Hospitality- Part 2

Third John 1

Scripture Reference

Third John 1:1-14

The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 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: Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 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. 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. 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. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: For I hope I shall shortly see thee, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Introduction

Sermon Title: “Hospitality- Part 2” — Preacher: Dr. Terry LeQuieu

Third John is short in words but heavy in application. Tonight we revisit the subject of hospitality and learn how it intersects with truth, leadership, and discipleship. The book lays out three distinct responses to hospitality: a man who renders it faithfully (Gaius), a man who refuses and corrupts it (Diotrephes), and a man who receives it honorably (Demetrius). These three profiles give us practical instruction for how to live in Christian community: how to give sacrificially without enabling sin, how to guard the flock against pride and malice, and how to be the kind of believer others can trust and emulate.

That ought to be our reason for the things that we do is not for selfish gain. Do it for the right reasons, and then we’ll have God’s blessings on our life.

Quote from Preacher

The preceding quote is taken verbatim from the provided transcript and corrected for punctuation and capitalization. It frames the sermon: our motives matter. Hospitality and every Christian action must aim to glorify God, not self.

Outline

Anxiety of the Elder: The Tone of Concern
1. Who writes and why: John the elder writes to Gaius out of pastoral love and responsibility. He writes not merely as a friend but as one accountable for souls.
2. Why anxiety matters: A shepherd’s concern shows that spiritual leadership is not casual. When leaders write with urgency, it’s because eternity is at stake; the local church must be guarded and encouraged.
Approval of Truth: Praise for Consistent Character
1. Praise of truth: John rejoices because others testified of Gaius’ truth — he lived what he professed.
2. Progression of truth: It’s not enough to have an isolated act of kindness; Christian character is steady walking in truth. Consistency builds testimony.
3. Practical help: Young Christians should pursue truth publicly and privately so others can recommend you by name.
Potential of Truth: Hospitality as Kingdom Investment
1. Faithful in works: Gaius faithfully ministered both to brethren and strangers — hospitality included daily duty and mission support.
2. Witness before the church: His charity was observable as an example, not for show. That example raises up others and multiplies ministry.
3. Unlimited potential: Faithfulness opens doors God never expected when men are steadfast. God’s blessing often flows through consistent stewardship.
Appeal for Mission: Hospitality That Sends
1. Support missionaries: The traveling workers “took nothing of the Gentiles” — they depended on believers’ hospitality. Receiving them helps advance the gospel.
2. For His name’s sake: The motivation must be to glorify Christ, not self; John contrasts Christ’s preeminence with Diotrephes’ ambition.
Refusal of Hospitality: Diotrephes’ Example and Warning
1. Personal ambition: Diotrephes loved preeminence; where self seeks the spotlight, fellowship suffers.
2. Perversion of speech and action: He slandered, forbade reception of brethren, and cast people out — a reminder that false leadership destroys churches.
3. Guard the flock: Scripture calls us to correct and guard. Faithful leadership addresses divisive people before sin becomes institutionalized.
Reception of Hospitality: Demetrius as Model
1. Imitate good: John urges believers to follow that which is good and to find godly examples to emulate.
2. Measure by report: Demetrius had a good report among men and with the truth — reputations matter when grounded in godly living.
3. Personal encouragement: Greet friends by name; encouragement fuels future faithfulness.
Discernment in Giving: Avoid Enabling, Encourage Repentance
1. Not every need should be enabled: Hospitality must be wise—helping must not facilitate ongoing sin (e.g., feeding addiction).
2. Prudence and restraint: The prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; discernment protects the receiver and the giver.
3. Love with truth: Faithful love sometimes wounds to heal. Caring for souls includes tough conversations when necessary.
Faithfulness as a Testimony: The Gospel’s Multiplier
1. Faithfulness attracts and reproduces: Gaius’ life encouraged missionaries, young believers, and elders.
2. Teach and build workers: Receiving workers helps the church both to be helped and to become helpers — sending out the next generation.
3. Christ preeminent: The motive for all is that Christ might be exalted; faithful people lift His name, not themselves.

Summary

Third John models three responses to hospitality and leadership. Gaius is commended for faithful, Christ‑centered hospitality that encouraged missionaries and honored truth. Diotrephes is condemned for seeking preeminence, slander, and exclusion—showing how pride robs the church of fellowship. Demetrius is held up as the credible servant who receives and whose life bears a good report. The book challenges us to give and receive wisely, to guard motives, and to let Christ have the preeminence. Hospitality in the New Testament is never merely social—it is gospel work. It must be done with love, truth, prudence, and a heart for multiplying laborers for the Lord.

There are some people that you can’t help. There are some people you can’t help.

Quote to Ponder

This short, repeated line from the transcript is a sober admonition: biblical hospitality is not the same as indiscriminate rescue. True Christian charity sometimes requires boundaries so that we do not enable rebellion or sin.

Application for the Week

Practical, actionable steps you can take this week to live out Third John:

Audit your motives for giving and serving.
1. Each time you plan to help someone this week, ask aloud: “Is this for God’s glory or to gain favor/avoid guilt?” If it isn’t for God’s glory, change the motive before acting.
Practice hospitable consistency.
1. Invite one believer or missionary worker to your home for a meal or coffee. Let it be a time to listen and encourage, not to show off.
Set wise boundaries to avoid enabling.
1. If a family member struggles with ongoing sinful behavior (addiction, chronic irresponsibility), pledge to provide accountability and paths to help (church resources, counseling) rather than unconditional resources that enable harm.
Identify and encourage a Demetrius.
1. Who in our church has a “good report” both with men and with the truth? Send them a personal note or speak to them face to face, letting them know their life is making a difference.
Reject Diotrephes’ tendencies.
1. Humble yourself this week: choose a place of service that isn’t in the spotlight. Refuse to turn conversations into stories about yourself and practice listening.
Support missions prayerfully and practically.
1. Pray daily for one missionary or one evangelistic work and consider a sacrificial gift to help a worker “take nothing of the Gentiles” and be fully supported by the local church.
Share the truth in love.
1. Be ready to speak the truth to a friend in love this week. If you see a brother or sister straying, lovingly offer counsel and practical next steps toward restoration.

Final encouragement: let every act of hospitality be an act of worship—done in truth, for Christ’s name, and for the building up of His church.