Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Trouble-maker

3 John 9-10 "I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 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."

Diotrephes likes to put himself first...isn't that the root of a lot of our conflict - we want our own way. "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel." James 4:1-2

Diotrephes stirred up trouble by thinking more highly of himself than he ought. He failed to heed these warnings: "But many who are first will be last, and the last first" Matthew 19:30 and "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment," Romans 12:3 and "Do nothing from rivalry 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." Philippians 2:3-4

Diotrephes stirred up trouble because he was putting himself first. In so doing:
1. He failed to acknowledge the God-ordained authority in his life
2. He was talking against John and the others that were with him
3. He was spreading discontent
4. He refused to welcome brothers in Christ
5. He interfered with others welcoming the brothers in Christ

Bottom line - he was a trouble-maker and caused division among the brethren.

How can we apply this Scripture to ourselves? Would you pray and ask God in what ways you may stir up trouble? Do you speak behind people's backs? Do you pass along information "so others will pray"? Do you criticize the pastor or leaders of your church? Do you pressure others to yield to your preferences? Do you show up late week after week to service? Do you intentionally wait until worship is over before arriving for service? I don't know what it might be in your life, but will you ask God? He knows.

Diane

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