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. |
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