Where Bible Study Makes A Difference

I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. (3 John 1:9 NASB)

“THE DANGERS OF DIOTREPHES:The Systematic Promotion of self love”

We can adequately say the promotion of self love is evident within the sphere of American churches today (2 Timothy 3:1-2). This self-love is personified in men, who want to be seen, as they parade themselves before the congregation of believers; maybe in hopes someone will recognize them. This is comparably similar to the Pharisees and teachers of law during the time when Christ Jesus was on the scene (Matthew 23:5, Luke 6:26). Because I, myself, have desired this at one time, I tend to run quickly from anything that asks of me to teach in the church. I don’t want that form of pride creeping into my life. Desiring the pre-eminence is a sin very grievous; and to the others it affects even worse. Please at all cost, if your desiring to teach, good; yet if your motives are not for the glory of God, please by all means do not get up anywhere and teach (James 3:1).

Diotrephes was man who desired to be first. He had a love for himself that defied apostolic authority. Diotrephes actions were a danger to the church of God; even as they are danger to the assemblies today. The bible clearly warns of thinking to much of yourself, which can lead to loving the pre-eminence:

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 NASB)

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3 NASB)

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:3-5 NASB)

Diotrophes did not take the biblical warning into account. He loved himself and tried to place himself at the top of the list. Why? Again, self love was his motivation.

φιλοπρωτεύω philoprōteuō means to aspire to be first or pre-eminent. This compound word is only used once in scripture. Applied to Diotrephes, he willed himself as the one to rule the church. Oh how today, we have so many wanna-be pastors and teachers. We have women standing up saying “it is now their time to take the role!”. (Check out this You Tube Clip if you don’t believe me, this is just one of the many) We have homosexuals saying the “pulpit is theirs!” We have men getting up saying there is no hell anymore, and that the bible is irrelevant. All because they desire the pre-eminence instead of the Holy Doctrine of Jesus Christ laid down for us through His chosen messengers.

If you are following someone that is unwilling to obey the Word of God in his behavior and wants to rule the church; the best advice for you would be to challenge such teaching with the Word of God. Be biblical my friends, and allow not unbiblical practices to reign themselves before you. John the apostle said he would deal with such behavior: ….I will call attention to his deeds which he does….(v10) In Romans we are exhorted very similarly:

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18)

Mark out individuals like this. If you know a brother that is headed in such a direction, consult him please. I thank the Lord for my wife, who at times, gives me some constructive criticism on my YouTube clips and writings. It causes me to examine my motives biblically in what I do. If you are a teacher and God has called you, examine your motives. Check to see if the Diotrephes attitude is in your thought process, and then put it to death (Colossians 3:5). God bless you my friends, stay close to the Holy Scriptures.