How can we avoid imitating Diotrephes' behavior in our church communities today? Snapshot of Diotrephes (3 John 1:10) “So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing: slandering us with malicious words. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.” What Went Wrong in Diotrephes’ Heart • Pride—he “loves to be first” (v. 9). • Slander—he spread “malicious words” against godly leaders. • Inhospitality—he refused to welcome traveling believers. • Abuse of authority—he expelled anyone who disagreed. How the Same Spirit Can Creep into Today’s Churches • Craving recognition: needing titles, platforms, or applause. • Discrediting others to protect personal influence. • Guarding “our group” and viewing outsiders with suspicion. • Using leadership positions to silence differing voices. • Equating personal preferences with biblical mandates. Practical Steps to Guard Our Congregations • Choose servanthood over status (Matthew 20:26-28). • Welcome faithful believers, even when they come from another circle (Romans 15:7). • Practice open, respectful dialogue; refuse gossip (Ephesians 4:29). • Encourage accountability—elders shepherd “not lording it over those entrusted” (1 Peter 5:3). • Celebrate others’ gifts instead of competing (1 Corinthians 12:21-26). • Correct leaders biblically when needed (1 Timothy 5:19-20). Cultivating the Opposite Spirit in Personal Life • Daily humble yourself before God—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Seek the interests of others—“in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3-4). • Grow in the fruit of the Spirit—especially gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Maintain a hospitable home and heart (Hebrews 13:2). • Speak well of fellow believers; if concerns arise, go privately first (Matthew 18:15). Scripture Connections That Reinforce Humility and Hospitality • Micah 6:8 – Walk humbly with your God. • Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction. • Romans 12:10 – Outdo one another in showing honor. • 1 Peter 4:9 – Offer hospitality without grumbling. • 3 John 1:5-6 – Gaius commended for welcoming brothers, the opposite of Diotrephes. A Path Forward for Our Congregations By exposing pride, cultivating humility, practicing warm hospitality, and keeping leaders accountable to Scripture, we ensure Diotrephes’ spirit finds no foothold among us. |
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