Dear OBC Family,

In 3 John, we move from the universal church of 1 John, to the local church of 2 John, to an individual Christian by the name of Gaius. Interestingly, if we titled 3 John the way we title 1–2 Timothy and Titus, this letter would actually be called Gaius, not 3 John. And though I don’t think we need to rename this letter, recognizing this name change helps us see how personal this letter is. In fact, across its 15 verses, there are four individuals named (the Elder, Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius), plus a group of traveling missionaries who serve as faithful reporters that promp John’s letter.

Long story short, this letter is filled with personal relationships. And as we think about fellowship, it is necessary to get into the specific details of such relationships. For in truth, not all relationships are equally good, healthy, or true.

Just the same, with fellowship focused on the Lord and his church, there are questions that Christians must ask about the relationships they form. How do we decide who to spend time with? What is a healthy relationship? What is harmful? And how can you tell the difference?

Those questions and more will be addressed this Sunday, as we take one more walk through our sermon miniseries “Restoring the Right Hand of Fellowship.”

To prepare for Sunday, please read over 3 John and pray for our time together. I will look forward to seeing you, as the Lord allows.

For His Glory and your joy,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (3 John )

What are main themes/ideas of 3 John?

What might we learn about Gaius and his ministry? (vv. 1-8)

What does vv. 5-8 teach us about partnership in the gospel? What does this look like at OBC? How might we participate in this?

What is Diotrephes doing? What does the Scripture teach us about authority, receiving members, and removing members?

What is the right relationship to John’s authority?

What do we know about Demetrius? Why does John write about him?

Consider John’s relationship to Gaius. What is John seeking from Gaius? What are application points for Gaius?

Consider the reports and commendations (vv. 3, 6, 12). Why is this important?

Why does John rejoice in this letter? Does your heart rejoice in these things? How might our affections be oriented to rejoice in this way?

How ought we to respond to this short letter?