Contending for the Faith: John, Part II

Like Diotrephes, people in churches are seeking fame, preeminence, lording over their power over others, making themselves better or promoting themselves and provoking others.

We need more of Jesus in our lives, not less. We need Him stepping into every empty place in our lives, working in us and through us, as He has promised to do:

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." (John 16: 7)

If we make nothing of Jesus, we must inevitably make something of ourselves. For this reason, there is a great deal of strife and unrest in churches, where members seek to make themselves great, and provoke others needlessly.

How did John plan to handle it? "I will remember, or I will bring to his remembrance" the things that he has done. He would also confront him about not receiving other believers, and even casting them out of the local church.

It is time for men and women in the Body of Christ to stand up to the Pharisees, the legalists who would bring back the law, when Scripture declares clearly: "Cast out the bondwoman!" (Galatians 4: 3)

Moses was a servant, but the Son abides forever!

"5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (Hebrews 3: 4-6)

Paul had little patience for people who wanted to go back the Old Covenant:

"6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." (1 Timothy 1: 6-7)

In the last days, we who are sons of God by grace through faith, who believe in Jesus now and forever, must stand up and speak forth that grace is what saved, what saves, and will save us. Not our works, not going back to the law, not trusting in our efforts, and certainly not in boasting in our law-keeping at the expense of others.