Where Peace is Found! (3 John 15)

Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.

THE STUDY:

Some of you who use the NIV or the NASB is looking for verse 15 but you cannot find it. These translations combine verse 15 with verse 14. The ESV (the one I use) does not combine these two verses. This is a grace-filled Hebraic benediction: peace be to you. Paul typically combined the Hebraic benediction of peace (shalom) and a modified Greek greeting of “grace” (charis). The author of 3 John, however, refers only to peace.

While this was a standard convention of letter writing of the time, it stands in some tension with the obviously strained relationship between himself and Diotrephes. Perhaps John offers the word as not only a customary social exchange, but as something more—a prayer for reconciliation among the churches. Perhaps, peace was forever cemented into Christian vocabulary by its use by the risen Christ (John 20:19, 21, 26). John must have prayed it would have a calming effect in his churches.

This short letter depicts John as an outsider, facing opposition from other Christians. Still, he has the authority of his personal standing among the churches and seeks to exercise it. That 3 John became a part of the NT suggests that John’s understanding of Christianity in the region prevailed as the orthodox view.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that one who holds true to the teachings of Christ will face adversity and strife. They also will receive grace and PEACE.

CONCLUSION:

  Only eight percent of the time since the beginning of recorded history has the world been entirely at peace. In over 3,100 years, only 286 have been warless and 8,000 treaties have been broken in this time. Isaiah 48:22 reads, There is no peace, says the Lord, unto the wicked.

My prayer for you today is to have peace in your heart: A peace that exceeds all understanding. This peace will not be found in the world. It is a peace that can only be found in God! I pray that through these devotionals you have found that peace.

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

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.

Face to Face! (3 John 13)

I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink.

THE STUDY:

The farewell remarks in the letter are similar to those in 2 John 12, although specific words vary. Some of the variety is due to the fact that 2 John is written to a church (“the chosen lady and her children,” 2 John 1), whereas 3 John is directed to an individual (“my dear friend Gaius,” 3 John 1). As in 2 John, the elder speaks of his reluctance to write at length, preferring to see his recipient in person (v 14).^[1]

John’s heart is both full (for Gaius) and burdened (because of Diotrephes). What he needed to say could not be put on a single sheet of papyrus or in a longer letter for that matter. An overflowing heart must give way to a bolder course of action. Yes, he would come and confront Diotrephes (v. 10). He would also come and enjoy the company of Gaius as well.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that sometimes situations call for a letter of sort and other times it calls for a face to face encounter. Whichever the case may be (good or bad, pleasure or conflict), one or the other is necessary.

• If a person has done well in a situation you may want to send them a card, a letter, or give them a call. If they have gone above and beyond expectation, a personal face to face recognition may be required. However, if someone needs constructive criticism you may want to send a letter, an email, or a personal message. But, if someone needs reprimanded, a personal encounter is called for.

CONCLUSION:

One of the biggest fads of this generation can be found in the aspect of social networking: AKA – Facebook! I have to admit that I have an account and love being able to keep in contact with family, friends (old and new), and my congregation. Just like anything else though, Facebook can be a place that is not used properly.

Facebook should be a place that mimic’s emails, letters or phone messages: A letter to a longtime friend who wants to catch up, an email that expresses ones perspective on a family situation, or better yet a phone message expressing ones condolences.

What we find, though, is Facebook being used as a diary for teens (instead of things being written in a private book) or a place for adults to express displeasure toward others instead of dealing with those individuals face to face. John shares with the reader and us that there are some things that can be penned down and expressed on paper but there are so many other things that needs to be addressed personally (face to face)!

Let today be a day we send a friend a letter or card just to say how much we appreciate them and make an appointment to go talk to that person who may have wronged you last week. Don’t put this situation out in the public, address it privately and watch God work in the midst of it.

  

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.

Don't Pursue It, Live It! (3 John 12)

Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

THE STUDY:

 Demetrius was obviously one in whom the elder had confidence. He describes him as a good testimony from everyone. The words are an exaggeration, since Diotrephes’ group clearly did not share this view. The phrase, containing a perfect passive participle, suggests a life proven over time.

It is one thing to measure up well against the expectations of others. But to measure up well against the objective standard that speaks of the highest kind of character is noteworthy. John writes, we also speak well of Demetrius. By using we, John speaks for himself and all those allied with him. Three witnesses vouch for Demetrius—the church (community), the truth itself, and John. This lines up with the Torah requirement of Deut 19:15.

The elder’s preference for certain words shows up in this sentence. He uses forms of martyria (witness or testimony) three times, and alētheia (truth) twice. The assertion our testimony is true recalls John 19:35 and 21:24. Words declaring the truth of one’s testimony seem to have become standard among the churches of that day.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that one’s life is a proven testimony to the truth and can be lined up against those great witnesses of the past. We may not be a Mother Theresa but our life can be measured by the standard she set while serving God.

