Study From the Book of the First John,2

Study From the Book of the Third John,2

Today is Palm Sunday in the western churches. I wish you a happy and blessed day.

Today we continue in studying the book of the 3^rd John as we study the sole chapter of this letter. And as usual we pick up a couple of biblical principles and lessons that can be useful in biblical counselling.

In this epistle, the apostle Jone ,after greeting his fellow servant of Christ Gaius-  and applause him for walking in truth, he goes on to affirm Gaius' responsibility to assist Demetrious despite the opposition of Diotrephes  and his expulsions of those who received travelling missionaries. From verse 5 to 8, John says that  Gaius’ support   of itinerant preachers should be continued in order for him to be a fellow worker in the truth. From verse 9 to 11 , John  promises that Diotrephes ’opposition will be addressed by him when he arrives. Meanwhile, John endorses Demetrius as a legitimate teacher who is deserving shelter and support:  verse 12.

Structure:

Verses 1-4: greeting to Gaius

Verses 5-8: Gaius commended for generosity

Verses 9-12: Diotrephes and Demetrius

Verse 13-14: farewell greeting.

Principle 1 verse 2: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health , just as your soul prospers.”

Lesson 1: prayers for our physical well-beings are just as legitimate as prayers for our spiritual health. God wants us to prosper in all ways that will draw our hearts closer to Him and to our fellow believers in Christ.

Principle 2, verse 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Lesson 2: to walk in truth means to believe the Word of God and to gladly obey its instruction by drawing on the power of the Spirit. This kind of life brings great joy both to us and to our spiritual leaders.  28/3/2021