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3 John

Growing Up in God’s Family

God’s Word describes the body of believers as “brothers and sisters” and “co-heirs” with Jesus, and when Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began by saying, “Our Father.” Why?

We’re a family in Christ. And like any family, God’s family is filled with people in all stages of spiritual development: newborn believers, those still adolescent in their walk, and the spiritually mature.

Join Chuck Swindoll as he takes an in-depth look at the stages of growth that characterize the Christian walk.


The Bible frequently uses family language to describe the church—we are brothers, sisters, and co-heirs with Christ, under the care of “Our Father.” Like any healthy family, God’s family is composed of individuals at different stages of development. In this 16-part series, Chuck Swindoll examines the spiritual parallels to physical growth, identifying the characteristics of newborn believers, spiritual adolescents, and mature disciples. By understanding these “ages and stages,” we can better navigate our own growth and support others as we all strive toward the ultimate goal of Christlike maturity.

Analysis of a Crop Failure

Sermon Summary Jesus, the master teacher, often used parables to illustrate deep spiritual truths. This opening message analyzes the Parable of the Sower, which Chuck calls an “analysis of a crop failure.” We learn that spiritual growth depends heavily on the condition of the heart—the “soil” in which the Word is planted. By identifying the obstacles to growth, such as the hardness of the path or the thorns of worldly worry, we can prepare ourselves to become fruitful soil for God’s Kingdom.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Master Teacher: Exploring Jesus’ use of imagery to explain spiritual receptivity.
  • The Role of the Heart: Understanding why some “crops” fail while others thrive.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Mark 4:1–20

Birth and Infancy: Survival Basics

Sermon Summary Every spiritual journey begins with a new birth. This message focuses on the “survival basics” for newborn believers. Just as physical infants require constant care and pure milk, spiritual infants need the foundational truths of God’s Word to survive and begin to grow. Chuck discusses the vulnerability of this stage and the necessity of a nurturing community to protect and feed those who are new to the faith.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The New Birth: The essential starting point for entering God’s family.
  • Spiritual Nourishment: Why foundational doctrine is “milk” for the infant soul.

Look . . . I’m Walking!

Sermon Summary There is a thrilling moment in every believer’s life when they take their first stable steps in the faith. This message explores the transition from infancy to early childhood. We learn that “walking” in the Spirit involves a new level of coordination between hearing the Word and applying it. Chuck encourages those who are beginning to find their spiritual footing, emphasizing the importance of consistency and dependence on the Father’s hand.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Active Application: Moving from passive hearing to active walking in truth.
  • Spiritual Coordination: Learning to balance grace and obedience in daily life.

Adolescents in Adult Bodies

Sermon Summary One of the most challenging stages in God’s family is spiritual adolescence. This message addresses the phenomenon of “adolescents in adult bodies”—believers who have been in the church for years but still exhibit the volatility and self-centeredness of a teenager. Chuck discusses the symptoms of spiritual immaturity and the necessity of pushing through this awkward stage to reach a stable, selfless maturity.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Symptoms of Immaturity: Identifying the “childish things” that hinder spiritual progress.
  • The Stagnation Trap: Why some believers remain stuck in a state of perpetual adolescence.

When Peter Pan Comes to Church

Sermon Summary “Peter Pan” is the boy who never wanted to grow up, and sadly, his spirit is often found in the church. This message explores the resistance many feel toward becoming spiritually mature. Chuck warns against the desire to remain in a state of “carefree” irresponsibility. We learn that true maturity involves taking on the burdens of others and accepting the responsibilities that come with being a seasoned member of God’s family.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Fear of Responsibility: Why we often prefer the ease of infancy over the weight of maturity.
  • The Call to Grow Up: Understanding that spiritual maturity is a mandate, not an option.

Growing-Up Goals for Diligent Disciples

Sermon Summary The series concludes by outlining the “growing-up goals” for every diligent disciple. Chuck summarizes the hallmarks of a mature believer: a stable walk, a selfless heart, and a deep, intimate relationship with the Father. We are encouraged to keep pressing forward, realizing that growth is a lifelong process that requires diligence, grace, and a constant reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Hallmarks of Maturity: Identifying the visible traits of a seasoned saint.
  • Diligent Discipleship: The intentional effort required to reach spiritual goals.

