What does it mean to be a ”model” church member? John writes a letter to such a person in this passage named Gaius. He not only identifies many right behaviors of this man, He also identifies several wrong behaviors of another leader within the church. We should examine ourselves to make sure that our efforts are advancing the cause of Christ within our local church. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do I have a solid testimony within the church of a consistent walk with the Lord?
3 Jn. 1:3 “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.”
2. Do I extend agape love towards everyone without discrimination?
V5-6 “Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 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:”
3. Do I exemplify servant leadership or do I enjoy the attention of others?
V9-10 “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”
4. Do my words humbly edify or pridefully tear down?
“Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words:”
5. Am I divisive in my spirit or do I promote unity?
“and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.”
LESSON - As we strive to be the kind of church members which please the Lord, we should continually support our Pastor, Staff, and other church leaders as together we faithfully serve the Lord and others. Are you striving to be a model church member?
V4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
V11 “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.”
~Mike
Comentários