Introduction:
 
In a world full of confusion, how does the Christian exemplify the Love of Christ? The matter is not optional , meaning the Christian cannot just avoid duty because of difficulty.
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We live in a world of "Do Not Enter," "Do Not Trespass," "Office is Closed," all designed to keep people away, but for the Christian, the office is never closed, and the door is always open, specifically to other Christians. I want to tell you a modern-day parable; though it is made up, it is inspired by many true stories on the mission field,
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Missionary: Traveling on the run.
Comes to a town, Bangs on the doors of the homes.
The villagers refuse to answer over their disagreement with the message
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The professing Christians refuse to answer out of fear of trouble
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Finally, one family, possessing the Spirit, Christians, opens the door and lets the missionary in.
They feed him, clean his wounds, pray for him, give him rest, and then send him on his way with provisions and love.
 
All parties had a decision to make with valid reasons not to open the door. However, one reality remained – opening the door was hospitable and was the right thing to do. You see, in a world of "Do not enter, stay out," there was Hospitality, there was love, and this helps us in our understanding of the passage today. We are going to look at two men this morning.
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A Man named Gaius, one who is beloved, a commended brother, acting faithfully in the work, a man of Christian hospitality. The other man,
Diotrephes is a man who loves himself; he puts his needs first, does not welcome others, and lacks hospitality.
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The question for this morning is, which one are you? You want to be Gaius…not Diotrephes! The Scriptures will reveal the contrast; there is a difference, and there is indeed a necessity for examination,
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2 Corinthians 13:5
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?
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Since we are called to examine, we will do so with our passage today.
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I. A  Delightful Disciple ‌
 
3 John 1
The elder to Gaius, whom I love in truth.
 
 This epistle opens with the classic GRW letter style—who wrote it? The elder, whom we know, is the Apostle John.  He is the Author of the Gospel, the Epistles of John, and Revelation.  In an age of Apostles ending, elders are established , and the greeting is fitting. What must focus our attention this morning is to whom the letter is written. The Beloved Gaius, the term ἀγαπητῷ , It can mean loved or special. In the first verse, it is used to express a particular term to Gaius; he is dearly loved, cherished, to the extent of partiality. We see this more in the verse as John writes, whom I love in truth
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Beloved, whom I love, words of great affection. Why? Whom I love in truth. Gaius is not just a believer in profession; he is not just a man who holds to the ideas of the faith. He is Sincere – he is a man who possesses faith. He is a man conformed to Gospel living; he is dependable, straightforward, moral. The ESV and KJV add the definite article, in the truth, which aids us in understanding that he is doctrinally sound, to the point it is not just in his head – it is in his heart.
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He is a 1 Tim 1:19a example, Diotrephes – whom we will discuss is part b
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​1 Timothy 1:19
19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
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Gaius is an example of
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​1 Thessalonians 5:21
21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
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His example answers our opening question: How do we exemplify Christ? By looking at Gaius, and actually living out the example we see in him – why? He is walking the walk!
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​2 Timothy 2:15
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
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So, it is fitting that John includes in this letter his prayer for Gaius, not in the manner of the Prosperity heresy common today, but that Gaius may have his needs filled and his health, just as we would in our communication – which is expressed in verse 2
 
‌II. A Dedicated Disciple
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3 John 3,4
For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth
 
