The Little Letters - End of Week 5

INTRO
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion. Feel free to add or subtract or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN
Who is someone in the course of your faith journey that made a major impact on you and the kind of Christian you are or want to become?

HEAD
Read 3 John together and share any wisdom, insights, or questions in response to the reading.

What was it about Gaius that brought John much joy?  Why would Gaius’ faithfulness have this affect on John?

Why were the teachers traveling, and why do you think they wouldn’t accept anything from those that didn’t believe?

There seems to be two main figures in this letter.  One is Gaius, and the other is Diotrephes.  What was so different about these men?

How does our hospitality towards one another help paint a picture of who God is?

According to verses 13-14, why was this letter from John so short?  What is better about being in person verses sending a letter?  What may be better, at times, about a letter?

HEART
What kinds of reports bring you joy in your faith journey?  What do you love to hear about?

When you notice that you are not being as kind to others as you’d like, what do you do to get back on track?

In this letter, what is “the truth” that John speaks of?  Do you think some people confuse “the truth” with having to be “right”?  What kind of fruit should the truth of God’s love and who God is, produce in our lives?

HANDS
Think through acts of hospitality that have been shown to you over the years and in different settings.  What were some of the most meaningful acts?  How can you show more of a spirit of hospitality within your church community this week?  How about in your home?

WORDS TO LIVE BY
“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”
Hebrews 13:1-2 NLT