Men of Truth # 1: Gaius, Truth Walker

Men of Truth # 1: Gaius, Truth Walker

Text 3 John

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3John   1

 1. The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

 5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

 9. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.

 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. 12. Demetrius hath good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, and we [also] bear record; and ye know that our record is true. 13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Introduction:

A Baptist farmer who was a deacon in his church was trying to sell his cow. One day a man came to look at the cow and after some negotiating said he would take it, but he didn’t have the money right now, he’d bring it by tomorrow. The farmer said, “Well I’m not sure. How do I know I can trust you?”  “Oh, you can trust me”, said the man, “I’m an elder in the Methodist Church in town.”  Finally, the farmer said ok. He walked into the house and asked his wife what an elder in the Methodist church was. “I’m not sure, but I think it’s like a deacon in a Baptist church.”  The farmer looked out the window where his cow had gone down the road and said, “Well, shoot! Looks like I just lost my cow.”

I.      Gaius, Truthwalker 3 John 1-8

1. The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

 

A.    John Encourages Gaius to stand for the Truth

1.      Background.

a)      We know very little other than what we read in the epistle about Gauis and the church he was a member of. We can tell from the letter that John the apostle, who calls himself the elder now due to his advanced age, love Gauis. He addresses him as well beloved, says that he loves him in the truth and calls him beloved again all in the first 2 verses.

b)      Gauis may have been a convert of John’s and definitely seems to be someone he mentored for he refers to him as one of his children who walks in the truth. John writes a phase that every Christian parent should know and make their live’s goal. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children wak in truth.”

c)      The word truth is prominent throughout this epistle the central theme of of the epistle it is used 6 times in only 14 verses.

2.      The prominence of truth to Gaius.

a)      Love in truth vs. 1
b)      Truth in thee vs. 3
c)      Walk in truth vs. 3

3.      What Truth is John alluding to.

a)      Greek Word definition:  aletheia {al-ay'-thi-a}

(2)   truth 107, truly + 1909 1, true 1, verity 1; 110
(4)     1a) what is true in any matter under consideration
(5)     1b) what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth

b)      Christian Definition
(1)   the truth as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of his purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man, opposing alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians

c)      The Bible tells us that truth is Jesus Christ. In John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life…

d)      From this base, this foundation comes a life of walking in the truth, we would call that walk integrity or character.

 

B.     Men of Truth are men of Integrity and character.

1.      Truth Inside vs. 3

a)      John wrote to Gaius and said, The truth that is in thee.
b)      To be men of integrity and character, we must have a moral code, a truth, written within our hearts as well.

(1)    Truth, Christian Truth, God’s truth, Bible truth is not subjective. It is not changeable according to an individual’s viewpoint or opinion.

(2)   Nor is it relative, dependent upon the circumstances I am in at the moment.

c)      God’s unchanging infallible word must be the code that is written within us and that governs our lives and every decision and action that we make.

2.      Example Axiomatic Truths by AW Tozer

a)      What are the axiomatic truths upon which all human life may rest with confidence? They are not many:

b)      Only God is omnipotent.
c)      Only God is omniscient
d)      Apart from God, nothing matters.
e)      Only what we do in God is eternal
f)       Sin is real and will destroy you
g)      Only God can forgive sin, through Jesus Christ
h)      Only what God protects is safe.- (Edited)

3.      Being a truth walker, being a man of truth, means doing what is right, because it is right, not because it is convenient or better or we fear the consequences but because truth is the way we live our life, because truth is our life as Christians.

4.      Truth Inside Must Lead to Truth Outside vs. 3

a)      John in verse 3 says, “You walk in the truth”
b)      From this inward code there will comes a lifestyle, a walk of truth. These outward actions show the truth that is in us.
c)      Truth on the inside will always translate into proper action on the outside.

5.      Quotation: Will Rogers said, “Live in such a way that you would not be afraid to sell the family parrot to the town gossip”

6.      The Truth Could be seen in Gaius in his treatment of the thos John calls the strangers.

a)      Gaius was fighting Diotrephes, over caring and helping Christians sent out in the Lord's work. These were the first century missionaries, following in the steps of Paul, Silas and Barnabus.

