Following That Which Is Good

READ 3 John 1

This epistle is written to a man named Gaius who was part of an unnamed church. The theme of the epistle seems to be to encourage Gaius and warn him of the divisive actions of a fellow named Diotrephes. John warns of those who might try to usurp proper leadership in a local church.

Notice 3 John 1:11, “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.  He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”

In the direct context of Diotrephes and the trouble he had injected into the church, John warned, “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.” John clearly implies that this Diotrephes was evil. He warned those open to his advice to have nothing to do with him. Rather, find that which is good and right. He thus, in fashion similar to his first epistle, notes, “He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” The clear suggestion is that Diotrephes, had never been born again. He was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He may have occupied an office of high leadership in the church, but John clearly indicated he had never seen God, meaning he had never met Christ. He was an apostate veiled as a spiritual leader.

May we follow the admonition found in this passage and that which is spoken in Romans 12:21, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Have you ever followed a path that was evil? How did this work for you?

2.  How can your life best reflect that you are a follower of God?

3.  How is it that John the Apostle could infer that Diotrephes had never seen or met God?

4.  Explain how you would live out Romans 12:21 in your life.