We've all been hurt. We all carry scars. We can all overcome these things and be
healed through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Let's build that relationship
together right here. Welcome to Healing Scars with Pastor Burton. Hey everybody
welcome back to the sanctuary. So far this season as you know we've been
looking at the least popular books in the Bible and focusing on the shortest
books of the Bible because really they're twofold. The least common just so
happen to be the shortest for the most part and today is no different. We're
going to keep on learning and we're going to keep on growing because of all
the great things that the Lord has placed here in these books for us. We
not only learn of God and his character we also learn about ourselves and how we
need to change our view of the world from well worldly to a biblical view. So
you know with that said you know we've all known some bad leaders. Call them
whatever you want. Manager, supervisor, director, politicians, a lieutenant. My
point is they're still in leadership positions and quite often it can leave
you wondering man how did they get this job let alone keep it you know. Those
two-faced people where you take an issue to them and later on they deny it and
try to paint you into that bad light you know or they say things well you're not
seeing this right and they try to you know change the direction of it as
opposed to addressing the issue you know or how about this one you take
an idea to someone and you know and they don't say much they leave it like and
maybe it's it's not a good fit but in reality they love it because it is a
great idea and later they take your idea they put it into action and of course
what do they do they claim it as the wrong so you know we're talking you know
these are those lazy people those lazy people those lazy leaders the
liars the gaslighters and on and on and on you know we could call out examples
and tell stories about these things for days. Excuse me you know unfortunately we
see these so-called leaders everywhere we see them regularly and the fact is we
have to deal with them however we need to remember that it's temporary they're
not going to be there forever it might feel like it but they won't be there and
the other thing that we need to keep in mind is that when these things happen we
need to turn the other cheek and continue to do what is right. Now we
could have started with second John which talks about false teachers however
we're not just talking about false teachers here we're talking about
leadership across the board from the street to the business and beyond
because there's leaders everywhere right and but we will be talking about poor
leaders in the church because it is something that we need to address as
well and be aware of it's important to know how we should act so that we can
prepare ourselves properly so that when we see this poor leadership in our lives
we respond properly we respond the way God wants us to so that's what we're
going to be looking at today and third John it's poor leadership okay so before
we dive into it let's just address it third John is the shortest book in the
Bible and like many it's a letter it was written about 85 to 90 AD by John to
someone called Gaius now Gaius was a prominent Christian in one of the
churches that John was familiar with and at this time in the early church the
leaders would travel from town to town to help get the new congregations up and
running and make sure everything was running smoothly and properly in
addition you know to other skills you know teaching preaching that sort of
stuff on and on you know and because of this you know they they depended on the
hospitality of fellow believers because let's face it if they had to pay for
someplace to stay regularly I who has that kind of money not many especially
not then you know and Gaius he was one of these people who would welcome in
these travelers and give them a place to stay and take care of them so this
letter really gives us a great look into the church at that time and it really
shines a light on this need in the church and you know and something
something we still see today around the world however this letter is also a
warning it is a warning against a bad church leader who is becoming a dictator
so for those following in their Bible and those taking notes we'll go to 3rd
John and we're specifically going to be looking at verses 1 through 4 the Bible
says the elder to my dear friend Gaius whom I love in the truth dear friend I
pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you even as
your soul is getting along well it gave me great joy when some believers came
and testified about your faithfulness to the truth telling how you continue to
walk in it I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the
truth so there's a bit of formality right here at the very beginning you know it
starts off with literally those two words the elder and the elder is a
reference to the fact that John was one of the original twelve disciples and you
know so it spoke to his authority he was a man of authority and we know quite a
bit about him and then it goes on to address Gaius as a as a friend and very
affectionately so you know we don't know much about him or why John loved him so
dearly beyond this maybe in his travels you know John stayed with him we don't
know you know and if he did it would certainly explain as to why he was so
favored you know looking at Matthew chapter 10 verses 11 through 16 the
Bible says whatever town or village you enter search for someone excuse me
search there for some worthy person and stay there stay at their house until you
leave as you enter the home give it your greeting if the home is deserving let
your peace restart it if it is not let your peace return to you if anyone will
