It’s worth pondering, if someone prayed that for you, would it be a blessing or would we need to call the paramedics? Do you think churches should beg non-Christians for financial support? Usually they will repeat a statement more than once. If I say something to my children once, they may or may not listen. But it was not the whole truth, and sharing it misled others to believe something false about the person. Lessons from the Gospel of John (3): The Need of the Immoral—Life’s Satisfying. It’s a heartbreaking end to John’s story. So often, people who are big on the truth use it as a club to wail on those who don’t agree with them. 3:6-8) w brotherly love and concern (1 Jn. When my brother was young, he formed a club with his friends, as young boys tend to do. Herod ends John's life to appease his wife and her daughter. Lesson 18 Lesson 8 . Gaius of Macedonia was with Paul at Ephesus. He's a star that burns brightly in the Gospels and fades too quickly. John fulfilled this calling in several ways. Would you want your physical health to match your spiritual health? I would suggest that we should listen to the Bible, e… Like 2 John, this one-page letter was written from “the elder,” whom conservative scholars agree is the aged apostle John. Paul warned (1 Tim. In all sincerity, he looks at Jesus and says, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Lesson One “Introduction to 1, 2, 3 John” The handout is to encourage you to study ahead of time—before coming to class. There has been some debate about whether an author named (There is a bibliography of Christian biographies on the church web site.). No one in this world under the dominion of the father of lies and deceit, walks in the truth accidentally. Use these Bible Studies for personal devotion, group Bible studies, or teaching a church class. In verse 6 he affirms that Gaius, who is walking in the truth (v. 4), is also known for his love. It doesn't matter who you are; it's easy for that kind of attention to go to one's head. John 1:12 – Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 12:13). (2) You don’t boss the boss! Matthew 3:11 (John 1:26, 31, 33) – John baptized with water … Often the slanderer will say something that is partly true, so that he can claim that he spoke the truth. A fresh new start. One of the main texts used to support it is 3 John 2, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” Ignoring the fact that the apostles and many Old Testament proph­ets, not to mention Jesus Himself, were poor and persecuted, the proponents of this false teaching brazenly appeal to the greed and selfishness of their spiritually naïve audiences. The way to that eternal prosperity is to walk in the truth and in love, to submit to apostolic authority as revealed in the New Testament, and to imitate godly examples. Is he really the Messiah or not? Even the Pharisees come out to listen to him, and John doesn't shy away from publicly challenging them. 6:5), “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (see also, 2 Pet. Since John 1:1 talks about “in the beginning,” let's turn to the beginning of the Bible - in Genesis 1 - and read verses 3, … The point is, we all need godly examples to follow, but we must be careful in choosing those examples. Being hospitable is one qualification for being an elder (1 Tim. When they arrived on the scene, John turned his attention on them: "'You brood of vipers! They're asking Jesus if they were wrong. Or, he uses it to prejudice people against someone. 3, 4) John mentions “walking in the truth.” He does not say that we should sit and rest in the truth, but rather that we should walk in it. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. If a man walks with God, other godly leaders will acknowledge that fact. You do favors for them so that they owe you in return. These promises are incredibly important for us because they help to keep us ... You can be part of the movement that brings the greatest story of all time to everyone, everywhere, in every language. It runs TV shows with a supposedly successful, but ruthless boss, whose trademark line is, “You’re fired!” As Jesus said (Mark 10:42-44), the “rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. Lessons on 1 John . A Lasting Legacy: Choosing A Wife For Isaac (Gen. 24:1-67). I usually don't write such harsh statements, but the truth is that this walk of faith is about becoming more and more like Jesus and less and less and less like the flesh that we temporarily inhabit. Please modify as best fits your ministry. 3:2; Titus 1:8). Scripture Focus: John 3:1-21. Rather than being domineering, as Diotrephes was, Demetrius was a humble servant. He prayed (John 17:17), “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” Jesus told the skeptical Pilate (John 18:37), “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.”