Sunday School Lesson
October 31
Lesson 9 (KJV)
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GREATNESS
DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 150
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Psalms 147–150
PSALM 149:1–5
1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
PSALM 150
1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
KEY TEXT
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.—Psalm 150:6
CELEBRATING GOD
Unit 2:
Called to Praise God
LESSONS 5–9
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List reasons for praising the Lord.
2. Explain the types and arrangement of the psalms.
3. Choose one verse from today’s texts to use as a praise reminder for the week ahead.
HOW TO SAY IT
Babylonian Bab-ih-low-nee-un.
Corinthians Ko-rin-thee-unz (th as in thin).
Ezra Ez-ruh.
Haggai Hag-eye or Hag-ay-eye.
Judah Joo-duh.
Nehemiah Nee-huh-my-uh.
Persian Per-zhun.
Titus Ty-tus.
Yahweh (Hebrew) Yah-weh.
Zion Zi-un.
Introduction
A. Flash Mob
Food courts at shopping malls seem to be favorite targets of flash mobs. These are groups of people, usually well-rehearsed, who perform a song, dance, etc., from and for an unsuspecting crowd.
One such flash-mob appearance began in the typical way: a large crowd was eating amid the normal hubbub of a crowded food court and background music when different music began playing. The music was the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Händel’s Messiah.
A young woman holding a cell phone in the crowd stood up, as is customary during that chorus. No surprise there. But then she began singing in a beautiful, operatic soprano. After her, a tenor sang a few bars. More singers joined in, then several more, and then more yet. Finally, an entire choir of professional singers, scattered throughout the court, was performing a magnificent version of that beautiful hymn of praise. Many diners recorded the unique scene on their phones.
The performance was so unexpected and so beautiful that it moved some to tears. But unexpected professional performances of stirring music aren’t the only opportunities to wonder in awe in sensing the presence of God. Heartfelt prayers and personally sung hymns have their place too.
B. Lesson Context: Book V
Much of the material in the Lesson Contexts of lessons 5–8 applies here as well, so that information need not be repeated. What is different is that we are moving again into Book V of the Psalter. Whereas lesson 7 took us to the beginning of that segment, today’s study takes us to its very end. The visual for lesson 5 notes many psalms of praise here, and two such are the subject of this lesson’s study: Psalms 149 and 150.
The five “books” of the psalms are not disconnected from one another—quite the opposite! A theme of Book IV is that no matter what the problem, God is king (Psalms 96–99); Book V follows that with assurances that He will one day make all things right (Psalm 145). These facts called for praise on the part of the psalmists. The final psalm within each of the five books concludes with an extended doxology: an expression of joyful praise to the Lord.
C. Lesson Context: Praise Conclusion
Psalms 149 and 150 are two of the five psalms that are known collectively as “the praise conclusion” to the Psalter as a whole, namely Psalms 146–150. These five have three things in common in that all (1) are anonymous, (2) were likely composed after the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple and walls (about 515 and 444 BC, respectively), and (3) begin and end with the phrase “Praise ye the Lord.” That phrase unites them with a shared theme. Even given that unity, the five offer different emphases in regard to that praise.
Psalm Praise Emphasis
146 The suffering have hope
147 God cares for His people
148 God’s light is for everyone
149 God protects His people
150 Ways to praise
Set in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, this was the time of Persian dominance (about 539–330 BC). Jewish life was difficult during this period (examples: Ezra 4:24; Nehemiah 4:10–11; Haggai 1:6). But despite the challenges, this new beginning and the thrill of restoration resulted naturally and appropriately in the need for new songs of praise. These five psalms—the last two of which are the subject of today’s study—reveal some important things.
I. A New Song
(PSALM 149:1–5)
A. Call to Praise (vv. 1–3)
1a. Praise ye the LORD.
Praise ye the Lord, a plural command, is a translation of only two words in Hebrew; millions of people all over the world know this as the single, compounded word hallelujah. The first word, hallelu, is a command to praise. The jah that follows is a shortened version of Yahweh, the Hebrew name of God—the object of the praise.
