Group Notes | November 12

TINY GIANTS: Do What’s Right
November 12, 2017
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

As we recently learned, each day adults make about 35,000 choices. That is a staggering number, and most are made spontaneously, with only experience stored in the brain to be our deciding factor. Can you give some examples?

We have been focusing on the four smallest books in the New Testament, which are often passed as we go to Revelation. Today we search 3rd John, looking for hidden truths that will make our daily actions bring joy to God as we strive to please Him. This short letter seems to be a personal interaction between John and a man named Gaius, but contains a wise message of guidance for us as we make the thousands of choices each day we live.

Focal Passages: 3rd John.

Discuss:

Background

John was writing to churches after he had returned to Ephesus from the Isle of Patmos. These short letters (1, 2 and 3 John) reveal John’s passion that believers in the early churches would walk in truth and love. We find him referring to three types of individuals referenced by name and character, recognizing the same traits in members of modern-day churches.

Someone who encourages

  1. Read verses 1-8. Gaius, the recipient of the letter, was characterized by what qualities? How do people who encourage others make a difference in the lives of those with whom they interact?
  2. How do we “walk in truth” (verse 4)?
  3. The person who is an encourager has whose welfare as their focus?
  4. Today, what are some ways we can encourage any of our brothers or sisters who are having a rough season of life?

Someone to avoid

  1. Read verses 9-10. Every church has those who wish to be recognized for their leadership and actions, rather like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11. What were the things John said Diotrephes was doing?
  2. What are some character traits in the heart of someone who wants all the praise and honor? In your mind, go back to Genesis 3 or Isaiah 14:13. Who was being spoken of who desired all the glory?
  3. Read verse 11. What warning did John give to the church? We hear much about “judging.” John said it is easy to determine good and bad people; how? Does Matthew 7:15,16a back this up?

Someone to emulate

  1. Read verse 12. John spoke of a man in the church who was setting an example for others to aspire to. What was his reputation?
  2. Read 1 Peter 2:21. Who is our example? Can you tell others to follow your example?

Question:

If YOU were listed in this letter, what would John have said of your testimony? Have you ever given your life to Christ?

Close:

John’s letters are so filled with encouragement to walk in truth and love that it overflows from the pages, and leaves a path for us to follow. Today we label that someone’s “heartbeat.” It is the essence of their life, the passion they give themselves to, and the thought behind every decision they make. If your heartbeat is your job, you will give all your energy to it. If it is personal pleasure, you will make certain you miss nothing. Read Ecclesiastes 2:10-11. What did Solomon try? And, at the end of his life, after having satisfied every passion available, read what he wrote in 12:13-14.

Solomon is a good example of the person who wants glory and revels in his wisdom, has everything revolve around him, and yet in the end he found it was all based on “pride.” John, on the other hand, from the moment Jesus said, “Follow Me,” laid down his life to follow the Savior. Jesus Himself said “Follow Me,” and referred to all believers throughout the ages.

If you desire a closer walk with Him, get in the Scripture daily, learn to talk to Him aloud as you drive, work around the house, or have moments of quiet. He will never fail you, even when you question if He is there. He will give you peace and joy for living!

Key Verse: 3 John 3-4: For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.  4) I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (NKJV)

Helpful Websites: www.biblegateway.com; www.blueletterbible.org. Within both of those sites are resources such as original Greek or Hebrew, the meanings, commentaries, and more study materials.

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