Hospitality, Hubris, and Holy Living: A Deep Dive into 3 John | Ep. 77
04/09/25 • 12 min
Have you ever found yourself caught between those who genuinely walk in love and truth and others whose pride creates division in your church community? The third epistle of John—though brief—delivers a powerful message about Christian character through three distinct personalities who continue to mirror people we encounter today.
Despite being the shortest book in the New Testament (according to word count), 3 John presents us with a compelling character study: the hospitable Gaius who walks in truth and serves faithfully, the problematic Diotrephes whose ego and power hunger lead him to reject apostolic authority and expel people from the church, and the well-respected Demetrius who receives universal commendation. Through these three men, we learn what genuine Christian community should look like—and what threatens it from within.
What makes this ancient letter so relevant is how it speaks directly to our current moment of division and uncertainty. As we navigate increasingly chaotic and confusing times in 2025, John's epistle reminds us that godly character is shown in hospitality, humility, and walking in truth—while warning us about those whose pride creates discord. The letter challenges us to examine which of these biblical figures we most resemble and reminds us that our testimony isn't what we claim about ourselves but what others observe in our genuine walk with Christ.
Ready to explore more biblical wisdom together? Join our upcoming course in late April 2025 by signing up for our mailing list at woman31ministries.com. Let me know which biblical book you'd like us to study next by emailing me directly—I'd love to hear from you!
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Have you ever found yourself caught between those who genuinely walk in love and truth and others whose pride creates division in your church community? The third epistle of John—though brief—delivers a powerful message about Christian character through three distinct personalities who continue to mirror people we encounter today.
Despite being the shortest book in the New Testament (according to word count), 3 John presents us with a compelling character study: the hospitable Gaius who walks in truth and serves faithfully, the problematic Diotrephes whose ego and power hunger lead him to reject apostolic authority and expel people from the church, and the well-respected Demetrius who receives universal commendation. Through these three men, we learn what genuine Christian community should look like—and what threatens it from within.
What makes this ancient letter so relevant is how it speaks directly to our current moment of division and uncertainty. As we navigate increasingly chaotic and confusing times in 2025, John's epistle reminds us that godly character is shown in hospitality, humility, and walking in truth—while warning us about those whose pride creates discord. The letter challenges us to examine which of these biblical figures we most resemble and reminds us that our testimony isn't what we claim about ourselves but what others observe in our genuine walk with Christ.
Ready to explore more biblical wisdom together? Join our upcoming course in late April 2025 by signing up for our mailing list at woman31ministries.com. Let me know which biblical book you'd like us to study next by emailing me directly—I'd love to hear from you!
If you have been blessed by Woman 31's teaching, and you would like to stay connected, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
We share, event updates, teachings, encouragement, and more.
Subscribe To The Newsletter Today, by clicking here
If this podcast has been a blessing so far, and you would like to support this podcast, feel free to Support Us Here. No amount is too small, and your support is greatly appreciated, and completely optional.
Thank you in advance!
Previous Episode
Truth & Discernment: Navigating False Teachers | Ep. 76
What happens when our desire to be hospitable collides with our responsibility to protect the truth? This provocative question lies at the heart of 2nd John, a powerful punch for modern Christians navigating a world awash with contradicting spiritual messages.
Whether you're wrestling with questions about spiritual boundaries, or simply wanting to understand a rarely-discussed biblical book, this episode offers accessible insights that will challenge you to become like the Bereans—studying Scripture for yourself rather than blindly following charismatic personalities. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly devotionals that complement these teachings, and join our community for corporate prayer every Thursday. Your spiritual journey deserves this kind of thoughtful, scripture-grounded guidance!
If you have been blessed by Woman 31's teaching, and you would like to stay connected, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
We share, event updates, teachings, encouragement, and more.
Subscribe To The Newsletter Today, by clicking here
If this podcast has been a blessing so far, and you would like to support this podcast, feel free to Support Us Here. No amount is too small, and your support is greatly appreciated, and completely optional.
Thank you in advance!
Next Episode
Holy Spirit Detective: Spotting the Spiritual Charlatans | Ep. 78
The overlooked Book of Jude packs a powerful punch against deceptive spiritual leaders who've infiltrated the church. As your host Latoya explains, this tiny letter appears just before Revelation but carries wisdom urgently needed today.
Jude warns about "hyper-grace" teachers who have "crept in unnoticed" - charismatic figures who transform God's forgiveness into permission for continued sin without accountability. These spiritual charlatans make grand promises while delivering nothing of true value. Through vivid imagery, Jude exposes false teachers as waterless clouds, hidden reefs, and wandering stars - all dangerously attractive yet spiritually empty.
What makes these teachers so recognizable today? They flatter influential people, promise material blessings rather than spiritual growth, and put on spectacular performances while lacking substance. Many believers defend these teachers despite never knowing them personally - captivated by charisma while ignoring fruit. As Latoya notes, "We would rather have itching ears and have someone tell us we're going to get another vehicle we don't need than teach us about Christ."
Beyond sounding the alarm, Jude provides practical protection strategies: building yourself in faith, praying, and keeping yourself in God's love. He also gives nuanced guidance on helping others - showing mercy to doubters while firmly redirecting those heading toward spiritual danger. This episode offers clear, applicable wisdom on strengthening your spiritual discernment in an age of celebrity teachers and manipulative ministries.
Subscribe and visit woman31ministries.com to continue exploring overlooked biblical wisdom that transforms your faith journey from entertainment to authentic discipleship.
If you have been blessed by Woman 31's teaching, and you would like to stay connected, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
We share, event updates, teachings, encouragement, and more.
Subscribe To The Newsletter Today, by clicking here
If this podcast has been a blessing so far, and you would like to support this podcast, feel free to Support Us Here. No amount is too small, and your support is greatly appreciated, and completely optional.
Thank you in advance!
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