The two words hallelu and jah occur adjacent to each other 24 times in the psalms, beginning in Psalm 104:35 and ending in the last line of 150:6—the final phrase of the Psalter. Scripture also has longer forms of this phrase in Isaiah 62:9; Jeremiah 20:13; and Psalms 117:1; 148:1b, 7.
In the New Testament, the Hebrew is transliterated (not translated) into Greek, so it sounds the same whether one is speaking Greek or Hebrew. The result is the four occurrences of our English “Alleluia” (also a transliteration, not a translation) in Revelation 19:1, 3, 4, 6. So whether we say English “Praise ye the Lord” or Hebrew “Hallelujah” or Greek “Alleluia,” we are saying the same thing!
1b. Sing unto the LORD a new song.
Sing is also a plural command, occurring in that form 15 times in the Old Testament—10 of which are in the psalms (here and Psalms 33:3; 68:4, 32 [twice]; 96:1, 2; 98:1; 105:2; and 137:3). The last is in a context of oppression: captors requesting songs of the defeated who were in captivity (compare Romans 15:9; Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 12:12; and James 5:13).
A new song suggests that circumstances have changed in such a way that the old songs are no longer sufficient (compare Psalms 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9). In this case, the people have returned from their Babylonian captivity (see Lesson Context). Being something of a “second exodus,” this return certainly called for new words of celebration! Isaiah speaks of the Messiah to come, and a new song is called for because of the new things God will do on the earth (Isaiah 42:10; 43:19). Similarly in Revelation, songs are composed because of the new circumstances of the saints in Heaven (see Revelation 4:9; 14:3).
What Do You Think?
What are some ways to help our fellow Christians embrace new songs of worship when they always want to sing old favorites?
Digging Deeper
What risks do we run by not trying?
THE VALUE OF A TUNE
In 1984 two music producers had an idea to bring famine relief to Ethiopia. Well-known British musicians volunteered their talents, with the result that in a 24-hour recording session, the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” came to be. It was an unexpected but tremendous success, earning millions of dollars in the first year. The message of the song resonated the world over, rousing people to action for the starving nation.
In some ways, Psalm 149 begins with a similar message to believers: it is a reminder of the praise that is due to God for all the things we may take for granted.
Perhaps a new song is called for because of what God is doing in your life. In what ways can your new song of praise give Him the credit? Perhaps Revelation 5:9–10 can start your thinking on this. —C. M. W.
1c. And his praise in the congregation of saints.
This clause applies the previous one by stating where the people are to offer praise to the Lord. The congregation of saints sketches a setting of public, corporate worship. The saints are those who demonstrate fidelity in their relationship with the Lord. They are not the ones who chase false gods or rebelliously disobey His commands.
2. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
Again, we see parallelism that often characterizes Hebrew poetry.
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King
Such parallelism means that it’s a mistake to see Israel and the children of Zion referring to different groups. In the same way, rejoice and be joyful repeat one another.
Piling up phrases that have the same or very similar meanings emphasizes their importance. Though the English let may read like a suggestion or permission, it is actually a common way of translating Hebrew commands.
This verse also gives reasons for expressing joy. The two lines refer to the same being, namely God, but to different roles He has. First, the Lord is not only the Creator of humans in general, but also the one who created the nation of Israel in particular. Second, the Lord is Israel’s ruler (compare 1 Samuel 12:12; Isaiah 43:15). As subjects of His rule, the Israelites were beneficiaries of His protection. The Israelites are pointedly reminded that even though their earthly monarchy had come to an end, God was still their leader. He had made them a nation, and He could and would sustain them as such.
What Do You Think?
Thinking of the opposite of joy, what place should songs of a melancholy nature have in your church’s Sunday worship, if any?
Digging Deeper
Consider as an example the lyrics and melody of the hymn “Almost Persuaded.”
3. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Here the psalmist provided means for expressing praise and joy. Dancing to the sound of musical instruments indicates boisterous, unrestrained worship. On the identities of the timbrel and harp, see Psalm 150:3–5, below.
B. Reasons for Praise (v. 4)
4. For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Because this psalm was composed after the return from Babylonian exile (see Lesson Context), Ezra 7 forms a particularly fitting backdrop. In Ezra 7:27, the word here translated beautify is used for decorating the temple under the approval of the Persian monarchy (see Ezra 6:1, 13–15).
