Quick Backdrop:
This is a second devo in what we’re calling a one-chapter wonder series—diving quickly and deeply into a one-chapter book of the Bible. (Click here for the first devo.) This gives us a chance to own an entire book of the Bible in a short time, as little as a few minutes. Also, we’re doing this with as few extra words as possible from me, the writer of the devo. Let’s let the Word do the teaching. No intro of an issue. No creative opener. Just a little backdrop info and then we dive into the Word.
The Book of 3 John (we call it “Third John”) is one of those one-chapter books of the Bible. In most Bibles, it’s not so much as a full page in length. It was written by the apostle John, who also wrote the Gospel of John, 1 and 2 John, and the Book of Revelation. John liked to write, and that’s a good thing for us. So, here we go.
The What:
A great way to get a handle on a chapter or book of the Bible is to notice key words, words that keep showing up (and aren’t just words such as the or of). That’s the approach we’ll use for 3 John. Print 3 John from a Bible program or website such as BibleGateway.com. As you read the chapter, mark the references to the words noted below. (We’ve suggested descriptive ways to mark the words; this will help them stand out) By the way, you also may want to notice the people mentioned in the book.
Truth or true: Draw an up arrow above these words.
Faith or faithfulness: Circle these words.
Love: Draw a heart above these words.
Good: Draw sun rays above these words.
Names of people: Circle any names you see.
The So What:
These are great words: truth, faith, love, good. Fortunately for us, John gives us insight into how these words can help us live a more vibrant Christian life. Thoughtfully respond to the questions below by looking again at these words in 3 John. This is where your descriptive marking will help you find the words.
Truth/true:
Going by some things John said, what are we to do with truth and how is it to impact us?
Faith/faithfulness:
Where or to whom did the people in 3 John apply their faithfulness?
Love:
What do the references to “love” teach you about love?
Good:
Why should we be concerned with doing good?
Each time John mentioned someone in this chapter, he included a short descriptive phrase about that person before he described the person in more detail later in the chapter. Scan the chapter for these names, and note the short descriptive phrases. Depending on whether John describes the person positively or negatively, draw a smiley or a frowney beside each name below to denote John’s description. If your curiosity is piqued, see what else you learn about each person.
Gaius (GUY-us)
Diotrephes (Dee-OTT-treh-fees)
Demetrius (De-MEE-tree-us)
Seal the Deal:
There are many takeaways from this small book, but here’s one that stands out: Good virtues build good character; negative virtues lead to bad character. The key words you noted from this chapter are more than virtuous words to admire; they are traits that can build into us, making us more Christ-like.
Think about your schedule during the next week. How can you apply the good virtues featured in 3 John to the activities of your week? We’ve given some suggestions of likely activities, but feel free to add to the list. Pray about your activities and write down anything that comes to mind regarding how you can apply the virtues of truth, faith, love and good to any of these activities. (Example: Homework: I will be truthful in my work and not take any shortcuts.)
Test-taking
Athletic practice
Music/drama rehearsal or practice
Game or performance
Homework
Family interaction
Work
Time with friends
Interaction with the opposite sex
Close your time by imagining John writing this letter and mentioning you in the letter. What short descriptive phrase might he use for you? Would you fall into be a smiley- or a frowney-type description? Pray about how you can make the great words of truth, faith, love and good part of your natural character.
