3 John 1:11 & Matt 5:16 on good deeds?
How does 3 John 1:11 connect with Matthew 5:16 about good deeds?

Setting the Scene within 3 John

John writes to Gaius about truth, hospitality, and the contrast between good and evil examples in the church. Verse 11 stands out as a clear instruction on the believer’s conduct.

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.” (3 John 1:11)


Goodness Commanded: 3 John 1:11

• A direct call to active imitation of good, not evil

• Good deeds prove spiritual eyesight—“is of God”

• Evil deeds expose blindness—“has not seen God”


Shining Lights: Matthew 5:16

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

• Jesus presents good deeds as light, visible to the watching world

• The goal is God’s glory, not self-promotion


Threads That Tie Them Together

• Both verses elevate good deeds as evidence of genuine faith.

• 3 John emphasizes imitation; Matthew emphasizes illumination. Imitating good produces the very light Jesus commands us to shine.

• Each verse anchors goodness in relationship: “of God” (3 John) and “your Father” (Matthew).


Good Deeds as Evidence of New Birth

• “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.” (1 John 2:29)

• “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

• “Christ Jesus… gave Himself for us to redeem us… and to purify for Himself a people… eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:14)


Good Deeds for God’s Glory

• “Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” (1 Peter 2:12)

• The ultimate aim aligns with Matthew 5:16—public testimony leads to praise of the Father.


Imitation and Illumination: Two Pictures, One Call

• Imitation (3 John) addresses the believer’s pattern: choose models of virtue.

• Illumination (Matthew 5) addresses witness: let the resulting goodness shine.

• Together they picture a life so shaped by Christ that it both reflects Him inwardly and reveals Him outwardly.


Practical Steps to Walk in Good

– Fill the mind daily with Scripture, the source of discernment between good and evil.

– Observe and follow mature believers who display Christlike character.

– Look for everyday opportunities to serve—hospitality, generosity, encouraging words, acts of mercy.

– Keep motives aimed at God’s glory; reject any craving for applause.

– Evaluate actions regularly: Does this imitate Christ? Does it shine His light?


Encouragement to Keep Shining

Choosing good is never wasted. Each obedient deed affirms our birth from God (3 John 1:11) and sends radiant testimony into a dark world (Matthew 5:16), inviting others to glorify the Father alongside us.

What does 'anyone who does good is from God' mean for believers?
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