October 9, 2021 – 3 John

3 John. A really short letter. John commends his readers for walking together in truth, and also for their hospitality to brothers in the faith. These brothers are “workers for the truth” (vs. 8). But there was this Diotrephes among them, who refused to acknowledge John's apostolic authority and who was dismissive of the brothers who had been welcomed. On the other hand, there was Demetrius, whose life and example received a good testimony from everyone. And so, John says, “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good” (vs. 11). A lesson, here: do not imitate Diotrephes, but imitate Demetrius. God puts examples before us, good and holy people, to show us the way we should live. Oh, that John would be able to write about us: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (1:4).

Walk together, children, don't you get weary,

walk together, children, don't you get weary,

walk together, children, don't you get weary,

there's a great camp meeting in the promised land.

Sing together, children, don't you get weary,

sing together, children, don't you get weary,

sing together, children, don't you get weary,

there's a great camp meeting in the promised land.

Pray together, children, don't you get weary,

pray together, children, don't you get weary,

pray together, children, don't you get weary,

there's a great camp meeting in the promised land.

Work together, children, don't you get weary,

work together, children, don't you get weary,

work together, children, don't you get weary,

there's a great camp meeting in the promised land. –African-American spiritual