The Spirit of Diotrephes - 3 John 9-10

Introduction

The Commendable spirit of Gaius …

b. c. The truth was in him - 3 Jn 3

3 John 3 ESV

3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.

He walked in the truth - 3 Jn 3-4

3 John 3–4 ESV

3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

He demonstrated love and hospitality towards the brethren and for strangers - 3 Jn 5-6

3 John 5–6 ESV

5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.

Unfortunately, another man mentioned in this letter did not possess the spirit of Gaius...

DIOTREPHES

3 John 9-10

3 John 9–10 ESV

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.

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

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...

a. b. Identify exactly what characterized the spirit of Diotrephes

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 PREEMINENCE (9a)

3 John 9 ESV

9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.

A. IN THE CASE OF DIOTREPHES...

1. 2. John wrote that he “loves to have the preeminence”

The word “preeminence” in the Greek is philoproteuo {fil-op-rote-yoo’-o}

a. It means to be fond of being first

b. I.e., ambitious of distinction; love to have the preeminence

3. 4. 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”

THE TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES...

1. 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

Matthew 20:20–28 ESV

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

2. 3. 4. He did so again as he spoke out against the scribes and Pharisees - Mt 23:6-12

Matthew 23:6–12 ESV

6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Paul taught that in matters of honor we should give preference to one another - Ro 12:10

Romans 12:10 ESV

10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Indeed, we must not have the sort of selfish ambition found in Diotrephes, but the humble servitude found in the mind of Christ - cf. Phil 2:2-8

Philippians 2:2–8 ESV

2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

5. Whereas sin is spelled with a capital “I”, the cross is an “I” that has been crossed out!

C. HOW ABOUT TODAY...?

1. 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:

a. “But I want...”

b. “But I think...”

But 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 APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY (3 John 9)

3 John 9 ESV

9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.

A. IN THE CASE OF DIOTREPHES...

1. 2. John writes simply: “[he] does not receive us”

It may seem incredible that one would refuse to accept and submit to...

a. The disciple whom Jesus loved!

b. 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 authority

THE TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES...

It is important that we appreciate the proper chain of authority in the kingdom...

a. As Creator, God inherently has all authority

b. However, the Father has delegated all authority to His Son - Mt 28:18; Ep 1:20-22

Matthew 28:18 ESV

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Ephesians 1:20–22 ESV

20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

c. Jesus in turn has delegated authority to His apostles - Jn 13:20

John 13:20 ESV

20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

1) He sent the Holy Spirit to assist them, and guide them into all the truth - Jn 14:26;

John 14:26 ESV

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

16:12-13

2) Thus they could speak and write with the authority of God behind them - cf. 1 Cor 14:37; 1 Th 2:13

1 Corinthians 14:37 ESV

37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV

13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

This is why we find that the early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine...”

- Ac 2:42

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

C. HOW ABOUT TODAY...?

The spirit of Diotrephes appears to reign unchecked in those churches that reject...

a. The authority of the apostles in preference for the authority of their own councils,

synods, or conferences

b. The clear teachings of the apostles concerning such issues as homosexuality, women

preachers, etc.

c. Apostolic precedent (whether by command or example) to authorize any church practice that suits their fancy

And the spirit of Diotrephes reigns supreme in the lives of those professing Christians who reject the apostles’ call for holy and sanctified living...

a. So they can choose their own sexual preference and lifestyle

b. So they can put their own personal interests first, before the kingdom of God

[Yes, living in a narcissistic society such as ours, it is not uncommon to find the spirit of Diotrephes present in so many peoples’ lives. When it is found in the lives of Christians, things can get ugly rather quickly. As we see in our text, “The Spirit Of Diotrephes” can manifest itself in Christians by...]

III. SPEAKING EVIL OF BRETHREN (10a)

A. 1. 2. 3. 4. B. 1. 2. 3. IN THE CASE OF DIOTREPHES...

John relates that Diotrephes was guilty of “prating against us with malicious words”

The word “prating” in the Greek is phluareo {floo-ar-eh’-o}...

a. It means to be a babbler or trifler

b. By implication it means to berate idly or mischievously

The word “malicious” is poneros {pon-ay-ros’} and means “hurtful, evil”

Diotrephes gave little concern, then, about how he spoke with evil and hurtful words concerning his brethren

THE TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES...

We will be judged for the idle words that we use - Mt 12:36-37

Matthew 12:36–37 ESV

36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

We are commanded not to speak evil of one another - James 4:11-12

James 4:11–12 ESV

11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

a. To do so is to speak evil of the law of God!

b. To do so is to set ourselves up as judges

While it may be necessary at times to “rebuke” our brethren (cf. 2 Ti 4:2)...

2 Timothy 4:2 ESV

2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

a. We are given the proper tools (i.e., the Scriptures themselves) - 2 Ti 3:16

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

b. We are instructed how to approach those in error - 2 Ti 2:24-26; Ga 6:1

2 Timothy 2:24–26 ESV

24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Galatians 6:1 ESV

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

C. HOW ABOUT TODAY...?

1. 2. Does not the spirit of Diotrephes manifest itself when Christians engage in malicious gossip?

Does not the spirit of Diotrephes reign when overzealous and self-appointed “guardians of the faith” lambaste their brethren with whom they differ?

3. Indeed, it is often the desire for preeminence that prompts Christians to reject apostolic teachings concerning brotherly relations and to engage in malicious prating

[The use of malicious words are not the only weapons used by those possessed by the spirit of Diotrephes, however. If in their love for preeminence they have actually gained positions of influence, it is not unusual to see the spirit of Diotrephes manifested in...]

IV. ABUSING CHURCH DISCIPLINE (10b)

A. IN THE CASE OF DIOTREPHES...

1. Not content with using prating with malicious words, Diotrephes is described as one who...

a. “does not receive the brethren”

b. “forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church”

In two ways, then, he was abusing church discipline...

a. Refusing to associate with those worthy of association

b. Using it as a weapon to manipulate others to do what he wanted

THE TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES...

Jesus taught there might be times when church discipline is necessary - Mt 18:15-17

Matthew 18:15–17 ESV

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Paul described such a time on two occasions, and gave instructions for carrying it out

a. When a man was living with his father’s wife - 1 Co 5:1-13

1 Corinthians 5:1–13 ESV

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. 3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

b. When Christians refused to work - 2 Th 3:6-15

2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 ESV

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

So there are times when we must “put away from yourselves that wicked person”

But there is also the possibility of abusing this method of church discipline, as in the case of Diotrephes

C. HOW ABOUT TODAY...?

1. 2. 3. That church discipline could be abused back then, means that it can be abused today

This is not to be an excuse to never exercise church discipline, but to do so carefully

Just because another church has carried it out against someone does not mean they did so properly...

a. It may have been prompted as part of a power play by a “Diotrephes”

b. The ones being withdrawn from may be innocent

...thus the need to exercise discretion and to know the facts before accepting the disciplinary action of another church

CONCLUSION

1. 2. “The Spirit Of Diotrephes” can be summarized as one of...

a. Desiring preeminence

b. Rejecting apostolic authority

c. Speaking evil of brethren

d. Abusing church discipline

One must not have all four of these to be guilty of sin...

a. b. Any one is an abomination before God!

Any one can destroy brotherly relations!

May John’s description of “The Spirit Of Diotrephes” serve as a warning for us!