In a similar way, the Lord was working on the hearts of his people. The meek are the humble, which is how the same word is translated in Psalms 9:12; 10:17; and elsewhere. This may include a spiritual sense—such people are aware of their low position before the Lord—or it may be meant in only a physical sense. The people experienced great uncertainty when they arrived back in Judah. They were certainly not wealthy or of high standing.
Salvation in the Old Testament often describes the deliverance from enemies (example: Exodus 14:13; 15:2). For the vulnerable population newly returned to Jerusalem and Judah, God’s protection would indeed have been a comfort. The word translated salvation can also be used of deliverance from sin, though this is much more prevalent in the New Testament as the word comes over from Hebrew into Greek (compare Psalm 3 with Revelation 7:10).
C. Another Call to Praise (v. 5)
5. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
Psalm 149 can be divided into two stanzas. Whereas the first stanza (verses 1–4) invokes praise primarily looking back to the past acts of the Lord, the second stanza (verses 5–9) invokes praise looking forward to His future acts. The verse at hand again requires the people to praise the Lord, as the phrase let the saints be joyful echoes the command in 149:2.
Such celebrations are called for elsewhere: in anticipation of an enemy’s defeat (Psalm 5:8–11), in sheer wonder at God’s greatness (Psalm 95), and in instances of personification (96:12; 98:8), etc. In glory refers to having been favored with a change of circumstance, from exiles to people living once again in their homeland. The Greek word used to translate the Hebrew is doxa, from which we get the word doxology.
Upon their beds sets up a contrast with Psalm 149:1, where the people are to offer praise “in the congregation.” So both public and private praise are covered. A bed is not always a pleasant place to be (compare Job 7:13–15; Psalms 6:6; 41:3). There is also a time when silence is called for while lying in bed (4:4). We easily imagine that beds were tearful places during the exile. But in the verse before us, we see what should happen in private as a result of God’s having transformed the situation of an entire nation (contrast Psalm 137).
II. The Setting of Praise
(PSALM 150) A.
Where (v. 1)
1a. Praise ye the LORD.
This imperative was treated above (see on Psalm 149:1a).
1b. Praise God in his sanctuary.
Here we see mention of a location where it is especially appropriate to praise God. The Hebrew word translated sanctuary occurs more than 500 times in the Old Testament. As a noun, it can take 20 different meanings, by one count, according to context. The big-picture idea is one of “sacredness” or “apartness.” The context here seems to require that the sacred space in view is where God’s people gather for worship (as in Psalms 68:24–26; 134:2; and 138:2).
1c. Praise him in the firmament of his power.
The word firmament reflects the conception of people in Old Testament times as the heavens conceived to be a dome over the earth. It is the place where the stars are located, the place that separates the earth from the abode of God beyond (see Ezekiel 1:22–26; Daniel 12:3; compare 2 Corinthians 12:2). The phrase of his power describes the magnificence of the firmament; the almighty God created it (Genesis 1:6–18; Psalm 19:1).
B. Why (v. 2)
2. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Two reasons for praising the Lord are given: His works and His character. Mighty acts are things God has done in the past. Some psalms very clearly celebrate specific works God has done by recounting His deeds in Israel’s history. For example, Psalm 136 recounts the acts of the Lord in creation (vv. 5–9), in delivering Israel from Egypt (vv. 10–16), in conquering enemies and giving Israel the land (vv. 17–24), and for providing food for all creatures (v. 25).
The phrase his excellent greatness summarizes the Lord’s character. God is perfect in His knowledge (Deuteronomy 29:29), in His ethics (Psalms 18:25; 92:15; Mark 10:18), in His works (Deuteronomy 32:4), and in His words (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2).
What Do You Think?
How can this psalm help you evaluate the ratio of “praising” to “asking for” in your personal prayer life?
Digging Deeper
How does correcting an imbalance start?
C. How (vv. 3–5)
3. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Here begins a three-verse list of several musical instruments the readers were encouraged to use to praise him (compare 1 Chronicles 15:28). Metal horns were known in the Old Testament world (example: Numbers 10:1–10), but the sound of the trumpet signifies the blast of a ram’s horn. These were used in worship (Leviticus 25:9), as a signal in war (Joshua 6:4–9, 20), to warn of danger (Joel 2:1), to express joyous celebration (2 Samuel 6:15), to herald news (1 Samuel 13:3), at the installation of a king (1 Kings 1:34), and to call to assembly (Jeremiah 4:5).
