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Imitate What Is Good
Introduction:
Christians are encouraged throughout the New Testament to
follow what is good and shun the evil. In the short epistle
of
III John,
we are given examples of both the good and the evil.
Body:
I.
Imitate the Good – Gaius (III
John Verse 11)
·
John begins the letter by praying that Gaius would be in
good physical health as his spiritual health prospered. (III
John Verse 2)
Our spiritual well-being needs to be at least as good as our
material well-being.
o
Losing one’s soul (Mark
8:36-37)
o
Parable of rich fool (Luke
12:16-21)
o
Wealth can destroy a person. (I
Timothy 6:9-10)
But if one has the right attitude toward money, they can do
much good with their wealth.
·
Gene Taylor notes, “How different the world would be if this
prayer of John were realized in all people.”
o
Many wealthy would become poor.
o
Many poor would become wealthy.
o
Many in good health would become sick.
o
Many sick would get better.
o
What about us? In what category would we best fit? (Hebrews
5:13-14, I Corinthians 11:30)
·
Gaius possessed many qualities worthy of imitating.
o
He didn’t follow the false teaching of his time, but
followed the truth. (III
John Verse 3)
(John
17:17, Psalm 119:160)
o
He also practiced the truth. (III
John Verse 4)
(Psalm
86:11)
Note that
II John Verses 1-2
are also equivalent to walking in the light. (I
John 1:7)
o
This was manifested in his life; he was concerned about
others. (III
John Verses 5-6)
(Romans
12:13)
He supported preaching of the truth. (III
John Verses 7-8)
II.
Shun the Evil – Diotrephes
·
Diotrephes loved to have the preeminence and wanted to be at
the head. He thought his opinion was always the best.
Christians are not to think too highly of themselves. (Romans
12:3)
Christians should have the attitude of Christ. (Philippians
2:1-4)
·
He placed himself above an apostle and thought he had more
authority. (I
Thessalonians 4:8)
·
He spoke malicious words against John. (Ephesians
5:3-4)
·
He would not help or show concern for others. John said
that he would be punished.
Conclusion:
Which of these two men are you most like? Your answer will
determine the destiny of your soul.
Bobby
Stafford
December 1, 2013
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