7.      John encourages Gaius to fight for care and support of missionaries because this was the truth and right thing to do. He gives three reasons why Gauis should support those sent out with the Gospel.

a)      Reward vs. 5, Gaius, your work will be rewarded
b)      Reputation vs. 6, Gaius, your work will be known.
 

c)      Reasons vs. 7-8, Gaius, you are right in your work
(1)   They are sent out for Jesus sake
(2)   They have nothing
(3)   We are to be fellowhelpers to the truth.

8.      What is the truth seen in our life? What actions are apparent? What are we doing because of what has been encoded into our heart by the Holy Spirit when you were Born Again?

a)      What of your giving to missions? What of your attendance at church? What of your work at church? What of your witness at work or school? What of raising your children? Where is the evidence of integrity and character which should be in us since Jesus Christ is in us?

 

C.    Illustration:  The goal didn’t count but integrity did.

1.      "Dear Rob," begins the hand-scrawled letter, "I read Bob Greene's wonderful column about you. I love sports and true sportsmen. My faith in our future was renewed and lifted by that column. Never lose your principles. Always stand for what's decent and right. That's what you told us all when you refused the victory!" The signature: former President George Bush.

2.      Soccer player Rob Mouw, a senior at Wheaton (Illinois) Christian High School, isn't used to publicity, much less letters from former presidents. But his unusual action in a hotly contested soccer match was reported by local newspapers, and then by nationally syndicated columnist Bob Greene.

3.      In the closing seconds of a game against Waubonsie Valley, a team ranked high in the state, Mouw managed a breakaway and kicked the tying goal. With Wheaton fans cheering the upset and Waubonsie fans protesting the goal was late, Mouw walked to the referee and asked whether the official time was kept on the scoreboard or the referee's stopwatch.

4.      The scoreboard time was official, he was told. Mouw then explained that just before his kick, he had seen zeros on the scoreboard clock. Since he hadn't heard a whistle, he kept playing. But his goal was late, and he didn't think it should count. The referee reversed his call, awarding the game to Waubonsie.

5.      That night, Mouw went home to his homework. "I didn't think much about it," he says. "I hadn't done anything that great. For me, acting honestly was just a reflection of Christ in me."

6.      The article ended by quoting Mouw: "'Every time in your life you have an opportunity to do right, you should be thankful. For a person to know what right is, and then not to do it--that would be a sin. To have won the game--I mean, really, who cares? Doing the right thing is more important. It lets you have peace.'" -- Christian Reader, "Ordinary Heroes" (1995).

7.      Note: Rob went on to play soccer for Wheaton College, helping the team to a national championship in 1997.

II.   Diotrephes, Truth Subverter

 9. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church. 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.

 

A.    The Subversion of Diotrephes

1.      vs. 9 He subverted Christian love. He loves to have preeminence, loved to be first, displacing others and not serving in humility.

2.      vs. 10, He subverted truth by prating against John. In 1 Timothy word is translated gossip.

3.      He subverted the work of the Gospel. He does not receive the brethren (missionaries and others)

4.      He subverted the local church. He stops those that would (support the missionaries), and then casts them out of the church.

 

B.     Follow The Good Not The Evil

1.      Following the good means humility. The cause of dishonesty, the antihesis of integrity and character, is loving to be first.

2.      The Bible tells us not to place ourselves first.

a)      Matthew 9: 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

b)      Jesus words of advice at a supper, sit in the last chair, not the place of honor.

3.      When others become more important to me than I am to myself, integrity becomes and unbreakable foundation of my life. It is the only way to act toward others.

4.      Following the good means receiving and sending missionaries.

a)      John goes on to talk about how this is seen in the actions toward missionaries and others he says we are to:

b)      Receive those who serve for the sake of Jesus Christ by going forth with nothing. We are to bring them forward on their journey.

5.      Vs. 11 Following the Good is seen in doing good. John speaks very bluntly, even harshly because he wants this to be understood completely. He says, “He that doeth good is of God, but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” We would say, he that does evil has not even seen God.