The psaltery and harp are stringed instruments, mentioned together seven times in the psalms (here and Psalms 33:2; 57:8; 71:22; 81:2; 92:3; and 108:2). These two were essentially the same instrument, the main difference being that one was larger (and less portable) than the other. Evidence from ancient drawings indicates curved yokes and jar-shaped sounding boxes to be features.
4a. Praise him with the timbrel and dance.
The timbrel is similar to a modern tambourine, being small enough to be held in the hand. Use of this rhythm percussion instrument is associated with dances of joy several times in the Old Testament (examples: Exodus 15:20; Psalm 149:3, above), even joy that has the wrong focus (Isaiah 5:11–12). An absence of timbrels is associated with a lack of joy (Isaiah 24:8). 4b. Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Stringed instruments is likely a collective term for instruments such as the psaltery and harp already mentioned. The designation may include a rather fixed collection of instruments, much like reference to “the strings” in an orchestra refers generally to violins, violas, cellos, etc.
Organs are first mentioned in Genesis 4:21: “Jubal … was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.” It was probably a type of wind instrument but distinct from horns.
5. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Cymbals, in the category of percussion instruments, would be struck together to make their sound. The Hebrew behind the translation high sounding occurs five times in the psalms (here and Psalms 27:6; 33:3; 47:5; and 89:15). The translations in those other four instances are all in terms of volume, and that is the sense here. Thus loud and high sounding are parallel terms. There’s no holding back with these instruments!
The following two lists reveal that of the (at least) 14 named instruments or types of instruments recorded in the Old Testament, Psalms 149 and 150 feature the most frequently mentioned.
In Psalms 149–150
Name Times in OT
trumpet 74
harp 43
psaltery (or viol) 27
timbrel 22
strings 4
organ 4
cymbals 3
Not in Psalms 149–150
Name Times in OT
cornet 14
flute 4
harp 4
sackbut 4
psaltery 3
dulcimer 3
instruments 1
Note: Although English designations are repeated in some cases above, the underlying words in the original language are all different. The repeated English designations reflect uncertainty in precise translation.
What Do You Think?
What can you do personally to help your church ensure an appropriately loud worship volume?
Digging Deeper
At what point, if any, does “loud” become “too loud”? Why?
D. Who (v. 6)
6. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Breath was the first sign of life. At creation the Lord breathed into the man “the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7). Encouraging every thing that hath breath to praise the Lord is broader than a call to people only (see Psalm 103:22).
A LOT OF CLATTER AND NOISE
One day in elementary music class, the teacher divided us into sections to teach us a round. Each section was to sing its own words. To make our task more challenging, we were singing as if we were violins, clarinets, trumpets, and drums.
When we all sang simultaneously, it was meant to sound like the blending of instruments in an orchestra. Instead, we got distracted by the other parts, lost our places, and frequently dissolved into laughter. It was a noisy, happy mess.
As we grow up we can lose sight of the value of outright doing as that effort represents good intentions—a proper spirit and mind-set. Consider the instruments named in Psalm 150. There are certainly more types there than my class’s “orchestra song” had; we actually had only one—our voices. So in the resulting joyful noise, some within hearing distance may say that the emphasis is on noise!
But God wants to hear it. This is not to minimize the importance of quality and giving our best to God (Matthew 5:48; compare 1 Corinthians 13:1). It is, rather, to stress our need to praise Him in all contexts of life. How can you match the psalmist’s enthusiasm for doing so? —C. M. W.
Conclusion
A. Count Your Blessings
When life becomes turbulent, it is easy to forget the Lord’s might and character. That happens when we drop our gaze from Him to focus on the problems themselves and nonbiblical solutions to them (compare Psalm 73:1–3). But when we return from that “exile,” we realize our foolishness. In the process, we find new opportunities to sing for joy to the Lord, realizing that our old songs are inadequate in light of the Lord’s new blessings.
