9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first, does not accept what we say and refuses to recognize my authority. 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, unjustly accusing us with wicked words and unjustified charges. And not satisfied with this, he refuses to receive the [missionary] brothers himself, and also forbids those who want to [welcome them] and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but [imitate] what is good. The one who practices good [exhibiting godly character, moral courage and personal integrity] is of God; the one who practices [or permits or tolerates] evil has not seen God [he has no personal experience with Him and does not know Him at all]. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony and commendation from everyone—and from the truth [the
standard of God’s word] itself; and we add our testimony and speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. 3 John 1:9- AMP
As I was reading this passage on Thursday, August 26, the Lord highlighted the name, Diotrephes and Demetrius. When HE highlights things to me, I stop and see what HE is trying to show me. I always begin by looking up what the words mean so I looked up the name Diotrephes in the Strong’s with Blueletter Bible, it means, “nourished by Jove”. Jove was the foster-child of Zeus. It goes on to say that Diotrephes was a Christian man, but proud and arrogant. Demetrius means “belonging to Ceres” Ceres is the goddess of the fruit-bearing earth, therefore of agriculture. It also said that Demetrius was a certain Christian spoke of 3 John 1: 12. I didn’t see that much about their names, so I asked the Lord why did HE highlight their names to me? I heard look at their actions and see what spirit they carried.
The Diotrephes spirit is one:
Who looks out for him/herself first
He/she is proud and arrogant
Refuses to recognize the authority of God’s chosen
Unjustly accuses the Leaders
Brings unjustified charges against the Leaders
The Demetrius spirit is one:
Who stands with the truth
Is spoken well of because of his/her actions done in the church
As I was praying and pondering what the Lord had shown me, I had to look deep within to make sure I was living a life more like Demetrius, one that stands for truth and was following the Lord and those whom the Lord has placed over me. I trust you to evaluate what spirit do your actions look more like within the Body of Christ?
I have been in ministry since I was 29 years old, beginning at Antioch UMC as Christian education pastor and then co-pastoring with Craig for 28 years and now counseling pastor; I have seen a lot of Deiotrephes spirit operating in the church. I believe, as we get closer to Christ’s coming we will see such divisive spirits raising up to split off people of faith and bring division in the church.
Let us be aware of what the scriptures says:
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on
earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, [b] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28: 18-20
“ 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all
discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1: 9-11
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3: 1-5
We live in those days where we must follow after TRUTH like Demetrius did – so we can follow after theLord and live a fruitful righteous life!
Love you all,
Tina