John preferred to introduce himself as "the elder" rather than assert authority as an apostle. He did not want to start a personal dictatorship in the church. The document discusses several individuals: Gaius, who was praised for his hospitality in supporting missionary work; Diotrephes, who sought power and control in the church and rejected John's authority; and Demetrius, one of the itinerant teachers who carried John's letter and had a good reputation. John teaches Christians to imitate good behaviors like hospitality and supporting mission work, rather than pursuing power, and to work in the church out of love for the truth.

1. POWERSTRUGGLE Lesson 13

2. THEELDER John could have commanded the church as an apostle, he preferred to introduce himself as “the elder”, following Peter’s example. “I appeal as a fellow-elder” (1 Peter, 5: 1)

3. THEELDER If he had used his “authority” as the last apostle, he would have started a personal dictatorship in the Church, and others could use that example to impose their orders. His words were an example; they mustn’t be interpreted as an imposed law to obey.

4. Gaius John calls him “beloved” (v. 1) He was a true Christian (he walked in the light) (v. 3) He was praised by his brothers (v. 3, 6) He was converted by John (v. 4) He was a hospitable man (v. 5-7) He supported missionary work (v. 8) He was known in the apostle’s close circles (v. 15)

5. Gaius At that time, there were itinerant teachers who carried the truth from one church to another. They didn’t accept anything from pagans, and depended on willing brothers as Gaius (so they didn’t have to beg) Gaius helped those teachers who preached the true Gospel. He provided them accommodation, food, clothes, money and transport. When he helped missionaries, he was a missionary, too.

7. We wanted to have control in the Church (v. 9)

8. He didn’t accept John’s authority (v. 9)

9. He defamed John and his followers (v. 10)

10. He rejected the itinerant teachers who preached the true Gospel (v. 10)

12. DEMETRIUS “Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone--and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true” (3 John, 12) Demetrius was one of those itinerant teachers. He carried John’s letter to Gaius. It was his safe-conduct for that Church (his letter of introduction) John testifies that Demetrius was a faithful Christian and that he had good testimony of those who knew Demetrius.

13. TEACHINGS IN 3 JOHN John shows Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius character and attitude to teach us something. “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God” (3 John, 11) John shows us a good example: To be hospitable. To support missionary work. To work in the Church because we love the truth.

14. ADAPT it!Teaching Approach Effective for SMALL GROUPS ASSOCIATE truth – Why should I study this lesson?DISCOVER truth – What does the Bible say about this truth?APPLY truth – How can this truth affect my life today?PLAN using the truth – How can I use this truth today?TRANSFER truth to life – What changes do I need in my life? Slideshare.net/chucho1943