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God’s Masterwork, Volume Seven

When was the last time you read any of the General Epistles? Hebrews, with its references to Old Testament sacrifices and Jewish feasts, might seem outdated. Jude’s record of a cosmic battle over the body of Moses might fit best in a sci-fi movie. And Revelation, with its strange apocalyptic imagery, might stir contention and confusion within the church.

But did you know that these ancient letters contain many spiritual riches? In God’s Masterwork, Volume Seven: The Final Word—A Survey of Hebrews–Revelation, you will discover:

  • How Jesus Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law
  • Why true faith must produce fruit
  • How you can find hope in the midst of trials

The God’s Masterwork, Volume Seven audio series will help you dig into these nine treasures from the first century! You’ll gain theological depth and grow in your practical devotion to Christ.


The General Epistles and the book of Revelation contain some of the most profound theological depths and challenging imagery in the entire Bible. From the priestly focus of Hebrews to the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, these nine books provide the “final word” on the person of Christ, the necessity of authentic faith, and the certainty of God’s ultimate victory. In this survey series, Chuck Swindoll helps us discover the spiritual riches hidden in these first-century treasures, offering theological depth and practical encouragement for every believer.

Hebrews: Jesus Christ, Our Superior Savior

Sermon Summary While the book of Hebrews is filled with complex references to Old Testament sacrifices and Jewish feasts, its central message is simple: Jesus is better. This message explores how Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law and serves as our superior High Priest. We learn why Jesus is the final and sufficient sacrifice, providing a better covenant and a better hope for all who follow Him.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Supremacy of Christ: Recognizing Jesus as superior to angels, Moses, and the Aaronic priesthood.
  • Fulfillment of the Law: How the Old Testament shadows find their substance in Christ.

James: A Plea for Authenticity

Sermon Summary James is the most practical book in the New Testament, serving as a plea for a faith that works. This message addresses the necessity of spiritual authenticity. We learn that true faith must produce visible fruit, specifically in how we handle trials, how we use our tongues, and how we care for the vulnerable in our midst.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Faith and Works: Understanding that genuine belief naturally results in godly action.
  • Practical Wisdom: Biblical guidance for daily living and relational integrity.

1 Peter: Hope for the Hurting

Sermon Summary Writing to “sojourners” scattered by persecution, Peter offers a message of profound hope. This survey of 1 Peter focuses on how believers can find stability and joy in the midst of suffering. We learn that our trials are temporary and purposeful, intended to refine our faith as we look toward our eternal inheritance.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Suffering and Glory: The relationship between current trials and future rewards.
  • Living as Foreigners: Maintaining a distinct Christian identity in a hostile world.

2 Peter: Beware . . . Be Ready!

Sermon Summary In his final letter, Peter warns against the internal threat of false teachers and spiritual apathy. This message emphasizes the importance of growing in grace and knowledge to avoid being led astray. We are challenged to “beware” of deception and to “be ready” for the return of Christ by living holy and godly lives.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Guarding the Truth: Identifying the marks of false teachers within the church.
  • Spiritual Growth: The necessity of actively maturing in our faith.

1 John: God’s Life on Display

Sermon Summary How can we be sure that we have eternal life? John provides several “tests” of authentic Christianity in his first epistle. This message explores the hallmarks of God’s life on display: walking in the light, obeying His commandments, and loving one another. We learn that assurance comes from a life that aligns with the character of God.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Assurance of Salvation: Finding confidence in our relationship with Christ.
  • God is Light and Love: Reflecting the nature of the Father in our daily walk.

2 John: A Letter to a Lady

Sermon Summary This brief letter to “the chosen lady and her children” focuses on the essential balance of truth and love. Chuck discusses the danger of hospitality without discernment. We learn that while we are called to be loving, we must never compromise the truth of the Gospel by welcoming those who actively work to undermine it.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Walking in Truth: The priority of biblical doctrine in the life of the family and the church.
  • Discriminating Hospitality: The limits of love when truth is at stake.

3 John: Three Men in a Church

Sermon Summary 3 John provides a fascinating look at the internal dynamics of a first-century church through the lives of three men: Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius. This message contrasts godly hospitality and service with the destructive power of pride and ego. We learn what it looks like to be a “worker together for the truth.”

