INTRODUCTION.

1. Review: Summary* of 1 – 3 John:

● 1 John: probably written to one church, yet intended to be read by multiple congregations in the surrounding area.

● 2 John: written to and for one church (possibly the church which initially received the letter of 1 John).

● 3 John: written to one person named Gaius (possibly in the church which received the letter of 2 John).  It is possible, but uncertain, that all 3 letters were written and sent together by John, and delivered by a man named Demetrius (see 3rd John v12). 

● Interpreting 1 – 3 John:

             (a) The Gospel according to John guides us in understanding 1st John;

             (b) 1st John guides us in understanding 2nd & 3rd John. 

 2. A Comparison of 2nd & 3rd John:

● Expressing Godly-pastoral Love: 2 John vs1-3; 3 John vs1-3;

● Giving Encouragement with Requests: 2 John vs4-7; 3 John vs4-8;

● Giving Exhortations in Fellowship: 2 John vs7-13; 3 John vs9-15;

● Let us Follow John’s Example: of Godly Leadership & Discipleship. 

BE DEVOTED TO GOSPEL MINISTRY.

1st, As Believers who are Loved:  Pastorally & in the Truth (Gospel) (vs1-2). 

2nd, By Walking in the Truth (or in Faithfulness to the Gospel) (vs3-4). 

3rd By Supporting Ministers of the Gospel (vs5-8). 

EMBRACE BIBLICAL AUTHORITY.

1st, By Guarding against Selfish-ambition and Exercising Church Discipline (vs9-10). 

2nd, Thru Godly Living and by Praising the Godly among us (vs11-12). 

3rd, Unto the Joy of Christ-centered Fellowship (vs13-15 ).