scripture: 3 john 1:9-1:15

Just as we learn from the good example of Gaius, we also learn from the bad example of Diotrephes. John reveals 5 things about Diotrephes in v.9-11: 1. He had selfish self-esteem. [v.9a] 2. He wouldn’t listen to truth. [v.9b] 3. He was a gossip and a slanderer. [v.10a] 4. He was unhospitable. [v.10b] 5. He became as evil as Lucifer. [v.10c] (Isaiah 14:14) What John describes here is a self-obsessed, arrogant man going rogue without the accountability of a healthy church to rebuke and correct him. Diotrephes was a well-positioned man on earth, but had no position in heaven. Demetrius, on the other hand, was respectable, trustworthy, and his example was worthy of following. What a gift it is to the church when men and women live their lives in such a way that the very truth of God’s Word is a testimony to their Christian walk! Three application points: 1. We usually become like the people we follow. 2. There is biblical wisdom in shared leadership. 3. The most important thing is to know Jesus personally.

Just as we learn from the good example of Gaius, we also learn from the bad example of Diotrephes. John reveals 5 things about Diotrephes in v.9-11: 1. He had selfish self-esteem. [v.9a] 2. He wouldn’t listen to truth. [v.9b] 3. He was a gossip and a slanderer. [v.10a] 4. He was unhospitable. [v.10b] 5. He became as evil as Lucifer. [v.10c] (Isaiah 14:14) What John describes here is a self-obsessed, arrogant man going rogue without the accountability of a healthy church to rebuke and correct him. Diotrephes was a well-positioned man on earth, but had no position in heaven. Demetrius, on the other hand, was respectable, trustworthy, and his example was worthy of following. What a gift it is to the church when men and women live their lives in such a way that the very truth of God’s Word is a testimony to their Christian walk! Three application points: 1. We usually become like the people we follow. 2. There is biblical wisdom in shared leadership. 3. The most important thing is to know Jesus personally.

Sovereign Grace Bible Church of Ada, OK

John warns Gaius of Diotrophes and commends Demetrius to him. Believers must take care to not imitate evil, but to imitate good.

John warns Gaius of Diotrophes and commends Demetrius to him. Believers must take care to not imitate evil, but to imitate good.