6.      Example:  Do you know we have had missionaries here that I did not like? I have had missionaries here that I was afraid would say or act in such a way as to risk offending you? Why would I do such a thing? Because I believe what John said to Gaius was also said to me. We are to receive those who serve Jesus Christ, even if I don’t like them. Even if my church doesn’t like them I am to help them along the way.

7.      That’s what “walking in truth” is all about. That’s what following the good is all about. It is doing what I know God would have me to do in all things. If I neglect this in the small responsibilities, I risk losing it in all areas of my life.

 

C.    Illustration: Lindbergh On Truth

1.      In my youth, science was more important to me than either man or God. I worshipped science. Its advance had surpassed man’s wildest dreams. It took many years for me to discover that science, with all its brilliance, lights only a middle chapter of creation.

2.      I saw the aircraft I love destroying the civilization I expected it to save. Now I understand that spiritual truth is more essential to a nation than the mortar in its cities’ walls. For when the actions of a people are undergirded by spiritual truths, there is safety. When spiritual truths are rejected, it is only a matter of time before civilization will collapse.

3.      We must understand spiritual truths and apply them to our modern life. We must draw strength from the almost forgotten virtues of simplicity, humility, contemplation and prayer. It requires a dedication beyond science, beyond self, but the rewards are great, and it is our only hope. — Charles Lindbergh

 

III.           Demetrius, Truth Testifier

 12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. 13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:  14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

 

A.    Demetrius’ Good Report

1.      He was perhaps a missionary traveling to Gaius or a member or leader in the church.

2.      John says, that Demetrius had a good report, a good witness, of all men. Those who knew him spoke well of him.

3.      He goes on to say a good report of the truth itself. This means that truth was evident in Demetrius’ own life. Like Gaius, he was a truth walker, the truth could be seen in his actions.

4.      Finally, he also had a good report from John himself. The apostle vouches for Demetrius with his own reputation and standing as an apostle.

 

B.     Would We Have A Good Report

1.      As I read this I can’t help but wonder, If God sent me or you with a letter of recommendation what would it say?  

2.      Would it say that you are a truth walker like Gaius?

a)      Do you stand for what is right, even when opposed?

b)      Do you have truth written within your heart through a relationship with Jesus?

c)      Do you show truth without by your actions?

d)      Do you care for those who have gone out to do the work of Jesus Christ?

3.      Do you have a good report of all men like Demetrius?

a)      Do we have a good reputation from those who know you?

b)      Is the truth evident in our lives

c)      Does the one who sent us have confidence in us? As John had in Demetrius?

4.      Quote- Truth lies in character. Christ did not simply speak the truth; he was Truth, truth through and through, for truth is a thing not of words but a life and being. -   Frederick William Robertson (1816-1853)

IV.            Conclusion:

 What will you gain by not having integrity? You may win an athletic event on a doubtful call, you may gain money because everyone cheats a little, you may gain a few hours sleep because you stayed in bed instead of  coming to church, you may gain some “me” time by not being where God needs you.

But, what will you lose by not “walking in truth?”  You may lose your family who will see a hypocrite instead of a Christian Dad or Mom, you may lose your reputation because people see you as being dishonest and unreliable, you may lose your friends because they can’t trust you, you may lose your church because it is here that the Holy Spirit convicts and repoves and that makes you uncomforatable. Ultimately, when enough of us quit walking in truth, you may lose your country because after 2 or 3 generations of men who live by what is best for them, this nation will grind to an immoral, selfish, self-centerd halt and wallow in its immorality and self-serving desires. It will die from the inside, from a cancer of dishonesty, a disregard of the truth and a willful destruction of integrity. Our children will worship in amoral churches, live in dishonest society and raise godless grandchildren who will break our hearts over and over and over. Seems like our country is almost there now, but it is just starting the future will be much darker unless we commit ourselves today to be Men and Women of Truth. 

John gave his highest praise to Gaius, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” If we will ever be able to say that about our children then we must first walk in the path of truth, and blaze a trail so that our children can follow us. This morning, be a truth walker, this morning commit yourself to living so that others will testify of the truth that is in you. This morning if you are a child of God begin acting according to the writing of the Spirit of the living God, inscribed in the tables of your heart.  Be the truth walker God saved you to be.