Diotrephes- A Man You Should NOT Follow | 3 John 9-11 | Anchor Baptist Church

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by

Robert Piña
in

Introduction: In I Corinthians 11:1 the Apostle Paul says “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ”. This is a man you want to follow because he is a good example. But then there are people in the Bible that you don’t want to follow because you see they are a bad example. 

In this passage of scripture we find a man by the name of Diotrephes, a man whom John speaks about when writing a letter to Gaius vs 1. Everything mentioned about this man was not good and this is a person that should not be followed. 

Don’t Follow Diotrephes because: 

  1. He Loves to Have the Preeminence– vs 9 “Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them”. Preeminence means the first place, highest position, supremacy.  The devil wanted the preeminence- Isaiah 14:13-14 “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the starts of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the height of the clouds; I will be like the most High”. Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus warned people about seeking the highest places and titles. Paul wrote regarding Jesus Christ in Colossians 1:18 “That in all things he might have the preeminence”. 
  1. He Speaks Evil Words– Vs 10 “prating against us with malicious words”. What people say reveal what’s in their heart. Matthew 12:34 “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh”. Obviously this person was talking bad about the Apostle John and others, because John found out about it. This person was bad mouthing the Apostle John to the congregation. A proud heart, bitter heart, rebellious heart produces these kinds of words. Matthew 12:36 “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment”. James 3:5-6. Ephesians 4:31. 
  1. He Rejects Godly Authority– Vs 9 “receiveth us not” Vs 10 “neither doth he himself receive the brethren”. This is how you know if a person wants his own way in the church, authority matters little to them. Diotrephes rejected Godly authority- the Apostle John. I Thessalonians 5:12-13 “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very tightly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves”. Hebrews 13:7&17- Godly authority is good and should be followed. Philippians 2:3. 
  1. He Kicks out those that received the Brethren– Vs 10 “and forbideth them that would, and casteth them out of the church”. The testimony of the church was affected. The fellowship among believers. The spirit and enthusiasm of the church. Young believers were affected. Matthew 25:35-40 Jesus Christ identifies Himself with the way His people are treated. 
  1. He Needed to Learn to do Good and not Evil– Vs 11 “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.” Gaius had a choice to follow this man or not follow him. A devisive person does evil and the person that does evil is not born of God. Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be ye therefore followers of God…and walk in love”. 
  1. He is not concerned about Lost People– When this happens, the church is focused inwardly instead of outwardly on the lost. 

Conclusion: Don’t see the preeminence. Seek the example of Christ- be humble and serve. Do what the Apostle John said, “Follow not that which is evil, but that which is good”. 

Anchor Baptist Church is an independent, Bible-Believing Baptist church in Kingsville, Texas, committed to biblical preaching, teaching, evangelism, and discipleship. Visit Anchor Baptist Church