5 Smooth Stones

Chapter Twenty-Seven

DIOTREPHES FALSE LEADERSHIP / COLD LOVE

W e have just been looking at how Diotrephes keeps the church of

Jesus Christ from receiving The Chief Shepherd, Jesus.

It was the apostle Paul who fi rst warned the elders in the church of Ephesus to beware of wolves rising up from within the church leadership (Acts 20:29), and Jesus later commended them for taking the apostle’s warning to heart. Paul seemingly had to deal with his issue in other churches as he warned the churches of Galatia also. Galatians 4:17: “Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.” (New International Version - NIV) When Jesus, through John, addressed the church in Ephesus, He commended them for discerning false leaders in the church, but also warned them about losing their “ fi rst love” in doing so. Revelation 2:1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your fi rst love.” Jesus warned His followers that this would be a danger when dealing with false leaders. Ma tt hew 24:12 “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Ma tt hew 24:24, 25 “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.”

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