Key Facts & Themes

  • Gaius and Demetrius: Examples of faithfulness and good reputation.
  • The Danger of Diotrephes: Identifying the marks of a prideful and divisive leader.

Jude: Manual for Survival

Sermon Summary Jude’s letter is a “manual for survival” in a time of spiritual apostasy. This survey addresses the cosmic battle over truth and the necessity of “contending earnestly for the faith.” Chuck explores Jude’s warnings against those who creep into the church to turn grace into licentiousness, pointing us toward the God who is able to keep us from falling.

Key Facts & Themes

  • Contending for the Faith: The active defense of biblical truth.
  • Spiritual Preservation: Trusting in God’s power to hold His own in days of deception.

Revelation: God’s Final Words

Sermon Summary The Bible concludes not with a question mark, but with an exclamation point. This survey of Revelation moves past the confusion of apocalyptic imagery to the central figure: the triumphant Jesus Christ. We see the final victory over evil, the restoration of all things, and the glorious hope of the New Heaven and the New Earth.

Key Facts & Themes

  • The Triumphant Christ: Seeing Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
  • Ultimate Victory: The certainty of God’s final judgment and eternal restoration.

Primary Scripture Reference

  • Revelation 1:1–8 (The Prologue)

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New Testament Postcards

Don’t Lose God’s Postcards in the Junk Mail of Lies

In a world where fiction about God is presented as fact and where lies often overshadow the truth, we need a fresh reminder from God’s Word to strengthen our faith. The New Testament includes four “postcards”—short but powerful—that help us stand firm in what we believe.

The postcards—Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude—address some of the most important issues for Christians today, such as forgiveness, generosity, and discernment, as well as the foundational tenets of our faith—the person, work, and supremacy of Jesus Christ. Join Chuck Swindoll as he shares the hope-filled message of grace through Christ contained in these postcards. The New Testament Postcards: A Study of Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude CD series will prepare you to better understand and live out your faith.


The New Testament includes four short but powerful books that act like divine postcards. In this six-part series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude. These brief letters address monumental issues: the beauty of forgiveness, the necessity of discernment, the dangers of false teaching, and the call to guard the “faith once for all delivered to the saints.”

1. A Postcard to Philemon (Philemon)

  • Overview: A personal letter from Paul to a wealthy friend regarding a runaway slave, Onesimus. It illustrates the transformative power of grace that turns a “useless” slave into a “useful” brother.
  • Key Fact: This letter provides a radical biblical model for conflict resolution and restitution, showing that grace does not ignore the law but fulfills it through love.
  • Scripture: Philemon 1:17–18 – Paul’s offer of substitution: “If then you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me. But if he has wronged you in any way… charge that to my account.”

2. A Postcard to a Lady and Her Kids (2 John)

  • Overview: Addressed to “the chosen lady,” this letter emphasizes the delicate balance between walking in truth and walking in love.
  • Key Fact: John warns that hospitality should not be extended to those who deliberately bring false doctrine, as doing so makes one a participant in their evil deeds.
  • Scripture: 2 John 1:6 – “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments.”

3. A Postcard of Candid Truth (3 John)

  • Overview: Contrasts the character of three men: Gaius (the hospitable servant), Diotrephes (the prideful leader), and Demetrius (the man of good testimony).
  • Key Fact: The letter exposes “Diotrephes-style” leadership—loving to be first and rejecting apostolic authority—as a toxic influence in the church.
  • Scripture: 3 John 1:4 – “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

4. The Acts of the Apostates (Jude 1–16)

  • Overview: Jude intended to write about “our common salvation” but was compelled to shift his focus to warn against “apostates”—those who have crept in to turn grace into licentiousness.
  • Key Fact: Jude uses vivid imagery from nature (clouds without water, waves of the sea) and history (Sodom and Gomorrah) to describe the character and certain judgment of false teachers.
  • Scripture: Jude 1:3 – The call to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”

5. Why Bother to Battle? (Jude 17–23)

  • Overview: Answers the question of how to maintain a positive, grace-filled faith while living in a culture of skepticism and false teaching.
  • Key Fact: Believers are called to “keep themselves in the love of God” while showing mercy to those who are doubting or being led astray.
  • Scripture: Jude 1:21 – “Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”

6. Get Your Act Together! (Jude 24–25)

  • Overview: The series concludes with the famous doxology of Jude, shifting the focus from the battle against apostasy to the absolute security and glory of God.
  • Key Fact: No matter how dark the times or how prevalent the lies, God is “able to keep you from stumbling” and present you blameless before His presence.
  • Scripture: Jude 1:24 – “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy.”

