1. John is writing to a friend, Gaius, who is stuck in the middle of a church conflict led by Diotrephes, who doesn't respect John's authority. When you have found yourself stuck in similar situations, what has encouraged you the most? How does John encourage Gauis? [Hint: see verses 2 and 3]
2. Why are truth AND love both important to be a good encourager?
3. Max DePree who said that “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you.” How do we see John doing this? What are some practical ways you can become a better encourager in the same way?
4. In verse 9, John tells us that Diotrephes 'likes to put himself first.' Why is this such a destructive attitude?
5. John Stott wrote about Diotrephes that "self-love vitiates all relationships." Do you agree? Why or why not? How can we overcome self-love to build each other up?
6. What is John's strategy for confronting Diotrephes? What do you notice him doing?
7. John certainly remembered Jesus saying things like: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. “You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” In what ways do you hear these teachings echoed in John's own thoughts in verse 11? Are the specific situations right now that you need to apply that same teaching?
2. Why are truth AND love both important to be a good encourager?
3. Max DePree who said that “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you.” How do we see John doing this? What are some practical ways you can become a better encourager in the same way?
4. In verse 9, John tells us that Diotrephes 'likes to put himself first.' Why is this such a destructive attitude?
5. John Stott wrote about Diotrephes that "self-love vitiates all relationships." Do you agree? Why or why not? How can we overcome self-love to build each other up?
6. What is John's strategy for confronting Diotrephes? What do you notice him doing?
7. John certainly remembered Jesus saying things like: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. “You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” In what ways do you hear these teachings echoed in John's own thoughts in verse 11? Are the specific situations right now that you need to apply that same teaching?
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