No matter our situation, we should praise the Lord. We can do so by recalling past blessings—the great things He has done. We can praise Him for future blessings—things God has promised when we are in His presence for all eternity. If celebrating the Lord’s greatness will not give us joy and peace during the storms of life, what will?
What Do You Think?
Which concept or imperative in today’s lesson do you have the most trouble coming to grips with? Why?
Digging Deeper
How will you resolve this problem?
B. Prayer
O Lord, our God, You are great, and You are good. In all circumstances, may we ever praise You for Your care for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Praise the Lord—always!
KIDS CORNER
Live Faithful to the Truth
Sunday 31, 2021
3 John 1:1-15
3 John 1:1-15
(3 John 1:1) The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
John’s letter reveals the difference that one person can make for good or evil in the Church and world. The only details about Gaius that we can learn are from this letter by John. John obviously loved Gaius in the Lord and as an exemplary and trustworthy Christian in the Church, who as a leader did and would do what some refused to do. John gave a reason for his love of Gaius; they both loved the truth and lived in truth.
(3 John 1:2) Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
John knew that Gaius was spiritually mature and in a right relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord, Whom Gaius loved and obeyed. Knowing Gaius was morally and spiritually healthy, John prayed for Gaius’ physical health and total well-being in all areas of his life. Since the letter was probably on a small scroll or because the letter followed the format of lengthy letters, the letter began by identifying the sender and a prayer for the named recipient that revealed something about their relationship.
(3 John 1:3) For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.
“The friends” was a respected name or title that John used in his letter to describe a group who came to visit him at his Church. They came from the Church where Gaius was respected by them. John knew that Gaius would be a reliable person to complete any assigned tasks, because Gaius was faithful to the truth and his way of life was consistent with the truth, especially as Jesus Christ was the Truth. Witnesses testified to this with a testimony that could be accepted according to biblical standards or a court of law.
(3 John 1:4) I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
John’s gospel and letters reveal the great joy he felt when he learned that a person or Church were living consistent Christian lives; when they were learning the truth of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith and then conforming their thoughts, their spiritual life, their practices, and their everyday life in the world to the truth as quickly as they learned the truth.
(3 John 1:5) Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers;
In a time when it might have been dangerous to openly identify some person or group as “Christian,” the use of the title “friends,” would not alarm hostile authorities. Christians knew Jesus in “the truth,” but to the unbeliever “walking in the truth” might only seem to be a philosophical or ethical ideal. When a group identified themselves as “friends” or “friends of the truth,” even though they were strangers, Gaius showed them hospitality and did for them what ever needed to be done as faithfully as he could in every situation. Notice what John wrote in his gospel about Jesus calling His true followers “friends:” “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father” (John 15:13-15).
(3 John 1:6) and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
Again, John used a legal term, “testified.” He wrote that the friends “testified” as witnesses that Gaius loved the Church. Gaius did what he could to help the Church and those who visited him and his Church from other Churches, even though he did not know many of them personally. Since Gaius walked in the truth, John encouraged him to send the friends on (perhaps as traveling missionaries) with the needed resources that were worthy of a gift from God or a gift worthy of giving to God, the one who ultimately provided (and provides) all believers need to serve Him. They were not to be given merely the leftovers or what was already “worn out,” but to be treated as God would treat them through His people.
(3 John 1:7) For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
“The friends” were most likely traveling evangelists or missionaries that were, perhaps, sent out by John himself. “The friends” sent John reports or came back to him and “testified” to what they did and how they were treated by the Churches and towns they visited. They served God and others “for the sake of Christ,” and not for “the sake of money” or other selfish reasons. They relied on Christ and His followers to meet their needs rather than take any support from non-Christians (non-believers). As Hudson Taylor learned, they knew that “God’s work d0ne in God’s way will never lack the God’s supply.”
(3 John 1:8) Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.
Those who rely on Christ alone and prayer alone for their support as they work hard for the sake of Christ need to be helped by the Church and other Christians in answer to prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit by giving in a manner that God himself would give if He appeared and gave personally. God does give personally through the follower of Jesus Christ. By supporting Christian workers, believers can become co-workers “with the truth,” “with Christ,” and “with other Christians” in leading people to become Christians and in helping Christians do the work of God in the world. John emphasized the crucial goal of being a co-worker “with the truth” and not just with anyone who wants our support or claims to be a Christian, because some are self-centered deceivers instead of Christ-centered believers.
