The Center of Attention

Ever been around someone who can’t stand to be second or who always wants to be the center of attention? The Apostle John, the one Jesus loved wrote about such a person, named Diotrophes. Here’s what John writes:

“I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.” (3 John 9-11)

Take a minute to reflect on this brief passage.

1. How have you seen the Diotrophes effect played out in churches or ministries?
2. Imagine the Apostle John coming to your church or ministry. Would he be allowed to speak? Why or why not?
3. How does this passage impact you?

Maranatha (Come, Lord Jesus)

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Watch Yourselves

This week I have been pondering 2 John. The Apostle John, the one whom Jesus loved, wrote a brief letter, consisting of 13 verses in our Bible. His concern was the proliferation and infiltration of false leaders and their teaching among the churches.

He wrote to “the chosen lady and her children whom I love in truth…” (2 John 1). John’s concern and warning is fitting for us today. Take a moment to read the following:

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver ​and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.”
( 2 John 7-11 )

Questions to ponder:

1. Who are some deceivers I have seen operating in churches? How do they operate and what do they teach?
2. How does John’s warning, “watch yourselves” apply to me?
3. In what ways might I have been giving aide or greetings to false leaders or false teaching?

Maranatha (Come, Lord Jesus)

Our Inheritance

I’ve spent the last month reflecting on 1 Peter and in the last few days reviewing the letter. I was struck again by the reality of our eternal future which is through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away. It is reserved in heaven for us and is protected by the power of God. Amazing.

Below is the passage. Take a few minutes to read and ponder what Peter says.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” (1 Peter 1:3-7 NASB)

Here are a few questions to consider:

1. What thoughts came to your mind?
2. How should we think about our inheritance?
3. What part do trials play in our inheritance?

Take a few minutes to thank the Lord for all He has done for you.

Maranatha (Come, Lord Jesus)

More on Suffering

Suffering is not a topic we like to think or talk about, but it is part of the normal Christian life. I’ve been reminded about this truth​ through my last 26 days spent reflecting on 1 Peter. Today I spent some time reflecting on this passage:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Pt. 4:12-19)

Take a few minutes to ponder this passage.

1. What is your perspective on suffering?
2. How have you responded to suffering for Christ in the past?
3. What is the Lord teaching you through this passage?

Maranatha (Come, Lord Jesus)