Drama In the Church
3 John 9-14
9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first,
does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing,
talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome
the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from
God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony
from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that
our testimony is true.
Final Greetings
13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope
to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.
Diotrephes
What is He doing?
Diotrephes name means (“Cherished or Raised by Zeus”)
Elder?
Benefactor?
Wolf?
Who is He Doing?
Diotrephes is talking trash.
Diotrephes is blocking the brothers.
Diotrephes is casting out those who care for the Church.
3 John 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.
Why is He Doing It?
Diotrephes has an inflated ego.
Diotrephes has no respect for authority other than his own.
Diotrephes wants to be in control.
3 John 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.
The Word reminds us as believers to not be self-seeking.
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
The Impact on the Church?
Spirtual abuse of authority is very dangerous to a Church.
The abuse can cause people to operate in fear.
This creates a sense of mistrust within the body.
It can cause division and believers may leave fellowship.
We are called to stand firm and resist those who are opposed to Truth, as well as to support those who are faithfully spreading the Gospel.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Read 3 John 9-15.
Why would John conclude this letter in this way, contrasting two men, drama in a church plant?
2) How would you describe the difference between Diotrephes and Demetrius? Flesh this out. Name characteristics.
3) Share any “wolves” in churches and how you see the damage this is to the church. Share any “shepherds” in churches and how you see the good this is to the church.
4) Talk about John’s spiritual growth trajectory: TRUTH = LOVE = HOSPITALITY = GOOD TESTIMONY
What do you see? What do you desire? How is God inviting you to respond?
5) As a community, spend some time praying for each other and our church to have a good testimony that is glorying to God’s name and edifying among us.