Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11
I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books. Today, my study consists of an unassisted review of 3 John 1, primarily looking vv11-12 which per the commentary is the third division for 3 John 1. 3 John 1 includes three examples - two positive (Gaius, Demetrius), one negative (Diotrephes) - for who to imitate and who not to imitate. In v11, John is clear that we are not to imitate evil (see also 2 John 1:7, 9a, 11) but instead to imitate good and and in v12 we have an example of Demetrius. Demetrius is described is having "received a good testimony" from John and the other apostles - those sharing the gospel - and "from the truth itself" (all testimony is based the gospel and the Holy Spirit living in us giving us our faith). When something is received implies that something is both given or shared and the recipient welcomes the something that is given or shared. Diotrephes, on the other hand, does not welcome those sharing the gospel and spurns the gift of the gospel, even though, like Demetrius, it is offered to him. In previous books (1 John, 2 John, the Gospel of John), John shares how we are to abide in Jesus and He will abide in Him - this is how we are to respond and receive the gospel. God then works in our heart, then begins a process of sanctification to bring about obedience and to make us more like Him - this continues until glorification when this process is complete as we meet Jesus face to face in Heaven.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the One True Example of Good, perfect in all ways, and Holy. You save me and I am undeserving of such grace and mercy. Thank You Jesus! But again I am undeserving. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