(3 John 1:9) I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
Diotrephes was the bad example in John’s letter. Diotrephes “put himself first” or made himself more important than Jesus Christ and other believers. Since Diotrephes intercepted John’s letter to the Church to prevent it from being read to the Church, we know that Diotrephes was a recognized leader or elder in the Church with the power to block John and other Christian leaders from communicating with the Church. Diotrephes refused to acknowledge the authority of anyone but himself, even the authority of Christ and His Word, because he “put himself first”—not Jesus Christ as Lord. Therefore, John wrote his letter to Gaius and wanted to visit Gaius and the Church personally to solve this problem.
(3 John 1:10) For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.
John’s letter shows the importance of needing to confront a leader or teacher in a Church who is conducting leadership for himself first instead of for the sake of Jesus Christ and His followers who seek to serve Christ. John wrote what he would do when he came to the Church, so we can find good guidance here for similar situations. In his letter, John wrote that he would call attention to or reveal the fact that Diotrephes was spreading false charges (lies) against him and others. He would point out the fact that Diotrephes even expelled from the Church those he did not like or who believed and walked in the truth as John did. Diotrephes put himself in a more important place than Jesus Christ. Diotrephes was telling lies about those who were truly following Christ and living and giving by faith in Jesus Christ. Diotrephes had become a dictator in the Church and a traitor to the Lord Jesus Christ by preventing the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ, by afflicting those who promoted the truth of Jesus Christ, and by casting the faithful followers of Jesus Christ out of the Church. John said he would come and confront this false leader or teacher. In the meantime, he wrote Gaius and warned him about Diotrephes. Probably neither the Church nor Gaius knew what evils Diotrephes was involved in, and John probably did not learn about them until the traveling evangelists reported back to John, which prompted his letter to Gaius as a trustworthy follower of Jesus Christ in the truth.
(3 John 1:11) Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
John commanded that Diotrephes should not be imitated. His evil should not be repaid with evil, but he needed to be disciplined for the evil he was doing and for the sake of Christ and His Church. People in the Church needed to learn that Diotrephes was putting himself first ahead of Christ, and they needed to follow Christ and walk in the truth instead of in the misleading steps of someone who put themselves first. Imitating what was good and speaking the truth about Diotrephes telling lies and hindering people from coming to Christ was the beginning of the discipline that he might need. Hopefully, he would repent and put Christ first. You can tell whether someone who claims to be a Christian is truly from God by evaluating their behavior. Jesus taught, “You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16).
(3 John 1:12) Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
In contrast to Diotrephes, Demetrius was an example of a good Christian and possibly a potential Church leader to replace Diotrephes. John hoped to come soon to bring about the changes in the Church that were needed. John had that authority as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. John used the words “testified” and “testimony” again because what was said about Demetrius was true and could be relied upon even in a court of law or during a trial. Demetrius was from God and the truth about him was so obvious through his good behavior that “the truth itself” testified favorably for him and so did John and other evangelists—and Gaius knew they spoke the truth, unlike Diotrephes, the liar who defamed the character of John and others by spreading false charges against them.
(3 John 1:13) I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink;
John had much to write about the situation facing the Church under the leadership of Diotrephes, who may have been the chief preacher or teacher in the Church. However, John did not want Gaius and others in the Church to discipline Diotrephes without John being present. He hoped to restore love and truth under the Lordship of Christ in the Church; therefore, he needed to demonstrate some of the best ways to discipline a Church leader or member who was doing evil by being present with them.
(3 John 1:14) but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.
Diotrephes was not just adversely treating John in a personal way; he was adversely mistreating the entire Church and the mission of the traveling evangelists and missionaries; therefore, John hoped to travel soon to see Gaius and by talking together face to face they could pray, plan, and prepare to solve the problems the Church faced as Diotrephes put himself first above Christ, the Church, and respected Church leaders.
(3 John 1:15) Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Letters often concluded with a prayer for peace for the recipient. John’s prayer for peace was particularly appropriate for Gaius and his fellow Christians because of the hostile situation in their Church and perhaps because of persecution by enemies of Christ outside the Church. The friends who had returned to John from Gaius’ Church sent their greetings from Gaius. And John wanted Gaius to greet all the friends of Christ who knew John by name personally. The Bible does not tell us what happened as a consequence of John’s visit or how the situation regarding Diotrephes was resolved.