not welcome you or listen to your words leave that home or town and shake the
dust off your feet truly I tell you it will be more bearable for Sodom and
Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town I am sending you out like
sheep among wolves therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as does
see when people put these leaders up it wasn't just letting them stay you know
in like a guest room or spare bed they were feeding them they were helping them
with whatever you know really they needed during their stay so it created a
very special bond so you know even if John didn't stay with them hearing about
you know what he was still doing still would have struck a very you know
special place in his heart we're just really tugged at that cord that heart
string so you know John he goes on to show you know just how much he cares for
Gaius you know and it's not just his physical but his spiritual well-being
you know and that itself is is actually very interesting you know much like
today there was a belief that taught that you know there was a separation of
this spirit from the physical aspect of living in our world you know it's it's
that teaching that you know if if you stay focused on your spiritual health
then you'll neglect your physical health but if you focus on your body and the
various you know indulgences you know of life you know those little things that
you enjoy then somehow you're going to be sacrificing your spiritual health you
know and so on and so forth I mean that itself we could really talk about you
know get quite some length you know however you know it's important here to
point out God cares about us spiritually and physically that's why discipline or
you know really I should say self-discipline is so important you know
that we take care of ourselves in both aspects of our lives so that we can best
serve others you know and best serve God you know after all you know who can we
really serve if we're not taking care of ourselves right so you know moving along
here in a third John verses 5 through 6 the Bible says dear friend you are
faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters even though they
are strangers to you they have told the church about your love please send them
on their way in a manner that honors God all right so I'd like to call your
attention really you know to verse 5 here and specifically to where it says
brothers and sisters now depending on the translation that you're reading it
may say brethren it may say teachers you know there could be emphasis you know
some sort of emphasis you know where it says and sisters something along those
lines and this is important because the Greek word that is used here is
Adelphoi which refers to believers and believers meaning both men and women
belonging you know to the church and to God's family you know Adelphos is the
tense that refers to brothers and Adelphoi for sister so for those who
like to see women are left out you know I'll remind you you really need to learn
for context not for those words just to nitpick you know and I'm gonna leave it
at that because there's still gonna be someone out there who wants to nitpick
on this now again in the churches early days traveling was very common among
evangelists and teachers there was a lot of ground to cover and it was paramount
that they ensured that the word was being taught properly you know that's
something we still battle today you know for example even today many of us
dedicate years and years to school and improving our knowledge you know we
dive right into study now well that's not a requirement you know because we
know God equips the called we still have to battle because you know one we need
to know what we're talking about two we have to battle because of those who go
on you know like these sketchy online farms and you know who ordain people as
whatever they want and you know make whatever make-believe order they want
you know you go on he could you know ordain as a Jedi for example it's a
horrible example but it's true you know and unfortunately these guys you know
are these people I should say are able to go out and legally marry others open
facilities etc etc and they still get you know the protections I could go on
for hours as to you know why many of these people the vast majority make
everyone else in the clergy look really bad let me just look poorly you know and
again you know many people such as Gaius provided a home on the road and food
for while they were there you know it's true it's true hospitality you know
hospitality at its best you know that in itself is something that's become more
and more of a lost art in many churches and many homes you know today keep in
mind church isn't just a place where we go and listen to someone talk at us
about biblical things it's anywhere where two or more people come together
to worship the Lord you know invite inviting you know inviting people over
for example it's like type of say home church would do us all well but more
often than not we don't think about these things anymore and why not well
simply put it's because of our society it's what our culture has evolved into
you know it's become one of you know it's very self-centered it's very
individualistic it's very much a us or a me versus them mentality that's been
created in just about anything and everything you know it's it's created a
society of very lonely people very lonely people and you know I could tell
you when I worked in hospice it it was extremely common to have a patient who
wondered if anyone would even care if you know when they died that's
heartbreaking it's absolutely heartbreaking you talk to anyone who's
worked in hospice and they'll tell you the same you know and it's all the more
reason that we should smile for people and you know tell those that we care
about that we love them and not only you know say it but to do things that
