Small Group Discussion Guide

Week of July 26, 2026 – Make Room – Make Room for the Gospel

Ice Breaker

Last week we challenged ourselves to intentionally notice someone carrying an unseen burden and respond with compassion. Did you have an opportunity to encourage, pray for, or walk alongside someone? What happened?

Summary

At only fifteen verses, 3 John is one of the shortest books in the Bible, yet it gives us a powerful picture of how the Gospel moves forward.

John introduces three very different people.

Gaius opens doors for the Gospel through generous hospitality. Diotrephes closes doors because he desires recognition and control. Demetrius quietly earns the trust and respect of everyone around him through a life of integrity.

John reminds us that hospitality is never an end in itself. We don't simply welcome people into a building—we remove obstacles so people can encounter Jesus Christ. Every smile, conversation, invitation, meal, note, prayer, and follow-up creates space for the Gospel to do its work.

Most followers of Jesus will never preach to thousands, but every believer can become the kind of person who makes it easier for someone else to meet Christ.

Key Scripture

3 John 1–15

Key Takeaways

• Hospitality is one of God's primary ways of advancing the Gospel.

• Gaius used his resources and influence to help others share Christ.

• Diotrephes allowed pride and control to become obstacles to God's mission.

• Demetrius reminds us that quiet faithfulness builds lasting credibility.

• Hospitality is not complete until people connect with Jesus.

• Every believer can help remove barriers that keep others from experiencing God's love.

• We never know how one act of welcome may change someone's eternity.

Gathering Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for making room for us when we were strangers to your grace. Fill us with your love so that our lives point others toward you. Help us become people who open doors rather than close them, who celebrate others instead of seeking recognition, and who faithfully create space for your Gospel to change lives. Use us this week to make room for someone to encounter you. Amen.

Questions

• Which of the three people in 3 John—Gaius, Diotrephes, or Demetrius—stands out to you most? Why?

• John praises Gaius not for preaching but for supporting those who did. What does that teach us about how God uses ordinary people?

• The sermon suggested that hospitality isn't complete until the Gospel finds room in someone's heart. What does that mean to you?

• Diotrephes wanted to be first. Why is pride such a dangerous obstacle to the mission of the Church?

• Think about someone who helped you grow in your faith. How did they make room for the Gospel in your life?

• The sermon emphasized following up with guests and newcomers rather than simply welcoming them. Why is follow-up often more important than first impressions?

• What practical ways can our church become more like Gaius—opening doors for people to experience Christ?

• Where might God be inviting you this week to encourage, invite, or walk alongside someone who is taking their next step toward Jesus?

Soul Check-In: How is it with your soul?

• Has someone ever believed in you before you believed in yourself? How did that shape your faith journey?

• Are there places where pride, fear, busyness, or comfort keep you from helping others grow closer to Christ?

• Who has God placed on your heart that may need encouragement or an invitation?

• How can this group pray for you this week?

Life Application

This week, prayerfully identify one person who may be taking a step toward faith or searching for hope.

Rather than simply greeting them, choose one intentional act of follow-up:

• Invite them to coffee or lunch.

• Send a text or handwritten note.

• Introduce them to another person at church.

• Ask how you can pray for them.

• Invite them back next Sunday or into your small group.

Come prepared next week to share how God used one intentional act of follow-up to make room for the Gospel in someone's life.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for the countless people who made room for the Gospel to reach us. Thank you for those who welcomed us, prayed for us, encouraged us, and patiently walked beside us until we discovered your love. Make us people like Gaius—humble, generous, and faithful. Guard us from pride that closes doors and fill us with hearts that celebrate the work you are doing in others. May Milford First be known as a church where every act of hospitality points people to Christ, and where the Gospel always finds room to grow. In your holy name we pray. Amen.