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Lesson Summary:

John commends Gaius for his support of evangelists and condemns Diotrephes for refusing to show the proper love and support for them.

Focus Passage: 3 John 1

Introduction to 3 John

Setting and Timeline

About the Author

Outline and Lesson Goal

Principles and Applications

I. The Commendation of Gaius (1:1-8)

Principle: God’s People Accomplish God’s Work in Loving Partnership with One Another.
Application: How is your love for the brethren being demonstrated? How are you supporting your pastor and those who minister among you?
Scripture Reference

⁸Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
⁹For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
I Corinthians 3:8-9 (NASB)

II. The Condemnation of Diotrephes (1:9-15)

Principle: God’s People Put Others ahead of Themselves in All Things.
Application: How is your life showing that you love what is good and reject what is evil?
Scripture Reference

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
²make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
³Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
⁴do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4 (NASB)