E-pistle for November 5, 2012
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e-pistle
FreeWay Foundation November 5, 2012
Prosper and be in health
(III John 1:1-14)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this letter
1. John wrote a kind greeting to his beloved friend, Gaius, vv. 1-4.
2. John expressed appreciation to Gaius for his generosity, vv. 5-8.
3. John condemned Diotrephes for his pride, and he commended Demetrius
for his integrity and his influence for good, vv. 9-12.
4. John closed by stating his hope to see his friend Gaius soon, vv. 13-14.
II. Meditation: on John's greetings to Gaius
1. John wrote this brief letter to the "beloved Gaius", who probably was an elder
in his local church, vv. 1, 9a.
2. John's prayer that Gaius might "prosper in all things and be in health," . . .
Referred essentially to physical and material concerns, v. 2.
3. John connected physical health and material prosperity to Gaius' spiritual
condition, asking God to pour out physical, material blessings to the degree of
Gaius' spiritual (soul) health and prosperity, v. 2. What if our physical condition
was made to match our spiritual condition? Would be better off, or worse?
4. John not only dearly loved Gaius; he also rejoiced greatly in Gaius' faithful
commitment to Christ, vv. 1, 3.
III. Revelation: on John's points of commendation to Gaius
1. That other Christians had testified of Gaius' daily walk in the truth . . . with
Christ, vv. 3-4.
2. That Gaius and the church had cared for the physical needs of fellow believers
("brethren and foreigners"), v. 5.
3. That the recipients of the church's charity had acknowledged the love for God
exhibited in the benevolent gifts given, v. 6.
4. That Gaius and the church perceived such assistance as participation in the
Ministries of those helped, and as worthy act of service rendered unto God, vv. 6-8.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Prioritize my spiritual health and prosperity above my physical health and material
prosperity.
2. Daily walk with Christ, so that my life not only honors God, but also brings true joy
to fellow believers.
3. Give generously and regularly to support genuine Christian ministries and other
worthy charitable causes.
4. Perceive all spiritual endeavors as part of God's master plan, and see myself as an
Important "partner" in all efforts to glorify God through serving those in need.
God's judgment upon the ungodly
(Jude 1:1-25)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on Jude's use of the word "ungodly"
1. Ungodly men – those who turn the grace of God into lewdness and who deny
the Lord, v. 4.
2. Ungodly (persons) – those who will receive God's judgment, sentence, and
punishment when Jesus returns with His Saints, v. 15.
3. Ungodly deeds; ungodly way – those whose actions dishonor God, v. 15, and
those who are grumblers, complainers, sensualists, flatterers, mockers, and
divisive individuals, vv. 16-19.
4. Ungodly sinners – those who have spoken against Christ, vv. 15-16.
II. Meditation: on Old Testament examples of "ungodly" men (v. 11)
1. Cain – who murdered his brother, out of jealousy, Genesis 4:3-8.
2. Balaam – who prophesied for money, Numbers 24:13; II Peter 2:15.
3. Korah – who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, Numbers 16.
4. "Ungodliness" includes hatred of fellowman, greed for material gain, and rebellion
against God.
III. Revelation: on other illustrations of "ungodly" men (vv. 12-13)
1. Clouds without water, carried about by the winds.
2. Late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots.
3. Raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame.
4. Wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Repent and forsake all ungodly thoughts, deeds, and words.
2. Avoid, especially, the deadly sins of hatred, greed, and rebellion.
3. Become a productive Christian, bearing spiritual fruit:
1) as a cloud containing refreshing, life-giving water,
2) as a living tree bearing nourishing fruit,
3) as the peaceful waves of the sea, fulfilling their purpose in God's divine plan,
AND
4) as permanently fixed stars, providing persons light and guidance in a dark world.
4. Rejoice that God our Savior is able to keep me from stumbling and to present me faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, vv. 24-25.
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!
"You give me the right people, and I don't much care what organization you give me.
Good things will happen. Give the wrong people and it doesn't matter
what you do with the organization. Bad things will happen."
--Colin Powell
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