actually show that we really do care because people need to know that one
they're seen to they're heard and three that they matter that they matter so you
know we're also told send them on away the honors God now now how do we do
that do we do that by arguing no by yelling how about cussing and pointing
fingers no of course not you know if anything if anything that's gonna
escalate it's just gonna make it worse right you know it's why a lot of things
just don't go away that they should because people they get caught up you
know now you know these are these leaders that we're dealing with you know
and not even just them but other people in general you think about arguments
that you know you're still gonna be made out to be the bad guy you know some
people they're just gonna they're gonna pour on those crocodile tears you know
and we know they're full of garbage but you know they're their friends and all
they're gonna eat it up if they're there you know with a little sit down
face-to-faces and all that kind of stuff you know but they're gonna do
everything they can to make themselves out to be the victim instead of owning
up and taking responsibility you know instead of being a mature adult you know
I've been there myself you know I've had a job I was ready to walk out the door
because of it we've all been there you know but ultimately it's still on us to
send them off in a biblical way now we do that regardless of the beating that
we're gonna take that we're gonna take you know and we very well may take you
know a pretty gnarly beating over it yes we may appear to be tarnished briefly
you know but most importantly to God we are truly unscathed because we did what
was right now that may mean we need to bite our tongues and for some of us
that's a lot harder than others right we all we you know exactly what I'm
talking about you know and more often than not we really should be doing
exactly that because we let our feelings take over and that leads us into sin and
we're no better off than than they are at that point okay so let's continue on
in 3rd John verses 7 through 8 and the Bible says it was for the sake of the
name that they went out receiving no help from the pagans we are therefore to
show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth okay
now I'll refer you back to the reading that we did for Matthew just a little
bit ago also I'd like to call out on Acts chapter 20 verse 33 in which the
Bible says I have not coveted anyone silver or gold or clothing and then it
continues on in verse 35 to say and everything I did I showed you that by
this kind of work we must help the weak remembering the words of the Lord Jesus
Christ himself said it is more blessed to give than to receive now you see the
missionaries they would go out and they wouldn't ask for anything and they
would not accept anything from non-believers and it wasn't meant as an
insult and it wasn't meant to exclude them or push them out or banish them you
know or label to label them as unworthy of God's Word or God's love or anything
else like oh you're not you're not Christian get away from me you know
instead it was an action that was meant to show how things should be and took
away motive and I'm gonna go I'm gonna go into this a little bit more depth
here okay you know the and by motive what we're talking about is that whole
question of why are they really here what do they really want you know like
that person you haven't heard from in months or even years and they come
around knocking and you know the only time that they do this is when they want
something you know so so they wouldn't ask and they wouldn't accept anything
from them because of that you know they would stay only with believers so that
when they did go out to reach people in the world with the gospel it took away
all those doubts that the unbelievers had okay so you know that's that's why
it's important that believers really you know support the church in any way that
they can so that when people do go out you know that there's no doubt as to why
they're really there you know so when those who are working in the field can
do so without creating that question of motive like what are they really after
you know God's preachers I'll remind you you know the the really good preachers
that you're gonna find there are those pastors and so on they don't do it for
the money they do it because God has placed a calling on their heart and
they're answering that call not for the money so that's why you should question
when you know you go to you know you know how much I hate this but you know
when you go to a church when you go to a place of worship is really what we're
saying here you know or when you hear a you know that pastor that's always up
there and always talking about why you need to give so much money and on a
regular basis and you know money is a very focal point for them all the time
you know that the church yes you know the church has a responsibility to do
what they can to take care of Christian workers and take away the doubts of
non-believers however it is it does not need to always be monetary should say it
doesn't even need to be monetary because let's face it so for some people that is
a hardship you know time using your talents to support them you know
sharing their messages with friends and families and so on and so forth there's
so many things there is a lot that could be done to accomplish this you know and
at the same time I do want to remind you don't ignore a Christian workers
fundraising attempts either instead pray on it and see what God places in your
heart you know their please very well may be legitimate and it may be an
invitation from God for you to become a partner in their venture all right well
whatever kindness that you can extend that may be the answer that they've been
