November 1, 2022

Passage Read: 3 John 1 - Jude 1
Meditation Verses: 3 John 1:9-10

Thought

Diotrephes is an example of an immature believer who worked his way into power. Somehow he had gained influence over the whole church, and control, so that whomever he rants against, he is able to keep others in the church from helping. He had power to kick out of the fellowship anyone who doesn't follow his instruction. He has set himself up as gatekeeper and father, so that no one is willing to cross him. It is a shame that even John is rejected by him and the rest of the church does nothing. This is the danger of allowing someone who doesn't know God well to be in charge of a church or fellowship. The believers don't know what spiritual maturity is, they don't know how to discern it, so they let someone who is bombastic gain the rule over them.

Application

Paul gives the qualifications of an elder and a deacon to the church, and we need some in every congregation who meet those qualifications to be responsible for the church. Anyone who does not meet those qualifications should not be given such a position and responsibility. Those qualifications aren't just for someone who wants to be paid as a pastor, but for anyone who seeks the responsibility of an elder or deacon. Most if not all the men in a congregation should be striving to meet those qualifications. I need to continually check myself against those qualifications to make sure I'm still maturing in those ways.