been John’s reaction to the news and why?
Why does he now tell Gaius about this?
v5-8	Gaius’ is commended. See also James 2:14-17
There is a difference between friendship and Christian hospitality – the latter being in that we are happy to welcome and care for brothers and sisters we do not really know.
v6	‘manner worthy of God’ treat them in a way God would treat them – Matthew 10:40
v7-8	How does he define the ministry of these ‘brothers’?
What ways do we share in the work and ministries of other believers (be co-workers)?  
These two verses give criteria for giving –
•	Those whose motive is the glory of God rather than personal gain. (v7)
•	Those who work for the truth (v8)

CONDEMNATION   v 9 – 11  (Diotrephes)
Here we have an example of power seeking. A danger in every church.
v9	What is his problem? What reputation does he have?
V9-10	What ( and who) does he stand up against?	
Note –there is no indication that Diotrephes is in any way a false teacher.
See what Jesus had to say about this –Mark 10:35-45
v11	This verse could be put in either section. 
Here ask this question –why would it be tempting for these believers to imitate Diotrephes? What is John warning about?

CONCLUSION    v  12 – 14  (Demetrius)
Gauis and Demetrius are the ones to imitate (v11) See 1 Corinthians11:1
Demetrius is commended either because he is now being sent by John –and thus introduced- or it may be that he is one who has been maligned by Diotrephes.
What was worth imitating in the life of Demetrius? (v12)
v13-14	Notice that ‘face to face’ contact is important to John- as is attention to individuals – as he ends ‘greet the friends there by name’  (cf 2 John 12)

												DJ
PRAYER ITEMS –
Pray about our individual support of true gospel workers.
Pray about how we follow good examples (those who closely follow Christ)
MST (Mission Support Team) and those serving on it (info. in the foyer).