Sunday 31, 2021
3 John 1:1-15
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth (3 John 1:3—KJV).
For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth (3 John 1:3—NASB).
I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you walk in the truth (3 John 1:3— NRSV).
Where did the Apostle John find his greatest joy? In 3 John 1:4, John wrote to Gaius, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” John wrote to Gaius because he had learned of Gaius’ faithfulness to the truth and how he spoke and practiced the truth. Throughout history, truth has often been difficult to find and even more difficult to learn from those we expect to tell the truth. Those who will say and do anything to achieve their goals will sometimes disregard the truth and fail to live as truthful people. In places where truthfulness is rare and where some people will not tell the truth but obviously and habitually tell lies and intentionally mislead people, what can the followers of Jesus Christ do? They must do what John commended. They must walk faithfully and according to the truth. They must practice living in the reality, in the world, that God has made. They must always say what they know to be true and do what they know to be right. Jesus’ followers must never tell lies. They must prayerfully follow the Holy Spirit to learn when to speak and when to remain silent. Jesus always spoke the truth, so He warned His followers in Matthew 7:6, “Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.” In other words, do not throw your life away needlessly: those who are wise learn when to say nothing.
Thinking Further
Live Faithful to the Truth
Sunday 31, 2021
3 John 1:1-15
Name _____________________________
1. Give some reasons John loved Gaius.
2. Why do you suppose it was well with Gaius’ soul?
3. What gave John “no greater joy”?
4. How did “the friends” conduct their ministry?
5. When we support true Christian workers, what do we become?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. Give some reasons John loved Gaius.
They both loved the truth. Gaius loved and helped the friends. Gaius was faithful and walked in the truth.
2. Why do you suppose it was well with Gaius’ soul?
He was filled with the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of
Truth). He was faithful and he walked in the truth. His behavior indicated to John and the friends that he put Jesus Christ first in his life.
3. What gave John “no greater joy”?
Hearing that his children, his spiritual children, are walking in the truth.
4. How did “the friends” conduct their ministry?
They conducted their ministry for the sake of Christ and accepted no
support from unbelievers (or pagans).
5. When we support true Christian workers, what do we become?
Co-workers with the truth or fellow workers for the truth.
Word Search
Live Faithful to the Truth
Sunday 31, 2021
3 John 1:1-15
Name _____________________________
S A I H J L R H X S I T K Z U
S U R U O E Z C F J O V W I G
E F D E Y O J R E V O U A C D
N R M W K G W U Z W T M L H F
L I S B A D S H L D L W K J C
U F T Q O U X C G T R U T H U
F D A H J D I O T R E P H E S
H N E I S R E G N A R T S T Q
T L E M T M B C B P W Q Y M K
I Y S R E H G E S D N E I R F
A T Z L D T F H L Z U V Y G M
F X R O I L R U K O E F A H R
Y A G V T F I I L Y V I O G T
L M I E H X P H U L U E N V A
C Q W X P W Y Q C S Y S D Z Y
Gaius
Love
Truth
Beloved
Soul
Overjoyed
Faithfulness
Joy
Children
Faithfully
Friends
Strangers
Church
Diotrephes
Demetrius
True and False Test
Live Faithful to the Truth
Sunday 31, 2021
3 John 1:1-15
Name _____________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. John loved Gaius in the truth as a faithful friend in Christ. True or False
2. John trusted Diotrephes to pass on his letters to the church. True or False
3. John told Gaius to obey Diotrephes, because he was a church leader. True or False
4. John was concerned for people’s physical health and their souls. True or False
5. John praised Gaius for walking in a way that made him many friends. True or False
6. Diotrephes put Christ and the needs of others first. True or False
7. John never intended to tell anyone that someone was lying about him. True or False
8. Those who do evil have not seen God. True or False
9. Everyone, and also the truth, testified favorably about Demetrius. True or False
10. John commended the believers who got support from unbelievers. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- True
- False
- False
- True
- False
- False
- False
- True
- True
- False