Aug. 23, 2026

3 John 9-13

Who’s On First?

1. The One Loving to Be First (vs. 9, 10)

A. An Important Communication

B. The One Loving to Be First

Matthew 20:16

Philippians 2:3-4

Proverbs 3:5-8

Proverbs 26:12

Romans 12:16

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Galatians 5:22-26

James 4:16-17

C. Does not Acknowledge Our Authority

John 8:34-59

D. Malicious Gossip

2 Timothy 3:3

E. Anti-Hospitality

3 John 1:8

2. Do Not Imitate Evil (v. 11)

A. Who do you imitate?

Ephesians 5:1-2

B. The Division is made clear

Luke 18:18-19

3. The Good Testimony (v. 12)

A. Demetrius

3 John 1:5-6

B. You Know Our Testimony is True

When the music fades into the past,

When the days of life are through,

What will be remembered of where I've come?

When all is said and done?

Will they say I loved my family?

That I was a faithful friend?

That I lived to tell of God's own son?

When all is said and done.

Of how I longed to see the hour,

When I would hear that trumpet sound.

So I could rise and see my Savior's face,

And see him smile,

And say 'Well done.'

You can forget my name

And the songs I've sung,

Every line and every tune.

But remember the truth of Jesus' love,

When all is said and done

-Geoff Moore 1993

Matthew 6:33

Philippians 2:9-11

Reflection:

Is there something you need to lay down this morning to truly seek the Kingdom of God first in life?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: Philippians 2:3-4

Are there ways that you see others’ interest being put before those of your own? How do you measure this?

Tuesday:

Read: Proverbs 3:5-8

What safeguards are in your life to be sure you are not becoming “wise in your own eyes”?

Wednesday:

Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The temptation with these verses is to look at them working themselves out in the world around us. Work through each of them and allow the Lord to examine you to be sure they are not creeping into your life.

Thursday:

Read: John 8:34-59

The religious authorities of Jesus’ day were so convinced that they were correct that they missed God in the flesh in front of them. Is there anything you see from their failures that we must be careful of today to be sure not to fall into the same traps?

Friday:

Read: Matthew 6:33

Is there anything you are seeking more than God’s Kingdom today?

Saturday:

Read: Philippians 2:9-11

Contemplate today this reality compared to the attitudes of so many towards Jesus Christ. How does this reality give you hope?