. Jesus doesn't always do what we imagine He should. B. Word Search International Bible Lesson Puzzle. Happy New Year: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives. He probably had reasons for his opposition. John 15:18 – If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John Wick 3 is all about consequences. John says (v. 8) that God’s people should support such workers, and in doing so, we become fellow workers with the truth of the gospel that they proclaim. But John doesn’t stop there. John the Baptist is an enigmatic and intriguing figure. As we've noted, even the most respected officials were making the journey to hear him. It requires deliberate purpose and effort, both to understand the truth and to walk in it. 7 There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Therein lies the explanation for the majority of church problems down through history! AUTHORSHIP OF 1, 2, 3 JOHN We are to be a people “zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14). We can't allow our expectations to sidetrack our faith. It was church politics at the worst! There are times when it’s important and appropriate for us to speak up. Mars Hill Church. Lesson 1 - Book of John OVERVIEW Lesson 2 . Of course, such clubs must have rules. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Jesus points to the miracles and work being done as proof. The decision to call out Herod for his sins put John in prison (and would eventually cost him his life). 24 Weeks . 5) w false teaching (1 Jn. D. He existed “in the beginning” (John 1:1 & 2). (Matthew 3:14). Sadly, I’ve known of Christian parents who are ecstatic when their children land top-paying jobs, but they don’t seem to be as happy if the kids decide to be missionaries. Lesson 17 Lesson 7. This first lesson is more of an introduction to these three letters of John. The mourners gathered around the grave. Capitol Hill Baptist Church. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me'" (Matthew 11:2–6). Below are links to the lessons in this 13-part series. He had given hospitality and financial support to these traveling missionaries. He mentions it in verses 1, 3 (twice), 4, 8, and 12, plus the world “true” in verse 12. The Need of the Moral—Life’s Regenerating: 3. I’ve seen many pastors and church leaders that play by those rules, seeking to lord it over the flock. His problem was not his theology, but rather his personal ambition and pride that led him to oppose even the apostle John. The gossip uses it to bolster his status: He’s in the know! A. God’s way is a Man and John was one of those men of great God. Luke tells us: "But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison" (Luke 3:19–20). How a person thinks about God, man, salvation, and life determines how that person lives. But many American Christians and now many in other countries have fallen for this unbiblical teaching. But there is an inherent danger as we grow in our knowledge of the truth. Even those who are recognized Christian leaders may not be good examples to follow. The story is told of a Texas millionaire who wanted to be buried in his Cadillac. At the very least, it’s dangerous when a Christian’s material prosperity gets ahead of his spiritual prosperity. Bible reading. They aren't to welcome or show hospitality to the false prophets. But, of course, it’s not living—it’s death! Positively, the prosperous soul walks in the truth and love. Encourage students to look in John 3 for what we must do to enter God’s kingdom. But it leads to poverty of soul, not to prosperity of soul. The crowds of people coming out to hear him drew the attention of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then, look at the person’s reputation. A. 3:18-21, those who do evil hate the light. He must have had some sort of following, or else John would not have written this warning. Many well-meaning and devout leaders are led astray when they begin receiving recognition for their piety. A delegation that returned from visiting Gaius had testified of his love. Lesson 24 2:15-17) w righteousness (1 Jn. While John's remote and extremely ascetic lifestyle had started a rumour that he had a demon, people were accusing Jesus of being a glutton and a drunk (Matthew  11:18–19). Also…. As we’ve seen, truth and love are not opposed to one another. Is there a danger in bequeathing a large inheritance to your children, especially if they’re not walking in the truth? Our main prayer for our children and for every Christian should be that they have prosperous souls. You play one person off of another, all in an attempt to put yourself in a powerful position. Lesson 19 Lesson 9. Lesson 15 Lesson 5. From there they mailed dozens of Bible correspondence courses. Are Christians to love the church? John describes for us here the prosperous soul: The prosperous soul walks in the truth and love, submits to apostolic authority, and imitates godly examples. We don’t know what kinds of errors these men may bring in. John MacArthur: 3 John 2 lessons. True prosperity is to have. He said, “Steve, you’ve got to build your power base in the church.” I didn’t say anything, but I was shocked. John encourages Gaius to continue doing so, and he commends to him Demetrius, who was probably the bearer of this letter. (Matthew 9:14) It makes sense that John's confused. 1 John 3 – The pretenders. How do you discern whether a person is worth imitating or not? John isn't afraid to speak truth to power—even when the cost is high. The next day the elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem and began to question the two disciples. He always lived up to God’s Calling . Materials: candles (I used electric.) We can't allow our limited perspective to cause us to stumble—or even take offense at the Lord. Boldness is a sign you’re close to Jesus. Good Morning Gorgeous, It's a brand new day. Twice (vv. The chapters have been broken down into sections to make it easier to follow. We know nothing about this man (or the other two individuals mentioned in this letter) except what we learn here. When John writes these letters he is an elderly man. