Study Questions – Reach Sunday (3.6.22)
Senders and Goers in the Truth
3 John vv. 1-8
Guest Speaker: Tim Lubinus
INTRODUCTION: Third John is a personal letter that revolves around three individuals: Gaius (the recipient), Diotrephes (the troubler), and Demetrius (probably the bearer of the letter). Like its twin 2 John, it follows the ancient epistolary form more closely than any of the other New Testament letters. It contains a word of exhortation to Gaius, encouraging him not to imitate the bad example of Diotrephes but to continue the good work he is doing, receiving and supporting the traveling teachers/missionaries.[1] Hospitality is a key Christian virtue that John wants his readers not to forget. And, hospitality was crucial for those who were traveling to carry the gospel message to places it had not yet gone. Consider John’s words in verses 4-6, hospitality is proof of Jesus’ love residing in Gaius, which John rejoices in, and then, Gaius’ hospitality is helping to move the larger mission forward. As we read the words of John to Gaius, we should spend time considering how are we helping to move the larger mission of the gospel forward?
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your time together, talk about someone who you watched live a life of larger gospel purpose. That is that they aligned their priorities and actions to help the good news of Jesus spread. What did they do that was significant or important to make that happen?
When you read the text, John specifically encourages Gaius to leverage the resource of his home and hospitality to advance the gospel by supporting missionaries. What resources do you have that you could leverage for gospel advancing work? (Ps… Think bigger than money. Think about talents, time, strengths and giftings, and physical resources.)
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
[1] Daniel L. Akin, 1, 2, 3 John, vol. 38, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 237.