3John Diotrephes took the preeminence over the folks. He wanted to be head pastor in control. Vs.11 beloved, follow not that which is evil. (Wow! Did he really say that?...nahhhh).
Romans 12:3 tells us not to think to highly of ourselves. So if you are above the group with a special title and salary, this sin would never enter your heart...right? You betcha!
Matt.23:8 says we are all brothers, shoulder level. Titles destroy that concept. That's why Jesus said 'don't do it'. You know, that pesky pride thing! (Bible speaks against arrogance....could be a mis-translation. One can only hope).
1Tim.5:21 I charge thee before God.......observe these things without preferring one before another (is your 'pastor' preferred over everyone else? Of course not! Well, maybe just a little), doing nothing by partiality (have you noticed how those that have money or certain super star attributes are set in positions of ministry, so called? Of course not! Well...maybe just sometimes). This is contrary to the biblical, every member participation meeting. But who really cares...right?
James 2:1-9 My brothers, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus and then prefer one over another. For if a rich man walks in and a poor man, and you schmooze (called kissing their royal caboose), up to the 'money' guy, r u not preferring the guy with the bank roll? Are you not being evil? Now, the poor believer feels like excrement. Satan beating him down. His ministry rejected. Not good enough you see. His tithe on the lean side.
But he must struggle against that spirit with all his might. He must overcome and sit alone. For if he doesn't straighten up, he'll be branded a baby.
Well done big shot 'pastor'! You just made life hell for another one of God's precious lambs. By your false position and greed, you just drug the little guy into hell. But small sacrifice for moving God's kingdom forward...right?....uhhh...not so much!
Has not God chosen the poor, rich in faith, to be His closest friends? But you disdain the poor because they cannot fill your pockets for your personal empire. .......if you prefer the 'class acts' over the 'nobody's, you are steeped in ungodly rebellion and sin.(mine).
Ephesians 5:21 we are told to submit one to another....not to some self exalted Diotrephes who desires the preeminence.
1Cor. 1:10 we r commanded NOT to have any divisions among us, yet that's all we do have by virtue of the deeds of the Nicolaitans, the Babylonian clerical/laity system that is entrenched in every 'church' in the world, save those few that have shaken off the pagan construct and meet in participatory assembles. 2 or 3 gathered in His name doing it His way is the NT assembly. Now whose forsaking the biblical assembly? It's not me!
Matt.23 ...the ones who have taken the preeminence among you love the 'high seats'(Grecian podiums with a small throne).
Of course that's not in your 'church'! Of course not.
I know I'm being rough here. At least I'm not calling exalted leaders snakes like you know Who did. If He were here physically with whip in hand and a mouth full, you'd wish you had me back! Smile!
Romans 12:3 tells us not to think to highly of ourselves. So if you are above the group with a special title and salary, this sin would never enter your heart...right? You betcha!
Matt.23:8 says we are all brothers, shoulder level. Titles destroy that concept. That's why Jesus said 'don't do it'. You know, that pesky pride thing! (Bible speaks against arrogance....could be a mis-translation. One can only hope).
1Tim.5:21 I charge thee before God.......observe these things without preferring one before another (is your 'pastor' preferred over everyone else? Of course not! Well, maybe just a little), doing nothing by partiality (have you noticed how those that have money or certain super star attributes are set in positions of ministry, so called? Of course not! Well...maybe just sometimes). This is contrary to the biblical, every member participation meeting. But who really cares...right?
James 2:1-9 My brothers, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus and then prefer one over another. For if a rich man walks in and a poor man, and you schmooze (called kissing their royal caboose), up to the 'money' guy, r u not preferring the guy with the bank roll? Are you not being evil? Now, the poor believer feels like excrement. Satan beating him down. His ministry rejected. Not good enough you see. His tithe on the lean side.
But he must struggle against that spirit with all his might. He must overcome and sit alone. For if he doesn't straighten up, he'll be branded a baby.
Well done big shot 'pastor'! You just made life hell for another one of God's precious lambs. By your false position and greed, you just drug the little guy into hell. But small sacrifice for moving God's kingdom forward...right?....uhhh...not so much!
Has not God chosen the poor, rich in faith, to be His closest friends? But you disdain the poor because they cannot fill your pockets for your personal empire. .......if you prefer the 'class acts' over the 'nobody's, you are steeped in ungodly rebellion and sin.(mine).
Ephesians 5:21 we are told to submit one to another....not to some self exalted Diotrephes who desires the preeminence.
1Cor. 1:10 we r commanded NOT to have any divisions among us, yet that's all we do have by virtue of the deeds of the Nicolaitans, the Babylonian clerical/laity system that is entrenched in every 'church' in the world, save those few that have shaken off the pagan construct and meet in participatory assembles. 2 or 3 gathered in His name doing it His way is the NT assembly. Now whose forsaking the biblical assembly? It's not me!
Matt.23 ...the ones who have taken the preeminence among you love the 'high seats'(Grecian podiums with a small throne).
Of course that's not in your 'church'! Of course not.
I know I'm being rough here. At least I'm not calling exalted leaders snakes like you know Who did. If He were here physically with whip in hand and a mouth full, you'd wish you had me back! Smile!
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