Aug. 16, 2026

3 John 5-8

Making Room

1. Welcome (v. 5)

A. Faithful

”On this occasion of the concourse of so many strangers, and needy and suffering people, let your hospitality and your good works abound.” Augustine, Sermon 31 on the New Testament

”Part of our ability to sustain hospitality in the midst of an unjust and disordered world comes from putting our small efforts into a larger context. God is at work in the world, and our little but significant moves participate in that work.” Christine Pohl, Making Room

B. Strangers to You

Romans 12:13

Hebrews 13:2

2. Observable Love (v. 6)

A. To Possess a Kind Reputation

1 Corinthians 13:4

Ephesians 4:31-32

Colossians 3:12-13

Romans 12:10

B. Sending Them on Their Journey

“You will do well” = “please”

”Sending the missionaries on their way involved providing for their journey- supplying them with food and money to pay for their expenses, washing their clothes, and generally helping them to travel as comfortably as possible.” IH Marshall, The Epistles of John

3. For the Sake of the Name (vs. 7, 8)

A. This is About Jesus

“Hallowed be Thy Name”

Matthew 6:9

Ezekiel 36:18-21

B. Accepting Nothing from the “Pagans”

Matthew 10:8

Acts 18:1-4

1 Thessalonians 2:9

1 Corinthians 9:11-18

C. Everyone Plays a Part in Sending the Good News (v. 8)

Matthew 28:19-20

Reflection:

How are you making room in your life for others who are outside of your regular family and friend group?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: Romans 12:13

If we understand hospitality to mean “love of strangers”, how do we carry out this command?

Tuesday:

Read: Hebrews 13:2

Many say this could point back to Genesis 18 where Abraham offered food and respite to strangers who ended up delivering promises to Abraham. How does this further encourage you to make room in your life for others?

Wednesday:

Read: Ephesians 4:31-32

How does this passage make room in our lives for a reputation of kindness?

Thursday:

Read: Ezekiel 36:18-21, Matthew 6:9

How were the people of Israel taking away from the Name of the Lord and how does Jesus instruct us to pray? How does this then show up in your life in how you represent the Name of Jesus?

Friday:

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:11-18

Where was Paul drawing his income from and why? Why is it important that the Gospel was preached free of charge with the Corinthians? How can the message of the Gospel get distorted if this approach is not embraced?

Saturday:

Read: Matthew 28:19-20

How are you a fellow worker as John puts it in 3 John in getting this work of the Great Commission done?