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Growing Deep in the Christian Life

Good theology is essential and foundational—that doesn’t mean tedious and dull!

Growing Deep in the Christian Life takes theology out of the stuffy lecture hall into the kids-and-carpools, meetings-and-deadlines world in which you live. In this series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll breathes life into theology, making biblical truth easy to understand and practical.

Sink your roots deep into Christian doctrine and find stability in storms, confidence in your faith, and a closer walk with God. With each theological truth, you’ll learn principles to apply to everyday living. Dig in!


Theology often has a reputation for being dry and academic, but in this 22-part foundational series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll “blows the dust off” essential doctrines. He takes deep biblical truths out of the lecture hall and applies them to the everyday world of meetings, deadlines, and family life. By returning to our spiritual roots, we find the stability and energy needed to live the life God designed for us.

1. The Value of Knowing the Scoop (1 Timothy 4:1–6; 1 Peter 3:13–16)

  • Overview: Addresses the vital need for “good doctrine” to secure our faith. It establishes that ignorance is a breeding ground for fear and superstition.
  • Key Fact: Knowing the “real scoop” on what matters most is the best defense against false teaching.
  • Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 – The command to always be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us.

2. Don’t Forget to Add a Cup of Discernment (Acts 17:11–12)

  • Overview: Warns against knowledge as an end in itself. Discernment is the essential “buffer” that keeps theological knowledge from becoming source of pride or legalism.
  • Key Fact: The Bereans are cited as the ultimate model for discernment because they examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true.
  • Scripture: Acts 17:11 – “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily.”

3. God’s Book—God’s Voice (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

  • Overview: Explores the inspiration and authority of the Bible. If God has spoken, we must know what He has said.
  • Key Fact: Scripture is not just a human record but is “God-breathed,” designed to equip us for every good work.
  • Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”

4. Handling the Scriptures Accurately (2 Timothy 2:15)

  • Overview: Provides practical tools for Bible study, moving from simply hearing the Word to studying and meditating on it.
  • Key Fact: “Rightly dividing” the word of truth involves a diligent effort to understand the original meaning before applying it to our lives.
  • Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

5. Knowing God: Life’s Major Pursuit (Jeremiah 9:23–24)

  • Overview: Shifts the focus from “finding yourself” to finding God. It explores the attributes of God that give our lives meaning.
  • Key Fact: The only thing worth boasting about is that we understand and know the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.
  • Scripture: Jeremiah 9:24 – “But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me.”

6. Loving God: Our Ultimate Response (Deuteronomy 6:4–9)

  • Overview: If knowing God is the head, loving God is the heart. This message explores how love for God manifests in peace, forgiveness, and obedience.
  • Key Fact: Loving God is an all-encompassing commitment that should be modeled for the next generation in the home.
  • Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:5 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

7. Mary’s Little Lamb (Luke 2:1–20)

  • Overview: A theological look at the Incarnation—the miraculous moment when the Creator entered His creation as a helpless babe.
  • Key Fact: The Savior’s “quiet entry” into the world highlights God’s preference for humility over earthly pomp and power.
  • Scripture: Luke 2:11 – “For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

8. When the God-Man Walked Among Us (Philippians 2:5–11)

  • Overview: Explores the dual nature of Jesus—fully God and fully man—and His voluntary “emptying” of His divine prerogatives to serve humanity.
  • Key Fact: Christ’s humility is the ultimate “mindset” that believers are called to adopt in their own relationships.
  • Scripture: Philippians 2:7 – Christ “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”

9. Changing Lives Is Jesus’ Business (John 3:1–16)

  • Overview: Focuses on the “new birth” and the radical transformation that occurs when a person places their trust in Christ.
  • Key Fact: Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus reveals that religious standing is insufficient; everyone must be “born again.”
  • Scripture: John 3:3 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

