1 The elder unto the wellbeloved 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 fellowhelpers 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.

3 John 1:1-14 (KJV)

God provides people in our path in life to be an example for us. We need to be wise on our end to follow those who live for the truth of God. Some believe that leading is easier than following. The ones who believe that have never truly led. Do not follow evil and follow what is good. (verse 11)

  1. We are told to follow God. (Ephesians 5:1)
  2. We are told to follow others.
    The example of Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1)
    The example of pastors (Hebrews 13:7)

This kind of following is not worship. This word “follow” has the idea of example and following that example. It is not designed to lift the leader but to lift up the one who leads the leader, Jesus Christ. We all need Christian examples. We are not an inland unto ourselves.

The Company We Keep

Gaius and Demetrius

  • Strength of character
    We ought to walk in the company of those who have good character. You are known by the company you keep and you will be influenced by the company you keep.
  • Faithfulness to the truth
    The world crowns success but God crowns faithfulness.

Diotrephes

  • Self-centered (verse 9b, Philippians 2:4)
  • Stained by political ambition (verse 10)
    This type of ambition seeks to look after its own power and desires.
  • Unsubmissive (verse 9c)
    Where self is, there is no room for submission. Submission is surrender. It is placing oneself under the authority of another.

The Actions We Take

Gaius and Demetrius

  • God’s truth is authoritative and vital. (verse 3c)
  • Concern for other Christians (verses 5-6)
    Praying, helping, sheltering and encouraging.

Diotrephes

  • Superior control is important (verse 9b)
  • Antagonism and criticism of leadership (verse 10b)
  • Ill-treatment of others who disagree. (verse 10c, Romans 12:10)

The Reputation We Establish

Gaius and Demetrius

  • Care for God’s truth (verses 4, 12)
  • Concern for God’s work (verse 5)
  • Love for God’s people (verse 5)
  • Good testimony of believers and godly leaders (verses 1, 3)

Diotrephes

  • Addicted to power and control (verse 9b)
  • Critical or bitter spirit (10b)
  • Prejudiced treatment of other believers (verse 10c)
  • Uncooperative (verses 9-10)

The devil knows he’s had the victory when Christians get their noses in a snit and decides to have an “I’ll show them” attitude. An uncooperative spirit does not just hurt one individual but the entire body. (Ephesians 4:3)