Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

c. is the antithesis of Diotrephes thenII. Conflicting CharactersA. Prosperity1. while Diotrephes may possess good health and even material prosperity, he has bankrupted hissoul so that it cannot prosper2. his primary concern is not about heaven, but about here and that carnal mindset has caused hisspirit to turn black and lifeless (Romans 8:5-8)a. and it seems that his stumbling block was not money, as it often is today; rather it was power,and not governmental or business, but within the church!b. in the end, it does not matter what led him astray, nor what leads us astray, so long as we endup lost in the end3. a prosperous soul may belong to a materially poor person (Revelation 2:8-11)a. a prosperous soul is rich in faith, in works and in hope and may sometimes make materialsacrifices to share or avoid compromise (Proverbs 30:7-9)b. even power in the church is not worth giving up heaven to obtain (Mark 8:34-38)B. Walking In Truth1. the phrase “the truth” is often used by John to identify the Christian religion–not just belief inJesus as the Messiah, but discipleship in terms of following in his footsteps and teachings (John 8:28-32)2. moreover, the Holy Spirit who inspired the writing of the New Testament is called the “Spirit oftruth” as Jesus announces his role in this revelation3. walking in truth is not just believing the right things, but it is also doing them and living thema. worshiping in spirit and truth (cf. John 4:24)b. associating with brethren in sincerity and truth (cf. First Corinthians 5:7)c. meditating upon truth (cf. Philippians 4:8)d. telling the truth (cf. Galatians 4:16)4. walking in truth is an orderly march in the measured footprints left behind by Jesus andilluminated by the lamp of the Holy Spirit in revelation; it is imitating what is good and eschewing whatis evil (Second John 4-6 and First John 2:3-6)C. Hospitality1. hospitality is a qualification necessary both to the eldership and to addition to the list of widowsindeed (cf. First Timothy 3:2, 5:10)2. but it is also necessary to being an ordinary, self-sufficient Christian in the pew (Romans 12:9-133. being given to hospitality means being addicted to it, as much as “given to wine” indicatesalcoholisma. don’t withhold hospitality because it will ultimately cost you the most (Hebrews 13:1-3b. be hospitable, but not grudgingly (First Peter 4:7-11c. refuse those in error, but never those in truth (cf. Second John 7-11)D. Good Testimony1. the good testimony that Demetrius had resulted from the fact that he walked in truth, his soulprospered even if he was not healthy, rich or powerful like Diotrephes, and he showed hospitality to thesaints2. Demetrius and Gaius received the apostles and other teachers with humility, not perceiving themas threats or boat rockers3. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver andgold” (Proverbs 3:22).4. “A good name is better than precious ointment” (Ecclesiastes 7:1)ConclusionThe character of these men is evident from what the inspired writer says about them.16! Jeff S. Smith