Handling brethren like Diotrephes

Local churches can face all kinds of hardships. Sometimes, a member will feel like the church should revolve around them. This is a person who elevates themselves above the rest of the members and wants the preeminence. This is not a theoretical situation – it is described in the Bible! In III John 9-10, we read about a man named Diotrephes conducting himself this way.

This article’s focus is not so much about recognizing the ungodly behavior as it is about learning how a congregation should deal with a person like this. In our text, we are told that such a person needs to be confronted. Letting a person continue with that kind of behavior helps no one. John said he was going to deal with this man when arrived (verse 10). Interestingly, the local church did not have to wait until John showed up. The verse stated, “And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church” (verse 10).

The fact the John used the word “brethren” indicates that there were some brothers and sisters who stood against Diotrephes. As a result, they were put out of the church by this man. While Diotrephes prevented them from assembling with their brethren, keep in mind that no man can remove you from the spiritual church which the Lord added you to (Acts 2:47).

Whenever a brother or sister transgresses, our goal is to act in love to try and get them to repent (Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20; I Cor. 5:1-7). Those who stoop to the level of the transgressor are also guilty of sin. Saints must know how the Lord wants them to conduct themselves. This can be a genuine challenge when dealing with a self-righteous man like Diotrephes, but the faithful still have a responsibility to “take the high road” and not return evil for evil (Rom. 12:21).

We all need to remember that the church belongs to Jesus (Matt. 16:18). Let us all seek to put Him first both when things are going well in the local church and when challenges arise.

                                                                                               Chuck

How do we do that?

Jesus was very much concerned that His followers not cause each other to stumble. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea,” (Matt. 18:6). Knowing this, we need to make sure we are aware of what not to do, so we do not cause a fellow Christian to stumble.  Here is a short list:

1. Encouraging brethren to do anything that is against their conscience (Rom. 14:20-21).

2. Provoking brethren to anger instead of love (Heb. 10:24).

3. Considering certain members as less important (I Cor. 12:23).

4. Teaching things contrary to the gospel (II Pet. 2:1-2).

5. Playing the hypocrite (I Tim. 4:20.

6. Speaking things that are destructive rather than edifying (Eph. 4:29).

7. Only thinking of self (Rom. 15:1-2).

8. Rebuking a brother while you are walking in sin (Matt. 7:1-4).

9. Acting as if you are the head of the church (III Jn. 9-10).

10. Taking on the role of an elder, deacon or evangelist when not qualified (I Tim. 3:1-13; II Tim. 4:1-5).

11. Not helping to bear the burdens of your brethren (Gal. 6:2).

As we enter 2017, let us all focus on building up our fellow Christians (1 Thess. 5:11). Satan’s attacks have not slowed (1 Pet. 5:8), but our Lord remains in control (Heb. 1:8).

                                                                                              Chuck

Overcoming a struggle

Struggles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very addictive, which makes it even harder to stop. But for those who want to go to heaven, one of the best ways to cease doing that which is wrong is to admit what it really is – sin! Calling sin “a struggle” can lessen the severity to some degree. Moreover, it also conveys the idea that quitting is not controlled by the individual.

The sooner people see what sin really is, the sooner they can understand how to properly deal with it. Every person I know who drank alcohol, smoked or used hard drugs and now does not had to decide to quit! Unless one makes up their mind, they will continue to give in to “that struggle.”

In writing to the Ephesian brethren, Paul stated that we should not give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27). By that, he specifically mentioned, “put away lying…be angry and sin not….let him who stole steal no more…let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth….” (verses 25-29). One does not overcome anything if they do not repent, which means to turn away from (Luke 13:3). By turning away, measures are put in place to help one not do it again. In the Ephesians text, Paul said instructed the reader to not steal and instead begin labor with hands. For those who spoke corrupt words, Paul admonished them to begin speaking words that edify. In essence, the audience was to told to replace their bad, sinful habits with good ones.

I realize that people who become addicted to something will genuinely struggle to overcome it. However, all sin can become addictive. Some people cannot seem to stop being jealous or envious. Other cannot seem to stop lying to themselves and making excuses for not serving the Lord as they should. Every sin is serious and causes people to be separated from God (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 6:23).

Everyone struggles with sin, but everyone has also been commanded to STOP sinning (I John 2:1). May we grow in the desire to never sin as the first step in turning away from those sins we personally struggle with.

 Chuck