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Lesson 4: How to Destroy a Church (3 John 9-10)

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In John’s short letter, he quickly identifies what we might call a “good guy” and “bad guy” dichotomy. This is certainly an oversimplification of what was going on, but it’s hard to miss the contrast John seems to want everyone to notice. In one corner was the noble Gaius, a brother who welcomed gospel workers and walked in the truth. But in the other corner resided the divisive Diotrephes, an unloving person who was self-asserting and ungracious toward those who didn’t agree with him. Something needed to be done with character number two before matters got any worse. Pastor Daniel explores this text and shares the tragedy that exists when people in the church act as Diotrephes did. He states, “To destroy a church, proudly pursue your own glory instead of humbly pursuing God’s (to build a church…do the opposite!).”

Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff

Related Topics: Ecclesiology (The Church), Pastors

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