The Spirit of Diotrephes: A Warning from 3 John

Notes from a sermon by Bill Clayton

The short epistle of 3 John, though only 14 verses long, contains profound insights and warnings for Christians today that are just as relevant as they were in the first century. The apostle John, the last living apostle at the time, writes to commend two faithful brothers, Gaius and Demetrius, while sharply rebuking a man named Diotrephes who exhibited an ungodly, self-serving spirit that was damaging the church.

John begins by expressing his love for Gaius "in the truth" and his wish that Gaius would prosper and be in good health, just as his soul prospers (v. 1-2). What an encouraging greeting to receive from an apostle! He then commends Gaius for his faithfulness and support of missionaries, even though they were strangers to him (v. 5-8).

In verse 12, John also commends a brother named Demetrius, saying he "has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself." John affirms that his own testimony about Demetrius is true, giving Demetrius apostolic approval and recommendation.

In stark contrast, sandwiched between these positive examples, John delivers a sharp rebuke of a man named Diotrephes. This man, John says, "loves to have the preeminence" and refused to receive John and the missionaries he sent (v. 9-10). Diotrephes' desire for power and control led him to speak malicious words against John, refuse to receive the brothers sent by John, and even put out of the church those who did receive them!

Who exactly Diotrephes was, we are not told. He may have been a preacher, elder, deacon or simply an influential member. But what is clear is that he had allowed an evil, self-serving spirit to dominate his life. John provides clear evidence of Diotrephes' ungodly spirit:

1. He loved to have preeminence and be first (v. 9)

2. He rejected apostolic authority and did not acknowledge John (v. 9)

3. He spoke malicious words against John and other faithful teachers (v. 10)

4. He refused to receive faithful brothers sent by John (v. 10)

5. He cast out of the church those who wanted to receive them (v. 10)

Diotrephes was self-willed, proud, and craved power and control over others. He used his influence in an ungodly way to promote himself while rejecting the authority of Christ and His apostles. In doing so, Diotrephes violated the divine pattern for church government and leadership that God had established (Acts 14:23, Phil. 1:1, 1 Tim. 3, Tit. 1:5-9).

Sadly, the self-serving, power-hungry spirit that Diotrephes exemplified did not end with him. In the following centuries, this attitude contributed to major apostasies and problems:

• The rise of the presiding bishop and papal system that grew into the Roman Catholic Church

• The development of denominationalism and sectarianism that has fractured the body of Christ

• The spread of liberal attitudes that undermine the authority of Scripture in churches and schools

• Divisions, heartache and irreparable damage inflicted on innocent souls by self-willed men

Even in more recent times, this spirit has continued to cause problems, as seen in the rise of liberalism, the Crossroads/Boston movement, and unbiblical doctrines being spread in schools and churches. Ultimately, it causes division and leads precious souls astray.

So how should faithful Christians respond in the face of such ungodly attitudes? John gives the answer: "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God." (v. 11). We must:

1. Diligently study to rightly divide and stand firmly upon the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15)

2. Refuse to follow or support those who exhibit Diotrephes' self-serving, proud spirit

3. Remain steadfast in upholding truth, righteousness and the authority of Christ in all things

4. Consider the eternal destinies of innocent souls who are influenced by our actions

The apostle Paul's instructions regarding the immoral man at Corinth (1 Cor. 5) teach us that we cannot compromise with sin or allow evil attitudes to take root in the church. We must be willing to stand for truth and oppose error, even when it is unpopular, for the sake of lost souls. Eternity hangs in the balance.

In conclusion, the spirit of Diotrephes serves as a sober warning for us to examine our own hearts and motives. Are we serving with genuine humility and love for truth, or has pride and selfishness tainted our attitudes? Do we uphold the authority of Christ and His word, or are we guilty of rejecting it like Diotrephes did?

May we learn from Diotrephes' negative example and instead devote ourselves to being faithful servants who seek only the approval of our Lord. If we do so, a crown of life awaits (Rev. 2:10). But if we allow Diotrephes' spirit to take hold, we risk leading ourselves and others to eternal ruin. The stakes could not be higher. Let us heed the warning of 3 John and commit to humbly serving Christ and His church.

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