Is Church Hospitality Still There?

3 John 1:1-14
 
Where is our hospitality? Are we a Diotrephes or a Demetrius?
 
 
In verses 1-8:

• Letter gives important glimpse into early church
• John is telling how he felt after hearing about Gaius.
• Concerned for health and well-being
  • Romans 12:13, Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
• In early church days, traveling preachers/teachers were helped by local churches and members
• This is what Gaius did, opened his home
• Is it not exciting to know that someone from our past is still preaching, singing, etc?
  • Colossians 1:10, That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
• Praise the Lord, God is still working in that person’s life
• Sometimes during revivals, the visiting preacher would stay at a church members home, not a motel, the church cared for the ministers needs
• God’s true ministers do not preach/teach to make money, but out of love for God
• Do churches still do that? Are they ashamed of what the minister might see?
• Those who help are vital to the ministry

 
In verses 9-10:

• We see here that Diotrephes was self-centered, cared more for his position, his titles, than God's church and how the church could prosper. He wanted to control the church
  • Matthew 19:30, But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
• He refused to listen to other spiritual leaders, slandered other leaders, he was a bad example for refusing to welcome other Gospel teachers
  • Matthew 20:16, So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
• He had sin of pride, and jealousy
  • Mark 10:31, But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
• Church leaders are to be sound stewards, be in unity
  • Luke 13:30, And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
• Churches should not allow a Diotrephes to take control, one who refuses to allow Gospel teachers and preachers of sound doctrine
  • Philippians 2:3, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

 
In verses 11-14:

• Demetrius had a good report of all men, a good witness, lived what he said
  • Psalm 34:14, Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
• John saw and heard of this good witness in Demetrius
• His character was true because he followed the Truth
• 2 John emphasizes refusal of false teachers
• 3 John urges hospitality to those that speak the truth
• Again, we see that John wanted to speak face to face instead of writing
• He greeted them proclaiming Peace
  • Matthew 7:16-20, Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.