Now, let me ask you a question. A question you need to answer, just as much as I need to answer. It is a personal question and is important! What is Your Reputation? What do others say of you? Will they be shocked to learn you are a professing believer in Christ? Turn to
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Acts 11:26
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
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This verse tells us that followers of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch; it was assigned to them by the Gentiles , perhaps to distinguish Jews from Christians. The Christ People are followers of the way and the truth, and as such, loving each other is very important to John.  What is also important is that OTHERS recognize believers. It is not so much about what you say, but what is evident. In His Gospel, Christians are charged by the words of Christ,
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John 13:34–35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
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In his First Epistle, the matter becomes clear,
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​1 John 2:5
but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:
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1 John 2:10
The one who loves his brother abides in the Light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
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Now, this is enough evidence – think of it as the water source has been shown clearly on a map – but now John is about to drill down deep, in 1 John 3, like that of an auger drilling deep for fresh water. As the auger drills down, it exposes all the dirt, then the muddy water – even if the ground is a little wet, not pure enough for drinking, it must go deeper!
‌Through the bedrock, the hard surface – then and only then can the drinking water be. Now, take these words as pure drinking water – take them with the strongest meaning you can; This is pure and is to be drunk down.
 
 1 John 3:10
By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.
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Let us settle this – Hospitality is the issue at hand. We see it in
 
Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
 
 That word means kindness, welcoming in of strangers – and such acts are acts of love and demonstration of the truth. This is the source of John’s joy; this is why John is making the declaration he makes
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3 John 3–4
For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
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 The elder is Glad. He is rejoicing with happiness and joy because of the testimony of his kindness. It is the same word used to express the feeling the wise men had when they saw the star in Matt 2:10: they rejoiced. It is the same emotion that Paul expresses to the Philippian church regarding the proclamation of Christ
 
Philippians 1:18
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice.

It is not Gaius’s profession of faith that brings about this emotion; it is because the brothers testified; HIS REPUTATION, about Gaius's sincerity. His love, his truth, his receiving of the missionaries – His hospitality,
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The truth of his character, and his walking in truth. John says in his letter, I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
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Greater, it is not just great; it is greater than great. It is like comparing a shack to a mansion, or walking by one of these modern warehouses, box-cutter churches, then walking past one of these grand cathedrals built to the Glory of God. Stepping inside and looking up, overwhelmed by the carpentry, the art, and the design, you are left gobsmacked, speechless.
Or a piece of amethyst to the most expensive diamond; the point is, there is no comparison,
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John is not addressing their theology, the doctrine on end times, or their ability to understand the relationship of OT usages in the context of NT church. He is expressing his joy to the highest degree; they are walking in truth. They are acting faithfully in whatever they accomplish for the brethren, especially when they are strangers,
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Ahhh, we are hitting it now: their hospitality. Gaius has a reputation- Gaius has a reputation of being Hospitable – even to strangers
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3 John 6
and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
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Now, there is a shift in tenses here that is important: the testimony of love. Gaius exemplifies Hospitality, as we all should be doing – after all, the author of Hebrews.
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​Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
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For Gaius, there was no caste system. Meaning he did not just act one way toward the brothers and another toward strangers. In our context, Gaius would not treat the members of this church one way and Christians from another church differently; they were the same. Can we say the same? Truly? Hold that as a reflection point. Now here is the shift: the first part of verse 6 is in the past; they testified in the future tense: you will do well. It is possible that John is concerned that Gaius may be influenced by Diotrephes and his ways, which we will get to. So it is a safe assumption that a believer today could also hold to his views and justify such positions,
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Before we do, let us look at those Gaius is supporting,
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III. Door, to, Door Missionaries
 
3 John 7–8
For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.
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It is clear these brothers are missionaries – we did not cover this previously, but they were itinerant preachers, going out from Ephesus on their missions and returning with their reports to the church. They did it for no other reason but their love of God. For the sake of the name. A very common word, yet here it is capitalized and connected to God. We hear this term in many verses – For the Sake of HIS Name, or MY name, Example
 
Psalm 106:8
Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name,
That He might make His power known
 
