By Andrew Williams – October 10,2021
“Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” III John 1:10 NKJV
Good morning fellow disciples.
Have you ever been a part of a church that had someone who spoke maliciously against the leaders, was inhospitable to fellow believers, forbids others from doing good, and puts believers out of the church when they do their Godly duties?
It seems inconceivable that someone so ungodly and self-righteous could have so much power, authority, and influence in God’s church. This however can be seen in many churches because they are really not following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Some churches are so “religious” that they forget how to really operate from a biblical point of view. They don’t discipline persons based on biblical standards. They overlook people’s faults and sins, instead of confronting them.
They appoint persons to positions of authority based on things like social standing, tithing, willingness to do work, friendship, or one’s family. This is not based on listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit!
Diotrephes was definitely not a good person based on John’s description. I am a bit concerned about this statement that John makes, “Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does”. What if John didn’t go, then would this church still be under Diotrephes’ bad influence?
Would Gaius and the other true disciples be bold enough to deal with that situation? I hope so! Whatever the outcome, this letter shows us that not all church members are doing the correct thing and that we should learn to pattern our lives after exemplary disciples of Christ.
Prayer: Jesus, You are our Lord, master, and King. Help us to remember and treat You with the reverence that You deserve. Lord Jesus, we realize that we have perverted Your Church and introduced teachings and behaviors that do not line up with Your Truth.
Forgive us, Lord. We repent of our sinful behaviors! Help us to stand up boldly for You and Your Truth. Give us the wisdom to deal with the “bad disciples” that are acting against You and Your teachings. May Your Holy Spirit and Your Holy Scripture be our guide to show us how to live surrendered and submitted to You Lord. I pray that we will be obedient to You, in Jesus’ name, amen.
