Imitate Good, Not Evil

IMITATE GOOD, NOT EVIL

3 John 1:9-15

You have probably heard the phrase "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"; this means that when someone copies another person, it shows they admire that person's actions or qualities enough to want to replicate them.

I would never compare myself to John MacArthur, R.C Sproul, Adrian Rogers, or Robert Smith Jr., but those men have had an undeniable influence on my approach to preaching and ministry. There are many other Christians who possess certain attributes that I admire; so much so that I hope to replicate them. Furthermore, I hope to live in such a way that others may look at me the same way.

While I would never advocate trying to be exactly like someone else, there is great value in imitating certain characteristics that are seen in others. In fact, Christian discipleship is a process that involves observing, learning from, and intentionally emulating other Christians in an effort to become more like Christ.

Writing to the Thessalonians Paul said, “You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord” (1 Thessalonian 1:5–6). Later in that letter he would say, “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us…;” he went on to say that he offered himself to them “as an example to imitate” (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9).

When speaking to the Corinthians, Paul said: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul was able to say this because he was “in Christ” and his life reflected the work of Christ in his heart. This kind of living is not just possible; it is expected of God’s people. Our Lord said, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

Our selected text contains vital information concerning the right and wrong kind of “imitation.” John says, “Beloved do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God” (v11). Along with this warning, John provides a stark contrast between two men, one named Diotrephes and another named Demetrius. I would like to examine this contrast and consider the command to “Imitate Good, Not Evil.”

This Epistle is John’s personal correspondence with his beloved friend, Gaius. After commending him for his compassion, hospitality, and support of his Christian brethren, John informs Gaius of a troublemaker in the church named Diotrephes. After describing his detestable attitude and actions, John exhorts Gaius to refrain from imitating those who are evil and to instead imitate what is good.

- Let’s examine the command to:

REFRAIN FROM IMITATING WHAT IS EVIL

John says, “do not imitate what is evil.” The Greek word for “imitate” is “mimeomai.” The English word “mimic” is derived from this word and it means “to follow” or “imitate.” The idea here is a deliberate conscious imitation of a pattern that is judged worthy of reproduction.

We often have to remind our children that not all patterns are worthy of reproduction and not all people are worthy of imitating. Tragically, schools, Television, and social media are not the only places where people pick up bad traits. Furthermore, it is not only children who replicate bad actions and imitate the wrong people. Some of the most detestable acts I have witnessed and some of the most despicable people I have ever met were inside of a local church.

This is not a modern problem; way back in the first century Diotrephes illustrated the danger of imitating what is evil. This man selfishly took advantage of his position of leadership in the church and attacked other Christian workers.

In verse 9 John says, “I have written something to the church”. This is a reference to a previous letter that the Apostle had penned to the Saints. The exact content of this specific letter is unknown. It is possible that no one other than Diotrephes had seen it; perhaps he read the letter and discarded it because he did not “acknowledge” John’s apostolic “authority.”

The great problem with Diotrephes is that he desired preeminence, that is, he liked “to put himself first.” MacArthur says the word preeminence “conveys the idea of someone who is selfish, self-centered, and self-seeking. The language suggests a self-promoting demagogue, who served no one, but wanted all to serve only him. Diotrephes’ actions directly contradict Jesus’ and the NT’s teaching on servant-leadership in the church. (Nelson, Thomas. NKJV, MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition)

Diotrephes desired the spotlight and he wanted to wield authority over the local congregation. On top of this, he refused to accept or acknowledge one of the Lord’s own Apostles. John makes it clear that if the Lord allowed him to visit this church, he would “bring up what he is doing.” He would confront Diotrephes for “prating against” him; this means that he was speaking nonsense and bringing false charges against John. On top of this, his words against the Apostle were “wicked.” It is a dangerous thing proclaim evil lies against one of the Lord’s chosen ambassadors!