A PORTRAIT OF THREE CHURCH MEMBERS
3 John


I - The CONFIRMATION of Gaius {vv 5-8} 
-Gaius had a good reputation
-He walked in the truth, was faithful, helped the Preacher, etc
-It was John's hope that Gaius prospered physically, materially, and SPIRITUALLY
-One is better off to prosper spiritually than materially or physically


II - The CONDEMNATION of Diotrephes {vv 9-11} 
-John is giving Gaius a bad example
-Diotrephes wanted to have preeminence
-He wanted to be number one - to promote himself
-He would not hearken to authority - would not be told what to do
-He was slanderous
-He serves as a warning to Christians


III - The COMMENDATION of Demetrius {vs 12} 
-John is giving Gaius a good example
-Follow those who, like Demetrius, have a good report of all men