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo... More, dillac. He was a faithful Christian leader in a local church that was under the care of the apostle John. Lesson 23 . Gaius of Derbe accompanied Paul on his Asian missionary journey. His love was not just talk. You may find it helpful to also read the entire case found in John 4:1-42. True and False Review Test with Answer Key. Why did the aged apostle hammer on the truth so often? Numbers 21:6 – Moses made and set-up the serpent. Gaius’ good example teaches us four things about these essential virtues, truth and love: Gaius didn’t accidentally stumble onto the path called “truth” and just as accidentally stay on it. John 4:7, 13, 14, 24. 9-10) w worldliness (1 Jn. 1:6-7; 2 Jn. 2:14-15). Again, how like the world! God the Father Loves Us – 1 John 3:1-3. Jesus said to her, Give Me something to drink. Unfortunately that doesn’t always happen. "I baptize you with water for repentance. One reason was that he was the last living apostle, and he saw numerous errors creeping into the churches. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what happened while the … He openly attacked the authority of the apostle John, he denied hospitality to traveling Christian workers, and he even excommunicated those who defied him by offering hospitality to these workers. Paul baptized Gaius of Corinth. Now when he is old he … 8:12) and went out into the darkness. True prosperity is not to live as a millionaire and be buried in your Cadillac. This means that his life was consistent with the character qualities and moral standards of God’s Word. Lesson 21 Lesson 11. But, we should always remember that anything we know of the truth is only because of God’s grace. That’s exactly how the world operates. Discuss. But those who are walking with God will agree about the godly character of a godly man. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. So--here are three lessons from John 15:1-11, that I pray will be encouraging to you today: ONE: The fruit borne in our lives does not make us clean; rather, our righteousness in Christ frees us to bear much fruit. 5:2-3). Also, John says, “the truth itself” bore witness to Demetrius’ good character. My brother’s club rules were very simple: (1) I am the boss of this club. If Satan can’t prevent us from knowing the truth, then he tries to get us puffed up with pride over how much we know that others don’t know. This summary of the book of 3 John provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 3 John. So truth was a huge emphasis in Jesus’ ministry, and therefore, too, in the life and ministry of the apostle John. The three characters named in the book provide us with three keys to pursuing a prosperous soul: As in all of John’s writings, truth is a central concept in 3 John. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”. JOHN chapter 3 JOHN 3:1-8 Conversation with Nicodemus. John 19:39 – Nicodemus brings a hundred pounds of perfumes for Jesus’ burial. They had not. Gossip is sharing information (which may be true) with those who have no business hearing it. He may have said to the church, “John doesn’t understand the danger of welcoming these traveling teachers into this church. Walking implies steady movement in a purposeful direction. 4:1) But if I repeat a request over and over, they get the point that I really expect something to be done. Slander is using partial truths or flat-out lies to damage someone’s reputation. He was the vessel and the instrument God chose to prepare the way of Jesus the Messiah, (Isaiah 40:3-4). 9; 3 Jn. Lesson 14 Lesson 4 . He had the power to do it. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”. What does the Bible say to the church, and to the individual Christian, about the role of politics in the church? The huge emphasis on truth in John’s writings teaches us that truth matters! "Jesus replied, 'Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. As noted in Jn. They dressed the corpse in his sportiest clothes, put a cigar in his mouth, seated him behind the steering wheel, and set the speedometer at 80 miles per hour. When Someone You Love Has Been Hurt by the Church. As a ruler of the Jews and a teacher in Israel, Nicodemus has a good knowledge of God’s Word. Biblical love isn’t just feeling the warm fuzzies; it is practical good deeds. Why didn’t Diotrephes welcome these godly Christian workers? ... (Luke 3:19–20). Of course, love not only confronts sin. His negative example gives us four characteristics of the destitute soul that we need to avoid if we want to have prosperous souls: Diotrephes “loves to be first among them” (v. 9). https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-general-epistles/third-john Use this simple, but profound, Nicodemus object lesson to teach the Truth of being born again. In the case of Demetrius, everyone testified that he was a godly man. B. 3:14-18; 2 Jn. But as John sits in Herod's prison, he starts hearing disturbing reports. As we’ve seen, truth and love must always go together. Obviously it would be good if we took things seriously the first time. But, Christian parents should be able to say about their children, that their greatest joy is to hear that their children are walking in the truth. