Carnality can be a Divider! (3 John 9)

I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.

THE STUDY:

This morning we look at this epistle that refers to a previous letter written by John. Some scholars believe this is referring to 2 John while other believe it is a lost letter. John wrote “something” to the church that Diotrephes doesn’t like, feel its worthy, or refuses to acknowledge the sender.

John asserts that Diotrephes … loves to be first, and does not acknowledge our authority. The Greek translates this as simply he does not receive us. The elder wrote to Gaius because Diotrephes had refused hospitality to traveling ministers affiliated with John (v 10). Consequently, John accuses Diotrephes of placing himself above ministry, saying he loves to be first (NIV). The Greek word philoprōteuōn comes from phileō, which means (to love), and prōtos, which means (first).

Third John may be evidence of some kind of power struggle between two church leaders in the churches. This may have been nothing more than conflict over congregational organization.^[1] Whatever the reasoning, there is a common denominator when it comes to any division within churches, organizations, or even marriages: Carnality (relating to somebody's physical needs or appetites, especially as contrasted with spiritual or intellectual qualities)!  

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that just like the world, the church can become hostage to (Carnality) man. What would cause such a deep divide in a community bound together by love? The answer is very simple: US! This is why Paul was so passionate when he said, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Col 3:2-5)

CONCLUSION:

I remember early on in my marriage, Shelly and I would have some “heated discussions.” I am not proud of those moments but I have learned from them. The one major lesson learned from these discussion was the understanding of WHY? Why were we arguing? I am not against having discussion but just as long as they are productive and not destructive.

To answer the question, WHY, is simple: Carnality! Speaking only for myself, I wanted to be right! It didn’t matter what it was about, as long as I was right and she knew it, I WON! Like I said, I am not proud of this but it is what it is! I had to die to self! Once I realized what I was doing and allowed Christ to have victory over this issue of carnality, our marriage became whole (one) again!

My prayer for you today is that you may see this issue in your life. You might exhibit carnality in your church (I can do a better job than others), in your job (I deserve that position), or in your marriage (I want to be right, no matter what the cost). Whatever the case may be, let … your life (be) … hidden with Christ in God.

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 (214). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Both are Essential! (3 John 8)

Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

THE STUDY:

John depicts hospitality as an expected expression of generous support of missionaries. This is clear from his insertion of the emphatic pronoun “we.” His intent is clear: we ought to support people like these. Hospitality would include lodging, food, and money for the future travel of such missionaries.

When people like Gaius and those with him supported such men, the churches involved share their ministries: we may be fellow workers for the truth. Some Christians were planting the gospel in new geographical soil and among diverse people groups. Others provided a support system, the material means enabling traveling evangelists and missionaries to be free to devote more time to preaching and teaching.^[1]

Unlike the false teachers of 2 John 11, who deny “the Name” and therefore should be refused hospitality, these men are faithful to “the Name” and deserve assistance. As we support such persons, “we become coworkers in the truth.” We may not physically go where they go, but when we support them, we go with them anyway. We work together, as one, for the truth. Some give support and some are sent. Both are essential.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that there is no “I” in TEAM! As a team member for the Lord we all have a part to play. For some, that may be giving support but for others it may call for them to be sent. Whatever the case may be, all parts are essential when it comes to Kingdom building.   

CONCLUSION:

  Many years ago I was introduced to a song that was titled, “Thank You!” The third verse is the one that impacted me the most:

One by one they came
Far as your eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices you made
They were unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed

This morning I pray that you realize you are valuable to building the kingdom of God. You may not be a preacher or an evangelist, but you can be that team player who supports them through encouragement, prayer, and/or finances. Don’t let Satan cause you to think you can’t make a difference. For each life you touch on Earth will be revealed in heaven.  

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 (212). 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 (245). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

THE NAME! (3 John 7)

For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.

THE STUDY:

The word “name” found in this verse is a title for God or Jesus Christ as he is revealed through all his attributes, majesty, and perfections.^[1] The traveling believers went out, perhaps a technical term for evangelistic activity, for the sake of the Name. Paul writes of “the name that is above every name” and that it is “the name of Jesus” that will someday cause all to bow and confess him as Lord (Phil 2:10).

When it comes to the “the name,” Jesus speaks in a unusual way in the Fourth Gospel—“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me” (John 17:11). Then he adds, “I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me” (John 17:12). For the biblical authors, one’s “name” (onoma) and the person it represents are inseparable. So to speak in behalf of the Name was to speak with the understanding that Christ was present in the speaking.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that being a believer means we have “the name” tattooed on our heart. That name is the Name above all Names which should resonate from our bodies so to reveal Christ to those around us!  

CONCLUSION:

As a parent there is a few things I want my children to understand and be honored to be a part of. One of those things is most obvious: a follower of Christ! The other thing is one that is not valued as much in our culture today as once was: the family name! When my kids are preparing to go to someone else’s house for the night, or they are going to be with others without the presence of their mother or me, I remind them of this, “You are a Christian! You represent Christ! Also, you are a Kincaid! You represent this family! Do not bring dishonor to either! Behave yourselves, be careful, and have a great time.”

