DCLM Sincere Milk 16 April 2023 — Diotrephes
DCLM Sincere Milk 16 April 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Diotrephes
TOPIC:Diotrephes
Text — 3 John 1:9-12
10Wherefore, if I come, I 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.
11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Key Verse: “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.” 3 John 1:9
Message
The Epistle of John tells us about a very proud church leader named Diotrephes. He liked to have his own way all the time, even when he was wrong. In fact, he chased people out of the church if they did not agree with him. He wanted to be the big boss and the one who got special attention. When visitors came to the church, they always introduced the visitors to Diotrephes. He always got to speak first and longest. Everyone had to listen to him. Everything was all about him. Diotrephes did not realize that the church is not a place to show off, he was not humble at all.
Have you ever known a person like Diotrephes or are you like him? People have to step aside so you can pass and you want recognition for everything you do. This is not a good Christian virtue. God wants us to learn to wait, give others first place, and understand that other people have ideas and thoughts too. Remember, the Bible counsels that in honor, we should prefer one another.
Further Reading: Romans 12:9,10
Prayer for today: Lord, I want only to please You. Help me to be humble at all times.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