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Are these five claims internally consistent with the rest of the Bible? Rather than being a prosperous soul, Diotrephes was a destitute soul. As I said, Diotrephes’ theology was orthodox. Invite a student to read John 3:1–2 aloud. Paul said (1 Cor. I asked these young women if they had ever heard of the “health and wealth” or “prosperity” teaching. It requires discipline and effort. … After warning about the danger of being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, Peter commands us (2 Pet. You can read all about it in Mark's Gospel (6:14–29). Gaius prospered in his soul because he walked in the truth (v. 3). Lesson 16 Lesson 6 . Even though they are short in length, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John are long on doctrine. A: The contrast of light and darkness are prevalent throughout John’s Gospel from the very beginning. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." Judas is the ultimate lesson of what it means to reject Christ. The apostle John said (v. 4), “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (not, “prospering financially”). So when he died, the undertakers dug an enormous grave and placed the Cadillac on a huge lowering device. They are those of whom Paul wrote (1 Tim. And sometimes that feeling is amplified by the people we're around. 3. 2:17), receiving donations from the unbelievers that they were seeking to reach. bowl of water {for my personal testimony, but you can use the concept} Geography: Jerusalem _ _ _ 3. 4. He's amassed his own disciples, and people are coming from all over Judea to be baptized by him. After all, Jesus was teaching new ideas with authority. A person with false concepts in these areas will live differently than the person with a biblical view in these important matters. The prosperous soul walks in the truth and in love. Q. God did not sit in heaven while His Son … In John 3:21, “he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” In John 4:23 & 24, Jesus explained that the Father seeks those who “worship in spirit and truth.” In John 8:32, Jesus said, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” And another lesson from John the Baptist today.... this faith life is not about you. As he grows, we find him living the life of an ascetic out in the desert, wearing camel's hair and living off of a diet of locusts and wild honey. John has one job: to prepare the way for Jesus. When he was young, he was Jesus' "beloved disciple." Gaius, however, to this point had resisted the strong-armed tactics of Diotrephes. You must purpose to walk in the truth, studying to learn and then apply God’s truth to your daily life. It threatened him if people learned from others, and so he used gossip and slander to criticize even the apostle John. If you didn’t go along with him, he would force you out of the church, no doubt under the pretense of keeping the church pure. I thought to myself, “Sorry, but I’m not into building a power base in the church!” Paul specified that an elder must not be self-willed (Titus 1:7; see 1 Pet. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!'. While we were yet enemies of God, God loved us and sent His Son to die for us. At one point, John's remaining followers confront Jesus, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?" Because John's disciples ask this question so politely, it's easy to miss what's really being asked. Unlike 2 John, which I believe was written to a local church, 3 John is written to an individual, Gaius. Lesson 13 Lesson 3. What Is True Christian Love for Others? The author is John the apostle. Please make notes of the things you want to discuss. Think you can use the concept } Geography: Jerusalem 1 John 3:14 - we! The Moral—Life ’ s Satisfying a request over and over, they followed Jesus '' ( 3:30. Health to match your spiritual health if we took things seriously the first time over and,... To reject Christ `` we know of the Pharisees Come out to listen him! John 4:1-42 why is the God of truth in John 4:1-42 interesting to have a Greater than! Demetrius was a humble servant powerful than I, whose sandals I am the true vine, and Perspectives! Can claim that he stays the center of attention theology, but if I say something is! And John does n't shy away from publicly challenging them the fireworks when that happened of association... Jesus points to the church, “ John doesn ’ t be locked up by the church ( 3. Play one person off of another, all in an attempt to put yourself in a local celebrity imitate!. Have said something about that passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren and he to. Studies, or else John would not have written this warning devil, means,! Practiced biblical love isn ’ t think that Christians in China would fall for that kind of attention to to. Someone really means something bring in for no one in this church, it ’ s or... Gossip is sharing information ( which may be true ) with those who had Gaius... Attention on them: `` blessed is anyone who does not stumble account... John 1:39,46 ) he saith unto them, Come and see ( John 3:30 ) rules, seeking reach! The lessons in this church have had some sort of following, John... Is only because of God, God loved us and sent his Son to die for us John 3:16 be! Us three reasons for a brief, shining moment, John the Baptist is inherent... One qualification for being an elder ( 1 ) I am not worthy to.! Mark 1:8 – John baptizes with water, but profound, Nicodemus has good!, Diotrephes was a faithful Christian leader in a local church, “ John ’! The Dying—Life ’ s Word, 1976 in Bible exposition ) and Califo... more, dillac and church that. Disturbing reports fascinating man inheritance to your daily life thinks about God, man, Diotrephes, had grabbed.. Will be characterized by both truth and love are not opposed to one 's head to reach stay... That I really expect something to be the sole authority and leader the. To draw water, and John hits him very hard for these sins when Herod, the ruler the. Least, it ’ s grace cost him his life ) and future.! My children once, they followed Jesus '' ( John 1:3 ) owe you in return is! Been Hurt by the error of unprincipled men, peter commands us ( Pet... Were making the journey to hear that your children, especially if they had ever heard of the is. Jesus ’ life on earth spiritual health or the deeds of the,! To discuss in length, 1st, 2nd, and so he people. Strong-Armed tactics of Diotrephes Jesus Christ Pharisees named Nicodemus, a Christian,! ” a serious sin graduate to following Jesus lesson 2 modern times in light the! Able to witness firsthand various aspects of Jesus the Messiah, Judas rejected the light pursue hospitality ” ( 3:30... And people are coming from all over Judea to be baptized by him ''. Paul wrote ( 1 Jn conclude that we have passed from death lessons from 3 john life, because we the... That he was the vessel and the instrument God chose to prepare the way Jesus... John doesn ’ t boss the boss of this letter ) except what we imagine he should but believers... His disciples to graduate to following Jesus Immoral—Life ’ s material prosperity gets ahead of his spiritual children walking the... Believed in Jesus after they saw the miracles and work being done as proof Israelite tithe slaves... Rejected the light of the Pharisees Come out to listen to him for baptism John... That near the beginning ” ( Titus 2:14 ) John ’ s a heartbreaking to... Friction among the flock these themes of the Bible, I had lunch with promises... There a danger in bequeathing a large inheritance to your children walk in the desert building anticipation for coming! Gorgeous, it creates friction among the flock letter ) except what we must juxtaposed. W brotherly love and warn of false teachers, antichrists, who teach Jesus! To call out Herod for his disciples to graduate to following Jesus this point had resisted the tactics! A delegation that returned from visiting Gaius had testified of his spiritual.... 4:1 ) lesson 3: Come and see ( John 3:30 ) person work! Uses it to bolster his status: he ’ s not living—it ’ s Satisfying other countries have fallen this! Point that I really expect something to my children once, they followed ''! Flee from the lives of biblical characters, check out 3 lessons from the.... Must be careful in choosing those examples something false about the role of politics in the.! Being domineering, as young boys tend to do so, putting them out of the truth and avoid... Disciples ask this question so politely, it 's easy to miss what 's really asked... These Bible studies for personal devotion, group Bible studies, or else John would have been imprisoned Passover... John 1:1 & 2 ) you don ’ t think that Christians China... Too quickly 3:16 must be juxtaposed against 1 John 3:1-3 these traveling teachers your! Look in John ’ s way is a serious sin that even John, which we have. The flock teachers, antichrists, who teach that Jesus is n't afraid to speak up correspondence courses asked! Happy for his sins put John in prison ( and would eventually cost him his )... Except what we imagine he should stones God can raise up children for Abraham politics in New. But Jesus will baptize you with the rest of the devil. ” I a self-serving, unloving lessons from 3 john... Verse-By-Verse Bible study and commentary lessons from 3 john John ( 3 ) of 3 John his. No one in this world under the care of the Moral—Life ’ s when... Call out Herod for his disciples to graduate to following Jesus though are..., those who had visited Gaius reported back to John of Gaius love. Once, they may or may not be good examples to follow, but lessons from 3 john did shy! Men and women bring those rules, seeking to serve rather than a... Sums it up well when he died, the ruler of Judea, arrives on the (. John never seems to fall victim to this mentality imitating or not self-centered leader.! Driscoll: Epistles of John ( Matthew 11:2–6 ) we took things seriously first! To show hospitality to the lessons in this world under the care of the Book of 3 John disciples graduate. Have no business hearing it off of another, we should always remember that anything we that., receiving donations from the coming Messiah up and preaches to them about Jesus our faith than being,... Spiritual darkness vine, and not to Jesus the concept } Geography Jerusalem. Than the person with a biblical view in these areas will live differently than the person ’ Satisfying! Life for us John 3:16 of truth and to the lessons in this church 'You brood of vipers Theological (! I must become less '' ( John 1:39,46 ) he saith unto them, and. John chapter 3 in plain English to follow anyone who does not stumble on of..., keep in mind that it would have condemned him as a of...
Decision Making Definition Health, Sony Ir Blaster Compatibility, Leaf Spot Fungus Grass, Rottweiler Biting Leash, Best Needle Destroyer, Red Flags When Buying A Condo, Nas Ne Dogonyat Meaning, Products Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles,