Granby church of Christ Sermon Outlines Imitate What Is Good

Imitate What Is Good

Introduction:

Christians are encouraged throughout the New Testament to follow what is good and shun the evil.  In the short epistle of III John, we are given examples of both the good and the evil.

Body:

I.   Imitate the Good – Gaius   (III John Verse 11)

·   John begins the letter by praying that Gaius would be in good physical health as his spiritual health prospered.  (III John Verse 2)  Our spiritual well-being needs to be at least as good as our material well-being.

o   Losing one’s soul  (Mark 8:36-37)

o   Parable of rich fool  (Luke 12:16-21)

o   Wealth can destroy a person.  (I Timothy 6:9-10)  But if one has the right attitude toward money, they can do much good with their wealth.

·   Gene Taylor notes, “How different the world would be if this prayer of John were realized in all people.”

o   Many wealthy would become poor.

o   Many poor would become wealthy.

o   Many in good health would become sick.

o   Many sick would get better.

o   What about us?  In what category would we best fit?  (Hebrews 5:13-14, I Corinthians 11:30)

·   Gaius possessed many qualities worthy of imitating.

o   He didn’t follow the false teaching of his time, but followed the truth.  (III John Verse 3)  (John 17:17, Psalm 119:160)

o   He also practiced the truth.  (III John Verse 4)  (Psalm 86:11)  Note that II John Verses 1-2 are also equivalent to walking in the light.  (I John 1:7)

o   This was manifested in his life; he was concerned about others.  (III John Verses 5-6) (Romans 12:13)  He supported preaching of the truth.  (III John Verses 7-8)

 II.   Shun the Evil – Diotrephes

·   Diotrephes loved to have the preeminence and wanted to be at the head.  He thought his opinion was always the best.  Christians are not to think too highly of themselves.  (Romans 12:3)  Christians should have the attitude of Christ.  (Philippians 2:1-4)

·   He placed himself above an apostle and thought he had more authority.  (I Thessalonians 4:8)

·   He spoke malicious words against John.  (Ephesians 5:3-4)

·   He would not help or show concern for others.  John said that he would be punished.

Conclusion:

Which of these two men are you most like?  Your answer will determine the destiny of your soul.

 Bobby Stafford      

December 1, 2013