‌These men were preaching the Gospel – the path to salvation; they were sharing the good news – not for profit or gain – but for the sake of His name. Furthermore in
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Psalm 23:3
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
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These brothers are out proclaiming the Name of Jesus; they are declaring the Glory of Father in the proclamation of the Son, who came and lived a perfect life, laid it down at Calvary, took it up again, and now ascended at the right hand of God. These brothers are doing so without the support of the Gentiles, and it is therefore appropriate and necessary to support them. Should this not provide enough reason to support and welcome them in? Gaius is doing this, and John is encouraging him to continue, as doing so is a sign of not just a profession of faith but possession. Gaius, a reborn man, a man who has the spirit of the living God dwelling within him, showing evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. A man of love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness- is this you? If not, maybe you are more like Diotrephes,
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IV. The Detriment of Diotrephes
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3 John 9–10
I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.
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It is clear from what we just read. Just as Gaius had a reputation, so does this man; we learn the Apostle John wrote the church previously, yet Diotrephes ignored it. Now, these two men are not in the same church, and it is possible that Diotrephes is in an authority position in another assembly. He has influence; this is essential this morning, and we see some concerning issues with it.
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1. He loves to be first. In Greek, this is one word, and it means He desires preeminence; the KJV does well here. Diotrephes is a man who puts his own needs above others'; he puts himself first. The ESV says He likes to put himself first; we see the point.
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2. He does not accept what was previously taught. This is serious, and he goes against the instructions of the Apostle John. John mentions that if he is able to be present, he will call attention to his deeds, because it is not just his actions but his words. Let’s zero in on this.
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3 John 10
For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.
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The term unjustly accusing means to babble, to make foolish statements. It is connected to wicked words; they are evil and morally wrong. So, we can conclude there is gossip, as one commentator says, malicious gossip.
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1 Timothy 5:13
At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.
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Not fitting at all for a Christian, never mind one of influence. After all,
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​Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
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Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.
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And connected to this,
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​Proverbs 6:16–19
There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.
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 So, this is a serious charge, and rightly so; Diotrephes is seriously sinning. Now, worse than just running off the mouth, John says he does not show hospitality and forbids those who desire to do so, kicking them out of the church! This is NOT how to exemplify Christ; this is a way to exalt self, yet Diotrephes is part of the church. What does this tell you? There may be Diotrephes in this very room. Sitting in these chairs, singing, and listening. Take it to the concluding manner is this,
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​1 John 4:8
The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
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Just as Diotrephes may not be saved, you might not be saved if you are like this man. A heart that is cold and hard, a heart that is dead and needs the regenerating work of the Spirit. A heart is full of lust, anger, gossip, and self-righteousness, and needs cleansing and saving so that love pulses through your veins.
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Do you show hospitality?
Do you love the brethren?
Do you pray for them, provide for them, speak well of them?
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This has been a Triage of Two Men: one who exemplifies Christ, and the other, self. Which one are you?
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3 John 11
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
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If Demetrius visited our church, your home, would he report a good testimony?
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3 John 12
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
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Now, what we went through this morning may have stung! That is good! What we went through revealed open wounds in our walks. We all have open sores, and those sores can become infected if not cleaned out properly. It would be best to scrub and disinfect the wound, which stings and burns. But it will heal promptly if you miss the dirt, and infection will remain. Consider the attitudes of Diotrephes, the dirt. So, no matter who we are this morning, we need to scrub the wound because, although we may have held views of this man from time to time, we don’t want infection.
Conclusion:
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Brothers and sisters, be Gaius. Be firm even amid troublemakers; do not let them influence your Christian Character in loving others. Live out the Christian faith well; be one who shows Hospitality. Be willing to open that door and build friendships with fellow workers even when others will not. Support those in the faith, specifically workers of the Gospel, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. If you find yourself more like Diotrephes, repent. Get low and get right with the Lord. Only Jesus can change the heart, so run to him. If you find yourself always bucking up against the pastors and elders of your walk, gossiping and the like, it’s time to die to self,
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There is NOT one sin that cannot be forgiven; there is no failure that cannot be healed. Remember, the author of this epistle is the same author of this first epistle, 1 John, which says,
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​1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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Let us move forward, be hospitable to others, which is the entire thrust and meaning of this letter, showing Hospitality (which is love) to others. Let’s Pray
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