Elder Encouragement 
3 John 1:1-15

Rejoicing in Love and Truth 
 Followers of Christ “love in truth” (v. 1) and speak truth in love. Love desires the best for others in every way (v. 2). 
 "Your truth” (v. 3) is not subjective but the truth” of God (v. 4). 
 Walking in the truth means living consistently with the Gospel.

Refreshing Partners in the Gospel 
 Not every believer is called to “go” as a missionary. 
 But all are called to partner in the gospel. Visiting missionaries may be “strangers” (v. 5; cf. Hebrews 13:2). But God's Word gives us great incentive (v. 8; cf. Matthew 10:40). 
 They are serving "for the sake of the name” (v.7). The unbelieving world is not supporting them. By so doing, we are “fellow workers for the truth" (v. 8).

Responding to Error and Opposition 
 Diotrephes' error was related more to character than doctrine. 
 One “who likes to put himself first or be preeminent (v. 9) John knew what it was to desire preeminence (Mark 10:35-37). The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). We all must guard against putting ourselves first (Mk. 9:33-35). That is the place reserved for Jesus (Psalm 110:1; Col. 1:18). 
 He rejected God's authority (v. 9) and spoke wickedly (v. 10). 
 He refused to partner in the gospel and prohibited others. This kind of behavior from a church leader cannot be overlooked. 
 The elder lovingly confronts this divisive and destructive behavior.

Reflecting the Character of Christ 
 "Do not imitate evil but imitate good” (v. 11). Imitate me as I imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1; 4:16; Phil. 3:17). We were made in the image of God to reflect God's glory. 
 What is the testimony (v. 12) about your life? Reproducing Disciples through Face-to-Face Relationships 
 True life-change happens through significant relationships (v. 14). When Jesus called the 12 disciples, He called them to be with Him. This is the Master's Plan for discipleship (Mark 3:13-15).