Pray, Prepare, and Participate! (3 John 14)

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

THE STUDY:

John’s desire was to address the situation “face to face!” As we learned yesterday, some situations (Good or Bad) call for a face to face encounter. He knew the power of a personal visit. One’s presence usually communicates more than a faceless document. Literally, he refers to speaking mouth to mouth, a culturally appropriate metaphor for personal conversation.^[1]

This verse is quite similar to the conclusion of 2 John. The word “soon” (eutheōs) is the only significant difference. It is probably added because of the urgency of dealing with Diotrephes. John plans to come and come quickly to Gaius. He will not allow the problem with Diotrephes to fester and perhaps grow worse.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that in certain situations, ACTION is needed. John realized and understood the importance of putting out a fire. Most individuals do not like confrontation! The majority of leaders in the church don’t like conflict but they will face it often.

CONCLUSION:

  In leadership, or life in general, everyone will face conflict. The disciples are no exception. John was dealing with a situation that required his presence. Each of us will face conflict in our lives. The only way to avoid it is to die! The worst thing we can do when faced with conflict is run from if or ignore it!

While training the leaders of the church, one of the things I share with them is the idea that with the little fires they will come across, they can either add oxygen to that fire or they can cut off the oxygen so that the fire will eventually go out. What I am sharing with them is the idea that, with some situations, all is needed is patience and observation. In other situations, a face to face encounter is required.

If you have a conflict situation in your life let me encourage you to do three things: Pray, Prepare, and Participate! Pray to God for the direction! Prepare by gathering all the information required to help understand and deal with the situation properly. Finally, participate with the resolution of the conflict.

John knew what was at stake when it came to his situation: The Gospel! Christ knows what is at stake when it comes to your situation: Someone’s Salvation.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (218). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

^[2] Akin, D. L. (2001). Vol. 38: 1, 2, 3 John (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (251). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.