Let us be reminded today that as a believer we represent Christ in our world. Let’s not bring dishonor to “THE NAME!”  

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Friberg, T., Friberg, B., & Miller, N. F. (2000). Vol. 4: Analytical lexicon of the Greek New Testament. Baker's Greek New Testament library (282). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.

^[2] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (211). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Faithfulness: Transforms & Reproduces! Part 2 (3 John 5-6)

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6       who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.

THE STUDY:

Yesterday we looked at how faithfulness transforms people. Today we will look at how it reproduces. In verse 6 we read that John’s standard for hospitality is in a manner worthy of God. The theme echoes the teaching of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matt 25:40). The epistle to the Hebrews conveys a similar thought: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (13:2). While generosity can be abused, the call to honor those who honor God calls for erring on the side of generosity.

Gaius and the church are urged to send John’s representatives—“the brothers” (v 5)—on their way. This was a polite and indirect way of requesting aid (food, money, housing arrangements, traveling companions) for missionaries. This phrase, found only here in the NT, resembles Paul’s wish expressed to the churches in Rome that they would “assist [him] on [his] journey” to Spain (Rom 15:24; see Acts 15:3). You will do well is a natural way of conveying a request or expressing thanks in advance.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that faithfulness to God is reproducing. Because of one’s faithfulness, the reproduction of believers causes the movement and spreading of the Gospel like a wild fire. The only way to stop this fire (the Gospel) is through disobedience.  

CONCLUSION:

I think back on a certain day at the grocery store I was a produce manager. It was late that evening, I had finished up my responsibilities, and I was putting in some time at the front helping bag groceries. This is one of the defining moments in my life. The Pastors wife at the local Nazarene church had been developing a friendship with me over a period of time. She had caught me at the right moment, at the right time, and at the right place! She invited me to Church that upcoming Sunday night. She said, “We are having a singspiration, were everybody and anybody can come and sing or play music.” For whatever reason I said, “Yes” and my life has never been the same since.

  That Pastors wife’s faithfulness had a reproducing affect that has rippled throughout the country if not the world. From that invitation the Gospel was shared with me, with all the churches I would go on to pastor, and to the areas I have preached overseas. This is a wonderful example of a faithful servant and the reproducing of disciples which has continued the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let us remember that today could be the day that, through our obedience to God’s will, we start the rippling effect of the Gospel that will reach far beyond our imagination.

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 (210). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

Faithfulness: Transforms & Reproduces! (3 John 5-6)

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6       who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.

THE STUDY:

In verse 5 we see how faithfulness transforms. Tomorrow we will look at how it reproduces. Verse 5 we read John commending Gaius of his faithfulness in serving these brothers. Such a welcoming spirit transformed strangers (zenos, or “guests”) into friends. Gaius lived faithfulness.^[1] This is the power of the Spirit. Through a willing participant, the Spirit of God can change a person who we do not know into a friend (A brother in Christ).

John expected a strong network of Christians who, although spread over a wide region, were committed to support one another. This faith network led to tangible acts. Gaius and others in his church had already treated the elder’s messengers well (v 6). The letter encourages Gaius’ continued generosity.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

We walk away this morning with the understanding that faithfulness to God is transforming. Transforming for the person who is faithful as well as the people they are showing faithfulness too.

CONCLUSION:

As a believer I have never preached to or at my family. I have tried to live the life of Christ in front of them. This has worked well! In fact, so well that the majority of my family (except for one or two) have encountered Christ and given their heart to him. For this I praise his Holy Name.

I received an email from a family member yesterday. This particular family member shared with me that through some difficult times in their life and circumstances that could only have been orchestrated by God, they accepted Christ. I would like to believe that because of, not only my faithfulness but, the faithfulness of a pastor who lead my family member through the sinner’s prayer another soul has been saved. That family member will now be transformed into the likeness of Christ over the remainder of their time on earth.

Today, let you faithfulness shine. Not just so you can be transformed but so that someone else may experience the transforming power of Christ! AMEN!

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 (209–210). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

^[2] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (210). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

No Greater Joy! (3 John 4)

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

THE STUDY:

John was extremely pleased—no greater joy —that his children were following the Christian path. To walk in the truth emphasizes both concepts to be believed and lifestyle to be practiced. The present participle translated are walking conveys the image of an ongoing journey.

The phrase my children identifies a close spiritual relationship between John and this community of faith. Perhaps Gaius and others had come to faith through John’s ministry. Perhaps his mentoring of these young Christians had established a family-like emotional attachment between them.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

We walk away this morning with the understanding that the concepts we believe in and the lifestyle we live will identify the truth to which we walk in. If it is a Christian faith that I believe in and a Christian lifestyle I practice then this is the truth to which myself as well as others will find great joy.

CONCLUSION:

  I preached a sermon last week entitled “Movement of God” in which I talked about expressing joy. The statement I made was to the fact that the joy that is described in the scriptures is not usually the joy that is defined by the world today. Our joy comes from the Lord! It is found in Christ!

You might think all the money, the nice cars, big houses, that perfect job, etc., will give you the joy you are missing in your heart. The truth of the matter is, you will only find that joy filled by Christ! There is no greater joy than what is found is Christ!

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 (207). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.