Opportunity for Ministry

3 John 5-8

• Recognize others are doing good work and worth cheering
• Some launch into ministry
• Some hold the rope

Problem of Diotrephes

3 John 9-11

• Puts himself first
• Marked by insecurity
  • Needs to be in control
  • Needs to be in the know
  • Needs to have the final word

Exclusion instead of Engagement

• Puts down dissension instead of trying to win them
  • How does a leader respond to criticism?
  • Is his integrity his shield? (Prov 2:7)
  • Is his appeal to argument or authority?
  • Is exclusion defensive or a last ditch effort?

In summary: the opposite of Distrephes is a servant who is secure in his identity in Christ and who seeks to convince with the truth and is patient as he does so because he believes in the power of the Gospel.

Character Matters Most

3 John 11-15

• Shows up in action and reaction
• Can be seen by others
• Focuses on others