waiting for and that they needed with their prayer all right it's also why
it's important that we give generously and with a kind and happy heart right
I've talked about this before so you know when you help someone in you know
answering the Great Commission and and that is what you're giving is your
essentially you are a partner in their mission and we'll go more into this when
we when we go through second John but this is you know this is what we're
talking about where it says not everyone should go into the mission field when
we're when we're looking at at second John you know those who are at home are
just important okay think about the military how far do you think the troops
would would get without someone being back there at home to help out with the
various needs you know building vehicles those pieces that are needed for
shelters and clothing advancing technology you know food ammo weapons
and so on and so forth all the various things that there that are needed to
accomplish their mission you know or missions leading up to that ultimate
goal you know for that matter you know you know ask any active duty service
member or veteran and we'll tell you we do not go on missions let alone in
country without having supplies needed and the continuing supplies and support
needed to accomplish the various missions we're going now you know it we
might be going on with the bare essentials the very you know those those
basic tools but in general without knowing that things are in place and that
more is coming it's not going to happen no one's going to be moving they're not
going to be you know leaving that that flight line let alone going out to it
anytime soon you know and I can tell you Christian mission fields are no
different everyone needs support at some point prayer money hospitality time love
you know all these things go a long way to helping them accomplish the mission
all right I feel like I maybe I'm kind of harping on this point a little
little long here but you know definitely yes because it weighs on me
continuing on though third John verses 9 through 10 the Bible says I wrote to the
church about diatrophies who loves to be first will not welcome us so when I come
I will call attention to what he is doing spreading malicious nonsense about
us not satisfied with that he even refuses to welcome other believers he
also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church you know
first off the letter that John is taught was talking about here it wasn't first
or second John it was different letter entirely you know and as far as we know
it no longer exists you know so you know I can't really speak to it beyond that
nobody can you know for that matter now diatrophies you know he sounds like a
real winner doesn't he a real stand-up kind of guy it's a
reminder of anyone you've worked with in the past or currently working with you
know that that type of person you just love to go home and tell the family
about yeah you know we we all know this type we all do so let's take a look at
what John tells us about him first and foremost he is a control freak he is an
absolute control freak he wants total control you know of his place of worship
you know at the church you know everyone that's there and John goes out to point
out that he refuses to have anything to do with the other spiritual leaders he
actually goes so far you know as to slander them he also refuses to welcome
anyone who speaks the truth you know or to be welcoming especially when they're
calling them out when they when they're questioning his leadership and what he's
doing what he's saying you know he he finds it offensive hello woke movement
you know he finds it so offensive that he he kicks them out of the church he
cancels them sound familiar cancel culture anyone you know he's a very
prideful man and where there's pride there's usually some sort of jealousy
and fear as well you know let me tell you when a leader even in the church
because we're talking about someone in the church here you know when a pastor
encourages sin in some way and discourages godly acts they need to be
stopped they need to be taken out of that pulpit and they need to be
corrected you know I've said it time and time again and I'll say it again you
know you can cause just as much harm through your inaction as you can by your
action and when nobody speaks up they're allowing the sin can to it to continue
and you know what happens it continues to grow when sin enters the church we
don't just need to confront it we have an obligation to confront it and to stop
it all right when a you know when a true leader a true Christian leader is there
they are a servant a true leader and a true Christian leader is a servant first
and foremost something our politicians forgot about a long time ago I'm pretty
sure all of us would agree on that you know like I said you know it it's not
just churches it's in businesses as well you know we we all still have to deal
with these types of leaders and let me tell you something when you've identified
a poor leader and they're given control especially when they pretty much have
free reign it's because that fire has spread and it's infiltrated your border
as well your elders you know your your other supervisors and your other levels
of management you know that quote-unquote church or business it's on
it's in critical care and it has a very very grim outlook you know like I said
it's the same for business look at banks it wasn't that long ago we just saw a
Silicon Valley bank go belly up and close its doors you know and countless
other businesses have done the same or are headed that way even in health care
we see one one health care system buying out another regularly and you know yet
when this happens we wonder where they're the care part of health care has
gone you know these weak leaders are absolutely no better than the Pharisee
