3 John 1:9-11
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
The desire to be the biggest, best and popular seems to be inside of every human. Now some will tell you that they have no desire to be first in everything, and I understand this. But everyone, even you, love to be heard in their opinion. All people desire to be the best at something. The difference is that some desire to be the best in what they are called to do and there is no sin in this. While others desire to be the best in everything and over everyone. They love the preeminence. What is that? It is the desire to have supremacy over all people.
The Bible describes these people in our scripture this morning. Look at it closely.
- They only receive those who do as they say
- Tearing others down with their words is vital to their happiness
- Never Satisfied
- Will not receive the body of Christ
- Target everyone who receives the brethren
- Kick out anyone who doesn't see things as they do
The best illustration I can come up with on the "Diotrephes" person is a frog. Not just any frog, but THE frog. The bullfrog to be more accurate. When their ways are yielded to, they seem to be the loudest in the pond. Always bossing and imposing their poison upon all in their path. "Croak, croak, croak..." Then when the truth is being preached, arms are folded and the famous "look like a blowed up bullfrog" statement comes to mind.
Although the illustration is of a bullfrog. The truth of the matter is that they are false teachers and liars. If there is one big frog of the pond, it should be, and is, Jesus Christ. We should all sound off the Gospel which we have heard and received. Croaking the Gospel of Jesus until the day we croak in Jesus!
