Coworkers with the Truth

Sunday, May 3, 2015
3 John 1:1-14 KJV

1 The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth. 9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church. 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. 12 Demetrius hath good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, and we [also] bear record; and ye know that our record is true. 13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name. 

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the Apostle Paul's desire for his traveling companion, Gaius? (v.1-2)
2) What was Paul's greatest joy in concerning Gaius and all of his spiritual children? (v.3-4)
3) What had Gaius faithfully done, that others were witness to? (v.5-6)
4) How did Gaius' actions inspire the aposte, as well as those who were witness to his actions? (v.7-8)
5) What did the Apostle Paul write to the church, as a result, and how was it received by Diotrephes? (v.9)
6) What else did the apostle say that he would do, as a result of Diotrephes actions, and warn others to do? (v.10-11)
7) What did Paul write about Demetrius? (v.12)
8) What else did the apostle want to write to the reader(s) and why didn't he do that? (v.13-14) 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Have you ever encountered individuals in your church, or home, who refused to receive the truth and follow it? If so, how did you respond and what happened to them?

LIFE LESSONS
10) The Lord would have His children to follow those who testify to, teach, and live the truth that is found in His word.