LifeGroup Questions

Sermon Passage: 3 John 5-8

Sermon Title: Supporting Missionaries

Sermon Big Idea:

When the gospel is the priority in our lives, we will naturally desire to generously support those who carry it to other parts of the world. In doing so, we share in their mission and become fellow workers in the truth. This is something we are obligated to do but it is an obligation that joyfully flows from our hearts.

Sermon Points:

  1. The Way We Should Support Ministry (3 John 5–6)

    • Faithfully – “it is a faithful thing you do”

    • Effectively – actually meeting their needs

    • Lovingly – receiving them as brothers, though they are strangers

    • Generously – sending them “in a manner worthy of God”

  2. The Reasons We Should Support Ministry (3 John 7–8)

    • They go out for Christ

    • They are not supported by unbelievers

    • We are obligated to support such men

    • By supporting them we share in their work

Questions: (Use, modify, be selective according to the needs of your LifeGroup)

  1. What does it mean to support missionaries “faithfully” and “in a manner worthy of God,” and how should that shape your regular giving to the church and response to special opportunities? (3 John 1:5–6; John 13:20; Gal 4:14–15)

  2. Since love is more than words, how can we show sacrificial love for missionaries in practical ways that go beyond interest to real support? (1 John 3:18; James 2:15–16; 2 Cor 8:1–5)

  3. Why is it significant that missionaries go out for Christ and refuse support from unbelievers, and how does this highlight our responsibility to provide for them? (3 John 1:7; Acts 18:1–5; 2 Cor 11:8–9; 1 Cor 9:9–15)

  4. How does supporting faithful missionaries make us “fellow workers for the truth,” and what are some ways you personally can share in their ministry even if you never go? (3 John 1:8; 2 John 1:10–11; Matt 9:36–38)