CONCLUSION:

 As a pastor I have had the privilege of knowing some great pillars of the church. They have been a blessing to me as well as those churches I have pastored. What I see happening, as time goes on, is those great pillars have entered in eternity and others have taken their place. They have been allowed to fill that role in the church because they have met the objective standard that speaks of the highest kind of character. They were compared to those saints of old.

I have never set out to be compared to those great saints of the church, but to be compared and looked at as “ONE” in my days to come would be a great testimony to the love, mercy, grace, and power of the Holy Spirit.

My prayer for you today is that you stay true to the faith. By doing so, one day you will be viewed as that pillar of the church. Don’t pursue it, LIVE IT! By living it you will be that standard in which others will be compared to.  

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.

Measuring Stick moments! (3 John 11)

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

THE STUDY:

 John calls out to his flock, Beloved, and urges them to not imitate evil but imitate good. The word, imitate (mimeomai), is only found 11 times in the NT and translated 4 of those times as imitate. John desires his flock to imitate good not evil.

John is likely referring to what Diotrephes was doing. He urged his readers, rather, to model themselves after what is good. The language here is similar to Paul’s (see Eph 5:1; 1 Thess 1:6; 2 Thess 2:14). While the English word “mimic” derives from the Greek word here, “model after another” is more applicable.

Doing what is good here echoes 1 John 2:29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. Doing “what is right” gives evidence that one has been born of God. The idea surfaces in a negative sense in 1 John 3:10—“ whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God” For John, there was no such thing as a faith that left one’s morals untouched. Children of God will give evidence of this in their daily choices for the good and against evil.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that a sanctified believer in Christ will turn and walk away from evil (Rebuke) while practicing righteousness. Our daily choices and the resistance of evil becomes ones confirmation of the Spirit of Christ dwelling within them.

CONCLUSION:

 My first assignment in ministry was as a youth pastor in Richmond Virginia. What a blast that was and the friends we made will be forever a part of us. Our last service at the church, before moving to our next ministry position, was on a Wednesday night with the youth. Earlier that week there was a situation that developed and I was called in to council one of the teens along with their parents.

During that evenings service I was confronted by one of the teens father. He was upset with what had happened with his teen and wanted me to take action toward the other teen. I informed the father that it was not my place to take action nor was it necessary. It was two teens acting inappropriately and that should be dealt with by the parents. Not appreciating the answer to this situation the father politely (sarcasm) said to me, “And you call yourself a pastor!” The old Rod would have reacted in a violent way but what happen next was evidence that I was not the OLD ROD anymore. I politely (no sarcasm) ask the gentleman to leave and I returned to say goodbye to my teens.

I call these moments in our lives “measuring stick moments!” Just like our children standing in the doorway so we can measure how much they have grown, these moments reveal how much we have grown in Christ. Church, let us imitate Christ today!

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

Don’t be a Diotrephes! (3 John 10)

So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

THE STUDY:

 In this verse John is continuing on with the subject of Diotrephes and his refusal of the Apostles authority. He says, “I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us.” This is not to imply a face-off between the two but a more candor acknowledgment that in the near future this matter will be addressed, personally, by John.

The resistance from Diotrephes went beyond refusing to receive those approved by John. Any who offered hospitality to the elder’s group he put out of the church. The verb ekballō, puts … out, means throw out or away. It describes what Jesus did to demons (Matt 8:16; Mark 1:34) and to the moneychangers in the temple (Matt 21:12). The word in this context suggests an expulsion of some sort of those who were providing hospitality to the elder’s representatives. We can only speculate that Diotrephes was a host of a local house church. We can say for sure, though, that his actions were that of a local discipline and not an overarching church decision.

Although Diotrephes was a person of some authority, his position seems not to have prevailed. The survival and canonization of this little letter suggests that the elder’s appeal was successful. Otherwise the NT may have included letters written by Diotrephes!^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that the truth of Christ (the Church) will prevail. We know that some individuals who believe that their own convictions, in regards to the church, should rise to the top and become a focal point. In this scenario those individuals are the ones who eventually lose credibility and position. Credibility with God’s people and position with God! What they must do to regain what was lost is repent!   

CONCLUSION:

 In ministry, I have seen many individuals feel the need to challenge the authority and even attempt to remove leaders (Pastors) in the church. The feeling that resonates from me regarding these circumstances is that this is wrong! I have seen good pastors encounter such actions and have left the ministry. I have seen some who have weathered the storm but they have paid the price. No one wins in these situations, everyone loses! This is not to the Glory of God!

I am not implying that all pastors are right and all laymen are wrong! I know this is not always the case. We need to understand that God calls few to lead by all to follow! All of it should be for the Glory of God.

There will be disagreements and disputes and this is where the words of Jesus should be put into practice: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector (Matt. 18:15-17).

Don’t let Satan have a foothold on you today! If you have an issue or a disagreement with your brother/sister (pastor or laymen) put Matt. 18 into practice. Let’s not be a Diotrephes, let’s be Jesus!

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