and Luke 18 you know and that that Pharisee you know he if you recall he
thought he was better better than the lowly tax collector because of his
status his status in his position you know he was very prideful you know it's
pride pride is a sin sin kills so if that person can't be taught can't be
corrected and humbled then they have no business continuing to be in a position
of leadership they need to be removed and it doesn't matter where it is you
know as I said at the very beginning it doesn't matter it could be from the
street to the pulpit to the highest office in the land if it's beneath you
to serve that you don't know how to lead it's that simple let's take a look at
the rest of our reading today so let's pick back up in 3rd John verses 11 through
15 and depending on the translation that you have it may be it might be verses
11 through 14 you know some some translations have a way of kind of
breaking that or combining it it's it's it's interesting to see however I
digress the Bible says dear friend do not imitate what is evil but what is
good anyone who does what is good is from God anyone who do who does what is
evil has not seen God Demetrius is a well spoken of by everyone and even by
the truth itself we also speak well of him and you know that our testimony is
true I have much to write you but I do not want to do so with pen and ink I
hope to see you soon and we will talk face to face peace to you the friends
here send their greetings greet the friends there by name so in contrast you
know contrast to the diet for diet triphes Demetrius appears to be a good
servant leader you know and John is essentially singing his praise here even
when speaking about the truth you know and what John is saying here is that if
the truth could speak as plainly as you and I can you know then it would speak
well of him as well you know if it had that voice to do so so we know that
Gaius would certainly be looking forward to his visit not only with an open door
but with open arms you know it'd be exciting thing for him and John
encourages you know he encourages us to to be hospitable with others you know
I'll tell you you know being a hospitable you know the point that John's
making out here it is a sign of strength and love it shows support and that itself
is very empowering you know sharing what you have your resources helping you know
to put people at ease so that they only need to focus on the work that they
need to take out you know it takes a tremendous amount of stress off of them
you know encouragement gifts a bed to sleep in prayer you know these are all
some of the great ways to support people you know you think about you know we go
someplace and somebody opens the door and they're very inviting you know and
happy and everything it's very encouraging it lifts our spirits as well
doesn't it as opposed to you go to those places yeah come on in but you get you
know you go to those other places like yeah come on in make yourself at home
there's couch over there this you know can I get you something to drink you
know there's some snacks whatever you know it changes the environment so you
feel very welcome and you know it's very it's very nice we all enjoy that type
of thing you know so don't get caught up and you know and don't follow the bad
examples that are set by you know bad leaders don't get pulled into you know
arguments you know if they want to put on a show you know and like you know
like a sit down together between you and the party that's you know committing
the sin you know I'm making excuses or pointing fingers you know let them just
let them don't let that anger out through your mouth you know you know I'm
not saying don't be angry you can be angry and not sin Proverbs chapter 10
verses 19 and 20 the Bible says sin is not ended by multiplying words but the
prudent hold their tongues the tongue of the righteous is choice silver but the
heart of the wicked is of little value and in James chapter 1 verses 19 to 20
the Bible says in a second here turn over to it and okay here we go so so I'm
looking at my notes and I'm flipping over here so James chapter 1 19 through
20 the Bible says know this my beloved brothers let every person be quick to
hear slow to speak slow to anger for the anger of man does not produce
righteousness excuse does not produce the righteousness of God we all need to
learn when to keep silent instead of letting our pride take control of our
mouths you know I'll say that again we all need to learn when to keep silent
instead of letting our pride take control of our mouths you know all that
all the crocodile tears and the lies that you know these things are all gonna
eventually catch up to them we need to act in love we need to do the right
thing for the right reason even when we don't want to you know that could be
easier said than done however that's what Jesus wants from us and if we keep
our eyes on him and we ask him for help he will guide our steps we're not alone
and remember these people that are in these positions they're doing all this
stuff because they're caught up in their own sin and you know and it's like a
flame it's consuming them it's an addiction and yes think about you can
you can be addicted to sin you know and but there's a cure for it there is a
cure for it and the cure is the word it's on them if they want to accept it
so share the word pray for them and then leave it to them to accept it and start
healing with Jesus that's what we call planting the seed and that's how you
send them on their way in a way that honors God we'll catch you next time
God bless I want to thank you for joining us today if you have any
questions prayer requests or would like to know more about our ministry you can
find us on our website at be the light sanctuary org or on Facebook at be the
light sanctuary we'll catch you next time God bless