No To The Spirit Of Diotrephes

No to the Spirit Of Diotrephes

(3 John 9-10)

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

INTRODUCTION

In our study of Third John, we have noticed the commendable spirit found in Gaius… The truth was in him - 3Jn 3, he walked in the truth - 3Jn 3-4, and he demonstrated love and hospitality towards the brethren and for strangers - 3Jn 5-6.

Unfortunately, another man mentioned in this letter did not possess the spirit of Gaius… His name was Diotrephes, John felt it necessary to relate what Diotrephes had done, and what he (John) would have to do in response - 3Jn 9-10.

While there are many people today who possess the spirit of Gaius, and bless the Lord's church accordingly, it is not uncommon for "The Spirit Of Diotrephes"... to be found in some churches and to tear apart the love and unity that ought to prevail in every congregation.

That we might be on guard against "The Spirit Of Diotrephes", in this lesson we shall... identify exactly what characterized the spirit of Diotrephes and consider how it was so contrary to the principles taught by our Lord and His apostles.

[We begin, then, by noticing that "The Spirit Of Diotrephes" was one of...]

I. DESIRING TO BE FIRST (9a)

A. IN THE CASE OF DIOTREPHES

John wrote that he "loves to have the preeminence". The word "preeminence" in the Greek is "philoproteuo" {fil-op-rote-yoo'-o}. It means to be fond of being first i.e., ambitious of distinction; love to have the preeminence. It was his love of being first (a sin in itself) that led to other sins that he committed. Unfortunately, Diotrephes failed to consider that "sin" is spelled with a capital "I" (i.e., "self" is at the root of all sin).

B. THE TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES

When the mother of James and John expressed a desire for her sons to be given preeminence, Jesus taught the principle of humility and service - Mt 20:20-28. He did so again as he spoke out against the scribes and Pharisees - Mt 23:6-12. Paul taught that in matters of honor we should give preference to one another - Ro 12:10. Indeed, we must not have the sort of selfish ambition found in Diotrephes, but the humble servitude found in the mind of Christ - cf. Php 2:2-8. Whereas "sin" is spelled with a capital "I", the cross is an "I" that has been crossed out! (i.e., denying "self" is a cardinal principle of Christianity).

C. HOW ABOUT TODAY?

We live in the "me generation" where the spirit of Diotrephes reigns supreme. It should not surprise us, when the church is so often influenced by the world, to hear people say: "But I want...", "But I think..." Always remember that there is no room in the kingdom for the "me first" mentality; where it exists, more sins and problems are bound to follow.

[We see that to be the case as we notice that "The Spirit Of Diotrephes" was also one of...]

II. REJECTING LEADERSHIP AUTHORITY (9b)

A. IN THE CASE OF DIOTREPHES

John writes simply: "[he] does not receive us". It may seem incredible that one would refuse to accept and submit to… The disciple whom Jesus loved! An apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ! But because of his love to be first, there was no room in Diotrephes' heart for someone over him in matters of submitting to leadership authority.

B. THE TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES

It is important that we appreciate the proper chain of authority in the kingdom… As Creator, God inherently has all authority. However, the Father has delegated all authority to His Son - Mt 28:18; Ep 1:20-22. Jesus in turn has delegated authority to His apostles - Jn 13:20. He sent the Holy Spirit to assist them, and guide them into all the truth - Jn 14:26; 16:12-13. Thus they could speak and write with the authority of God behind them - cf. 1Co 14:37; 1Th 2:13. This is why we find that the early church "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine..." - Ac 2:42.

C. HOW ABOUT TODAY?

The spirit of Diotrephes appears to reign unchecked in some believers who reject church leadership authority. The spirit of Diotrephes reigns supreme in the lives of those professing Christians who reject the apostles' call for holy and sanctified living.... So they can choose their own sexual preference and lifestyle. So they can put their own personal interests first, before the kingdom of God.