THE LETTERS OF JOHN Members, Ministers, and a Mess in the Church · Dr. Chris Montgomery · February 23, 2025 3 John v. 1-15 (Ephesians 5:25) Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. (Hebrews 13:17) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (1 Peter 5:1-2) So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you… (1 Corinthians 12:12) 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1. God’s design and desire is for all his children to have a family on earth as it will be in heaven. 2. Community implies that I have a common union with other Christians. 3. Community means that I have common unity with others. 4. Our common unity implies a sought-after unity by a group of redeemed people who are dedicated to Christ. What is John modeling for the church today? 1. John teaches us to love people in the truth. (3 John 1) 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
2. John and Gaius show us that we can persevere in ministry in the midst of physical hardship through prayer. (3 John 2) 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
3. John and Gaius show us that our testimony is a blessing to other Christians. (3 John 3) 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.