The classes here in the Manila area ended on Friday. Since we had
covered all of the Epistles of John except for 3 John, we took a little over an
hour and finished that first. We discussed the difference in the character of
Gaius and Diotrephes. After discussing those differences, we then dealt with
what we can do, in practical terms, to deal with one like Diotrephes. It was an
opportunity to put into practice some of the principles we had been discussing
throughout the week concerning “Fellowship.”
We gave the rest of the morning time to the subject of “Fellowship.” We
noted that seeking to broaden the boundaries of fellowship is not a new effort.
In both the OT and NT, we can see examples of such efforts. We noticed that a
consistent pattern is seen in cases involving a sinful practice and/or a
doctrinal error being taught. They were always told to correct it, never
tolerate it into their ongoing fellowship. We also discussed the fact that when
one looks at the apostasies over the past two centuries among our brethren, the
same basic components are present and one of those elements is a call for those
who object to tolerate the digression or innovation into their fellowship. We
had an excellent class overall, though some challenges arose that manifest a
need for some further work.
As in all of these classes over the last two years, the participants
are required to hand in a textual or exegetical outline from the section of
Scripture covered the previous day. Through the week, the outlines improved
tremendously. Several stated that they were looking forward to preaching those
outlines when they returned home.
The cost of the classes significantly exceeded what I had allotted
based on the previous classes. Transportation for the students was the main
budget buster, but other expenses exceeded expectations as well. By the
response of the students, they appreciated the opportunity and hoped there
could be another one. However, I am not sure doing another one in the Manila
area would be best given costs and other factors. Please accept the students
and my own thanks for those who helped make this effort possible.
I am writing this update on Saturday night after spending the day
resting and trying to get my voice back. The Lord willing, I will be with the
brethren of the Pasay-Edsa congregation tomorrow for their services.
