H. In 3 John, 9 John speaks of just such an individual: “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”
I. Diotrephes was opposing the Lord’s apostle because he wanted the preeminence [supremacy, superiority]!
J. He actively resisted the Lord’s appointed representative because of his desire for control and superiority, and in so doing, became the enemy of God and the opponent of what He was trying to accomplish through his representative to that church.
K. So then, strife, active opposition to God’s people and God’s work, is a clear marker identifying the carnal Christian.