DIOTREPHES: A POWER HUNGRY DEACON (2 OF 18)
by Ken Trivette
Scripture: III John 1:9-11
This content is part of a series.
Diotrephes: A Power Hungry Deacon (2 of 18)
Series: Getting Better Acquainted With People in the New Testament
Ken Trivette
III John 9-11
Outline
1. The Arrogance He Displayed
a) What He Desired
b) What He Demanded
2. The Attacks He Delivered
a) Deceptive Attacks
b) Divisive Attacks
3. The Authority He Dismissed
a) A Defiant Heart
b) A Depraved Heart
1. Dr. A. T. Robertson once wrote an article for a Southern Baptist state magazine. He described the conduct of Diotrephes. Twenty-five deacons from various Baptist churches wrote to the editor, canceling their subscriptions. They contended that Robertson was writing about them. It would seem he hit a nerve with a few deacons!
2. As every pastor knows, a deacon can either be a great blessing to a Church or grievous burden. During the years I pastored, I had the privilege of working with some men who were excellent deacons. They were men who loved God, understand their role as a deacon, were a great help to me as a pastor, and served the Lord and the Church in a commendable and fruitful way. These men hold a special place in my heart.
3. On the other hand, I have known a few (please excuse me) that should have been taken out and hung on a sour apple tree. They caused me and the Church nothing but heartache and sorrow. I discovered early in my ministry that not everyone should be or can be a deacon. I have known some good men that once they got on the deacon board they changed completely. They became a totally different person. The simple truth is; some men can't handle being made a deacon. It ruins them. It goes to their head rather than to their heart. Often the reason is they get power hungry.
4. I have often jokingly said that it ought to be a Federal law that a pastor be able to shoot one member a year. There have been times when a deacon would have been my target and other times when I probably would have gone over my quota. I AM JOKING YOU KNOW! I might add that some pastors should be sh ...
Series: Getting Better Acquainted With People in the New Testament
Ken Trivette
III John 9-11
Outline
1. The Arrogance He Displayed
a) What He Desired
b) What He Demanded
2. The Attacks He Delivered
a) Deceptive Attacks
b) Divisive Attacks
3. The Authority He Dismissed
a) A Defiant Heart
b) A Depraved Heart
1. Dr. A. T. Robertson once wrote an article for a Southern Baptist state magazine. He described the conduct of Diotrephes. Twenty-five deacons from various Baptist churches wrote to the editor, canceling their subscriptions. They contended that Robertson was writing about them. It would seem he hit a nerve with a few deacons!
2. As every pastor knows, a deacon can either be a great blessing to a Church or grievous burden. During the years I pastored, I had the privilege of working with some men who were excellent deacons. They were men who loved God, understand their role as a deacon, were a great help to me as a pastor, and served the Lord and the Church in a commendable and fruitful way. These men hold a special place in my heart.
3. On the other hand, I have known a few (please excuse me) that should have been taken out and hung on a sour apple tree. They caused me and the Church nothing but heartache and sorrow. I discovered early in my ministry that not everyone should be or can be a deacon. I have known some good men that once they got on the deacon board they changed completely. They became a totally different person. The simple truth is; some men can't handle being made a deacon. It ruins them. It goes to their head rather than to their heart. Often the reason is they get power hungry.
4. I have often jokingly said that it ought to be a Federal law that a pastor be able to shoot one member a year. There have been times when a deacon would have been my target and other times when I probably would have gone over my quota. I AM JOKING YOU KNOW! I might add that some pastors should be sh ...
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