Epistle – 3 John

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There are all kinds of believers in the Church – many with different levels and kinds of faith.

As we come to end of another year, it is indeed appropriate to consider where we stand in our faith.  In today’s passage, we read of two followers of Christ who could not be more different in their faith.  Read on and find out who are they…

Bible Passage:  3 John

Contrasts of Faith

What traits does Christ desire in a faithful follower?  How does godliness reveal itself?  What are the differences between a good representative of faith and a bad one?

We read of two men, Gaius and Diotrephes in 3 John.  Notice the patterns of each one.  Then consider … which of these 2 are we more alike?  Are there areas in our life of faith that we should nurture and do more.  Or are there parts of our faith that shows we still have some way to go before we reach the standards God wants us to.

Gaius (3 John 1-8)

• Attended to things that made for a godly spiritual life (v 2)
• Was well regarded by the other believers for his life and activities (v 3)
• Made truth central to his communication (v 3-4)
• Showed hospitality to believers and others (v 5-6)
• Showed generosity to travelling evangelists so that they can be free from dependence on other sources for their needs (v 7)
• Did not aspire to fame or an exalted position in the fellowship, in contrast to others (v 9)

Diotrephes (3 John 9-10)

• Loved prominence (v 9)
• Did not welcome John’s communication (v 9)
• Demeaned John’s reputation with malicious information (v 10)
• Was not hospitable to other believers (v 10)
• Hindered others in the congregation in their desire to be hospitable (v 10)
• Expelled believers who resisted his activities (v 10)

Whew!  They are quite different aren’t they?

While it is easy here to see that Gaius was the good one and Diotrephes is the bad guy, are we sometimes guilty of some of the sins of Diotrephes.

The true test of the integrity of one’s faith is whether one’s actions are befitting of a follower of Christ.  It is easy to talk about religious things, but words are of little value unless they translate into works that benefit others and bring glory to God.

Whom are you more like – Gaius or Diotrephes?

If you were asked today – what could people point to in your life that gives evidence of a faith that benefits man and honours Christ?