A Good Testimony From All

-May 11, 2022-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

“Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true.”

(3 John 1:12).

The third epistle of John is a short one written to a brother named Gaius and speaks of him, and two others: Diotrephes and Demetrius. In today’s verse, we look at this brother Demetrius who was in direct contrast to Diotrephes, whose actions were harmful to the church, to visiting brethren, and to John. Bible commenters believe he may have even wronged Demetrius and wrongfully put him out of church as he had to others.

This is the only mention of this brother Demetrius in the NT. There is another man in Ephesus, a silversmith mentioned in Acts 19:24,38) who opposed Paul by who had the same name. John uses brother Demetrius as an example of having a good testimony from all, from the truth, and John adds his approval as well. This is something all of us should strive for in the church: a good testimony from all. We often use the term reputation when speaking of people. Normally one’s reputation precedes them, whether good or bad. So often it is hard to change one’s reputation. Only the Lord can help us with that.

• Testimony from all – The key word us is “all” meaning everyone in the local church. That isn’t easy to achieve. It takes a long time to build up such a strong testimony, but as we know it can crumble in an instant. We have seen preachers and pastors who have fallen into sin, causing terrible disgrace, shame, and dishonor on themselves and our Lord Jesus Christ. All of us should be concerned about our testimony inside the church as well as in the community outside the church. We want to bring glory to the Lord, and point people to Jesus.

King David’s double sin of adultery and murder damaged his testimony severely and affected him and his family for years to come. God sent Nathan the prophet to him to rebuke him and lead him to repentance and forgiveness. Though the Lord forgave him, he had to live the consequences of his actions the rest of his life. The child born to him and Bathsheba died, his two of sons Ammon and Absalom sinned and died, and it gave the enemies of the Lord great occasion to blaspheme. It is said an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. By living like Demetrius, we can avoid so many pitfalls in this life.

• Testimony from the truth itself – Demetrius lived according to the truth of God’s Word. He was an example to the believers by how he conducted himself in the church, in his home, work, and in all areas of life. It doesn’t mean that he was perfect, but he lived a godly life. All of us should be people of the Word and of the truth. We should speak the truth with no lying, exaggerating, or flattery. Jesus spoke of His disciples in His High Priestly Prayer, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Our lives should be an open book for all to read. How is your life reading to others?

• Testimony from John – John knew Demetrius very well. He gives him a ringing endorsement and recommendation, “And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.” If you recommend someone you put your reputation on the line. If the person fails, it reflects on you; conversely, if they succeed and do well, it reflects on you as well. The opinion that our leaders have of us is so very important. What is their opinion of you?

Thus there is this good threefold testimony on behalf of Demetrius: from all the church members, from the truth itself, and from John. May we have this same testimony in our character, conduct, and conversation, especially in the church of God.

Have a blessed day of living as a good testimony. Stay safe and healthy.

In His eternal truth,

Dean