TOPIC :  ”LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF DIOTREPHES”  

Fire Scripture: 3 John 9-12

Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Motivational Quote: Attitude is everything!

Prophetic Word: I decree that the agenda of the enemy to make you a castaway in the household of God is destroyed today, in the name of Jesus.

OUTLINE

The Scriptures mention some individuals in negative light and enjoins us not to imitate them. The reason is that their deeds were evil and sinful. Besides, they were not willing to repent or turn a new leaf. Apostle Paul mentioned names like Alexander the Coppersmith, who gave him so much pain; Demas, who forsook him and ministry work because of his love for the world.

John the beloved mentioned Diotrephes and warned the church about his ungodly activities among brethren. The same is happening today. These were men and women in the church but full of anti-Christ activities. These are the Alexanders, Demases and Diotepheses in churches today. We should learn to deal with them with the knowledge and wisdom of God as provided by the Scriptures.

Who was Diotrephes and what lessons can we learn from his life? He loved to be the first and foremost within the assembly. If he is not made a leader, he will not give his contribution and cooperation. This is one of the sins in the church today. Some people love to be first, to be recognised and get praised and applauded from other believers. He was a carnal Christian. He desired personal acknowledgement and higher position.

Pride was in his heart. Beloved, do not imitate Diotrephes nor allow his kind to thrive in the church. Second, Diotrephes did not recognise Apostle John. The apostle said, “He received us not.” He also did not receive the emissary that the apostle sent to his church. The path to greatness in the church is servitude. Diotrephes did not follow that path. Third, Diotrephes slandered the apostle.

In 3 John 10, the Bible says, “Wherefore, if l come, l will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” Beloved, are you, like Diotrephes, guilty of rejecting apostolic authority? Do you speak ill of

MORNING
1. O God, arise and deliver me from the spirit of Diotrephes, in the name of Jesus.
2. Anything in my life that can make me a bad example, I destroy you, in the name of Jesus.
3. I will not hinder the work of God nor reject apostolic authority, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING
4. My Father, deliver me from the spirit of pride, in the name of Jesus.
5. O God, arise and purge me of the spirit of strife and disharmony, in the name of Jesus.
6. Father, help me to seek peace with all men at all times, in the name of Jesus.
7. My Father, plant Your love and the love of others genuinely in my heart, in the name of Jesus.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Ezekiel 24; Ezekiel 25; Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27