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New Testament Survey


III JOHN

INTRODUCTION

AUTHOR: John

TO WHOM: The book is addressed to a man named Gaius. It is written to both him and the church with which he was connected. There is no way to identify who this man was, as the Bible gives no further information on him. The truths of the letter are applicable to all believers.

PURPOSE: To commend Gaius and Demetrius for their Christian testimony and to reprove the unchristian behavior of Diotrephes.

KEY VERSE: III John 1:11

LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Our lives are examples of either good or evil to others around us.

MAIN CHARACTERS: John, Gaius, Diotrephes, Demetrius

OUTLINE

I. Introduction: III John 1:1-2

A. From: The elder, John: III John 1:1
B. To: The well beloved Gaius: III John 1:1
C. John's wish for him: That he may prosper and be in health even as his soul

prospered: III John 1:2

II. The believer's relation to truth: III John 1:3-4

A. It should be in them: III John 1:3
B. They should walk in truth: III John 1:3
C. When we walk in truth it brings joy to our spiritual leaders: III John 1:4

III. The believer's relation to other fellow Christians: III John 1:5-8

A. They are to minister to brethren and strangers: III John 1:5
B. They should be known to the church for their charity: III John 1:6
C. They are to be fellow helpers to the truth: III John 1:8