Today’s passage: 3 John 9-15
Helpful thoughts:
- Gaius’ warm hospitality and co-laboring with the Apostle John is held in contrast with the rejection and selfishness of Diotrephes.
- It seems that Diotrephes was keeping this other church from hearing/seeing the letter that John had sent.
- Diotrephes did not want to share authority with John, with these men that John had sent, or anyone else. Diotrephes had to be first.
- John pulls no punches. Gaius and Demetrius are from God (Believers). Diotrephes has not seen God (An unbeliever).
- John was willing and ready to point out to others who was following the Lord and who to watch out for. When there are false teachers around, sound the alarm!
Questions to consider:
- What were the ways Diotrephes attempted to keep his grip on the church that he was trying to control?
- Does John ever criticize Diotrephes’ doctrinal positions? What do elders need to do beside affirming the right doctrine?
- If John was going to come and make everyone aware of what Diotrephes was doing, what should the church he was holding hostage have been able to do? Why is church membership and a biblical view of eldership so important?