3 John Bible Study

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A Bible Study Aide on the book of III John. 

John describes the importance of showing Christian love.

QUESTIONS

1. John has a lot of encouraging things to say in the first 4 verses. What do you see that’s encouraging? Do you encourage those you love? 

2. What words do you say to fellow believers that lets them know you love them in the truth? 

3. In verse 4 John rejoices that “his children” are walking in the truth. What spiritual reasons might your pastor have to rejoice over your life as a follower of Christ?

4. John compliments Gaius, gives him advice, and then say’s something that they can learn from, because of what Gaius’ has been doing. Talk about a ministry that you support and encourage. 

5. Why do you think John immediately mentions Diotrephes right after instructions from verses 5-8?

6. Starting in verse 9 John has a perfect example of what a church member or leader should NOT be like. In verse 11 he tells us not to imitate evil, but good. First describe how we should not be, then, describe how we should be. 

7. Is Diotrephes (vs.9) or Demetrius (vs.12) imitating what is evil?  Do you think it made people feel uncomfortable that John is going to confront Diotrephes?

>Author’s Answers

1. It’s always encouraging when someone says they are praying for you. This is even more encouraging because John is praying for him when he was not asked to do so. He is praying not just for his spiritual life, but for his whole life! He also tells him why he is proud of him, telling him the good things that other people see him doing. All of this is encouraging. I try, but I don’t do it this good. I do try to encourage people when they are in bad situations, and I now realize I need to do this in good situations also.
2. Honestly, I have no idea. This is obviously an area I need to work at.
   I give minor compliments from time to time.
3.  I try to do my best to read the Bible, have true fellowship and follow God’s will. This takes me out of my comfort zone, is making me learn new things, and is making me depend on God to be able to encourage others in their faith.
4. Local Pastor, food pantry, and I pray and encourage my children to follow God so they can be involved in their own ministry. This is a hard question to answer because I haven’t found with certainty the “place” I belong.
5. To show the difference between the love of Gaius and the lack of love of Diotrephes. I think the answer is in verse 11. We needed an example of good and evil in the church and we need to see what it looks like to follow God.
6. We should not be seeking attention or recognition for our own personal gain or pride, which Diotrephes did to the extent that he was picking and choosing what Christians were allowed to come to the church he was at. We should be loving and encouraging, and our words should build up not tear down. We should be concerned for others, and wanting to do God’s will to better others and not with selfish desires.
7. Diotrephes – evil. Demetrius – good. It’s always uncomfortable confronting someone for doing wrong. But it’s not about us it’s about doing God’s will.