10. The Spirit Who Is Not a Ghost (John 16:6–14)

  • Overview: Clarifies the role of the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Comforter, and Guide.
  • Key Fact: The Spirit is not an impersonal force but a Person who advocates for us and leads us into all truth.
  • Scripture: John 16:13 – “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”

11. From Creation to Corruption (Genesis 1–3)

  • Overview: Traces the human journey from being God’s image-bearers to the fall into sin. It explains the “disease” that Christ came to cure.
  • Key Fact: Sin is not just a series of bad choices; it is a corruption of our very nature that requires divine intervention.
  • Scripture: Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

12. Exposing the Dark Side (Selected Scriptures)

  • Overview: A biblical look at the reality of Satan and the fallen angels. It warns believers to be alert but not obsessed with the “dark side.”
  • Key Fact: Our adversary is a “prowling lion,” but he is a defeated foe who must flee when resisted with faith.
  • Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion.”

13. “Mr. Smith, Meet Your Substitute” (Romans 3:9–31)

  • Overview: Explains the doctrine of Substitutionary Atonement—how Jesus took the penalty for our sins upon Himself.
  • Key Fact: On the cross, a “great exchange” took place: our sin for His righteousness.
  • Scripture: Romans 3:24 – Believers are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”

14. The Remedy for Our Disease (Isaiah 53:1–6)

  • Overview: Connects the ancient sacrificial system of Leviticus to the ultimate sacrifice of the “Spotless Lamb” on Calvary.
  • Key Fact: Jesus fulfilled the requirement for a perfect sacrifice, bearing the “iniquity of us all.”
  • Scripture: Isaiah 53:5 – “But He was pierced through for our transgressions… by His scourging we are healed.”

15. His Coming Is Sure . . . Are You? (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)

  • Overview: Discusses the “blessed hope” of Christ’s return and the reassurance it brings to those who have lost loved ones in the faith.
  • Key Fact: The return of Christ is not meant to scare us, but to encourage us to “comfort one another” with these truths.
  • Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:18 – “Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

16. Until He Returns . . . What? (Mark 13:31–37)

  • Overview: Practical instructions for living in light of the Second Coming. Instead of “hunkering down,” we are called to be faithful servants.
  • Key Fact: Our focus should be on “watching and working” rather than predicting specific dates or timelines.
  • Scripture: Mark 13:33 – “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.”

17. Visiting the Real Twilight Zone (2 Corinthians 5:1–8)

  • Overview: Approaches the subject of death with biblical wisdom, moving from fear to the certainty of being “at home with the Lord.”
  • Key Fact: For the believer, death is not an end but a departure from an “earthly tent” to an “eternal building” in the heavens.
  • Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:8 – “We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”

18. An Interview with One from Beyond (Luke 16:19–31)

  • Overview: Uses the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus to address hard questions about heaven, hell, and the eternal state of the soul.
  • Key Fact: The afterlife is not a dream-state; it is a place of conscious existence where our earthly decisions have final consequences.
  • Scripture: Luke 16:26 – The reality of the “great chasm” fixed between heaven and hell.

19. God’s Body-Building Program (Matthew 16:13–18)

  • Overview: Introduces the concept of the Church—not as a building, but as the “Body of Christ” in the world.
  • Key Fact: Every individual member of the church contributes a unique part to the healthy functioning of the whole body.
  • Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”

20. Three Cheers for the Church (Ephesians 4:1–16)

  • Overview: Highlights the reasons to love and commit to the local church, focusing on its role in equipping saints for the work of ministry.
  • Key Fact: Maturity in the faith is a “team sport” that requires the input and support of other believers.
  • Scripture: Hebrews 10:24–25 – The command not to forsake our assembling together, but to “stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

21. Encouragement Served Family Style (Hebrews 10:19–25)

  • Overview: Focuses on the “one anothers” of Scripture—the practical ways we give “words of life” to a discouraged world.
  • Key Fact: Healthy churches are characterized by an atmosphere of mutual encouragement and shared burdens.
  • Scripture: Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking our own assembling together… but encouraging one another.”

22. Worship: Let It Shine! (Psalm 95:1–7)

  • Overview: The series concludes with the ultimate purpose of the Christian life: the exuberant and humble worship of the Creator.
  • Key Fact: Worship is the active response of a heart that recognizes God as our “Rock” and our “Shepherd.”
  • Scripture: Psalm 95:6 – “Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

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