JOHN THE GENTLE AND LOVING WAS STRONG AND FORCEFUL IN HIS DEFENSE OF HIS FLOCK AGAINST THE ENEMY

1. In III John he gives a beautiful character sketch of three men, vivid, picturesque, interesting
2. Great Psychological insight, each with his own individual personality, & reputation
3. The villain is Diotrephes- whose prating for preeminence was a problem to this early church

The threat to John's authority was one thing, but the danger to the church was another

I.- DIOTREPHES - WHO LOVETH THE PREEMINENCE - v.9

There were many troubles in the early church- and each of the Apostles wrote how to face them

A.- THE BAD CHARACTERS IN THE CHURCH WERE IDENTIFIED, HERE IS A POWERFUL POLITICIAN

1. Diotrephes- "nourished by Zeus"- most Christians changed pagan names when they were Baptized.
2. This man was fond of being first, not for the Lord, but for his own self glory -many are
3. AT Robertson wrote an article for Southern Baptist paper on this- and had 25 Deacons take it personally

B.- "HE RECEIVETH US NOT" - HE DID NOT ACCEPT THE AUTHORITY OF JOHN, NOR TRAVELING APOSTLES, PREACHERS

1. Every organization has to have leaders- some try to climb to the top by pulling others down
2. A sister church has some -Deacons resign,-cannot work with Pastor - Agree 100% or ? -children
3. No man can make a good leader until he has learned to be a good follower- of Christ!

C.- THERE IS AN ORDERLY WAY OF PROGRESSION IN CHURCH, AND EVERY OFFICE & WORK IS IMPORTANT!

1. Our church elects people to different offices- but they all have to work together- with Christ
2. There are different personalities--so as a trial -1st term is for 1 year, others for 3 -boards
3. Our elections have no politics-only 1 party!- but different gifts for different jobs All important

Be willing to accept highest office you are capable for- but humbly- Rom 12:3-11

II.- PRATING WITH MALICIOUS WORDS - v. 10

Diotrephes aspired to be a dictator over the entire area, so he took the political short cut-

A. PRATING AGAINST THE APOSTLE WITH MALICIOUS WORDS, THE CHURCH COULD SEE WHO WAS THE VILLAN

1. Prating- "Bubbling over"- talk fluent-but empty- talking against, personality- not principle
2. Malicious- "Pernicious- meaning vicious, lascivious, evil, wicked, filthy from church leader?
3. The person who slings mud gets muddy- I've let them slit their own throat with their own tongue

B.- WORDS CANNOT CHANGE THE DECLARED WORD OF GOD, MUCH TALKING CANNOT MAKE A THING RIGHT

1. There are basic Doctrinal truths our church has been founded upon- we do not change!
2. We are a Fundamental Baptist Church- need to know difference between gnats, & beams!
3. Our Church has a constitution, Corporate structure, rules- & every member a Democracy

C.- WORDS CANNOT CHANGE PEOPLE'S VOTES EITHER, WHEN THE CHURCH HONORS THE SECRET BALLOT!

1. Our Annual Election- by ballot! Business by Board action, major things referred to Church
2. No surprise moves- any request makes it by ballot!  One bunch even printed their own ballots
3. I was deceived once but one lady gathered up enough relatives to upset the power plays-plotters

Paul said- Rom 16:17-avoid them/ and 1 Cor 8:3 If any man love the Lord-same is known!

III.- BELOVED - FOLLOW NOT EVIL! v. 11

There will be some evil within every church- look carefully that you do not follow the evil one

A.- THE COMMON PEOPLE HEARD THE LORD GLADLY, AND THEY STILL DO. THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS RIGHT

1. The leaders are out front- easily read and understood by the people- Use your democracy!
2. No one can buy- nor force their own will! - $100 bills don't work, nor threats - work does
3. This church proves that fair government works- & I can work with any man who loves the Lord

B.- THE CHURCH FUNCTIONS AS AN ORGANISM, EVERY PERSON A PART, BUT CHRIST IS THE HEAD

1. Every member, every part is important- and this church is not run by small cliques- but by boards
2. I don't like people rocking the boat but if you want to help row, great! but no secrets-$$
3. Our officers are elected to serve the Lord- not to Lord it over His people! Lots of Work to do - John 10:3,4,27

C.- JESUS SAID, I KNOW MY SHEEP, AND AM KNOWN OF MINE - MY SHEEP KNOW MY VOICE -

1. Satan tries confusion,-churches often infiltrated- Illus:-Charismatics have plan watch out!
2. Do not follow that which is evil!  If you do you will lose!  Follow that which is open, honest
3. Draw close enough to the Lord to know His will- & help the church by doing your work right

The church is going to roll on with you or without you!  God will see to that

HE THAT DOETH GOOD IS OF GOD, BUT HE THAT DOETH EVIL HATH NOT SEEN GOD! - MARK THIS WELL!

1. Have you really met the Lord- don't get mixed up in church politics & be unsaved!-
2. Are you demanding of the church more perfection in men than you do in business- or politics?
3. Come and help us walk close to the Lord- or you will be tricked out or your birthright.