Scottsbluff Church of Christ

A Real Blessing for the Church (3 John 1-8)
A Dedicated Apostle

Elder (Presbuteros) "A Older Man"

John shows his Dedication in his:
Affirmation of a Dedicated Worker
Accusation of a Divisive Worker

A Real Blessing for the Church (3 John 1-8)
A Dedicated Worker: Gaius

Three Persons in the New Testament with that Name

1 Corinthians 1:14- A Corinthian baptized by Paul
Acts 20:4- A Traveling Companion from Derbe
Acts 19:29- A Christian from Macedonia

This Gaius is loved by John and linked with John in the truth of Jesus Christ.

A Real Blessing for the Church (3 John 1-8)
Be Faithful to the Walk

A Greeting for:
Physical Prosperity (Enjoy Good health)
Spiritual Prosperity (All May Go Well With You)

A Real Blessing for the Church (3 John 1-8)

William Penn
"He is curious to wash, dress and perfume his body, but carless of his soul. The one shall have many hours, the other not so many minutes."

A Real Blessing for the Church (3 John 1-8)
Be Faithful to the Truth

"For" (Gar)- Emphasizes Purpose or Completion

A Church Family is visible, viable and vocal in its dedication to each other and to Christ.

A Real Blessing for the Church (3 John 1-8)
Be Faithful to the Work

Dedication to the study of God's Word
Dedication to the Financial Support of the church and to missionaries

A Real Blessing for the Church (3 John 1-8)
"Send them Forward"

Propempo- to send forward with an urgent mission.
The Manner- Worthy of Jesus
The Nature- For the sake of the Name.

Missionaries are Fellow Workers (Partners) in the work of Christ.

A Real Problem for the Church ( 3 John 1:9-12)
Diotrophes

A Contrast in Attitude and Obedience

Full of Pride Ambition to Rule

The church should use caution in it's selection of church leadership.

A Real Problem for the Church ( 3 John 1:9-12)
Diotrophes in the church today: Those who are Divisive

Resisting the Gospel Message
Resisting Humbling Self
Gossip/Malicious Words

These are reasons people move away from the Lord's Church.

A Real Problem for the Church ( 3 John 1:9-12)
Diotrophes Warned:

Do not imitate those who do not belong to God

A real Missionary for the Church (3 John 1:12-14)
Demetrius

may have been the cause of the conflict between Gaius and Diotrophes.

His Testimony- The Same truth as the Apostles
His Work- Spoken of by the Church

The Church Needs Workers Dedicated like Gaius
Ministry is Hard (even Discouraging) Sometimes

*The Church MUST handle cancers before they grow and become fatal.
*The Church MUST encourage those who entrusted in the work of the Gospel.
*The Church MUST comfort those who are hurting.
*The Church MUST heed the warnings of John.