Monday Nights @ First B (17)

In one paragraph

Pastor Mark opened Third John by connecting it to the themes First B Jackson has been tracing through the whole series: living in the light, loving one another, and showing the truth by your actions. This time, the two actions in focus were hospitality and faithfulness. He walked through all fifteen verses and let the contrast between Gaius and Demetrius on one side, and Diotrephes on the other,...

Read together

1. Jeremiah 17 quoted as a prayer for the church, blessing those who trust in the Lord and are like trees planted by water that bear fruit even in drought

Talk about it

1. Pastor Nathan talked about how the way we greet people sets the tone for the whole conversation. Think about the people you interact with regularly. Would they describe you as approachable? What might need to change?
2. John genuinely cared about Gaius both physically and spiritually, not just one or the other. How well do we tend to care for the whole person in our relationships here at church, and where do we fall short?
3. When Stephen, Britt, and Alec came through, the church welcomed them, gave to them, and prayed with them through some heavy moments. What does it look like practically for us to keep showing that kind of hospitality to missionaries and other traveling teachers who pass through Jackson?
4. Pastor Nathan pointed out that John took the time to tell Gaius and Demetrius what they were doing right, not just what was wrong. How often do we actually encourage each other that way, and what keeps us from doing it more?
5. Diotropes refused to be a team player, made false accusations, and stood in the way of others doing the Lord's work. Without pointing fingers at anyone else, where do you see the temptation in your own life to act more like Diotropes than like Gaius?