5 Smooth Stones

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11a “I am the good shepherd. ...” I think it is important also to note when dealing with this spirit in the church, the apostle John said that if he comes, he will deal directly with Diotrephes. Again, we should note the humility of John versus the arrogance of Diotrephes. The humility of John takes an aggressive approach against the arrogance of Diotrephes. John’s humility is expressed throughout the New Testament in how he served others, most notably watching over Peter after the events in the Garden on the night Jesus was betrayed, continuing through the resurrection events at the tomb, on to the Ascension and Pentecost, and the several events acknowledging him in the book of Acts. In his gospel he referred to himself simply as “The disciple whom Jesus loved.” I think humility is an essential counter measure in dealing with this spirit. 1 Peter 5:5 tells us that God opposes the arrogant, but gives grace to the humble. Not everyone is called to directly confront this spirit, but God will give grace for dealing with it to those who are called. Likewise, it is important to remain positive and in faith. It is necessary to guard our hearts with all diligence and protect the love of God when doing so. We all can be involved in the harvest, discipling and receiving those who are sent in the Name of the Lord, despite the spirit of Diotrephes. Just as Jesus has angels to gather out of His kingdom those who practice lawlessness, He has those, like the apostle John, who have the anointing and calling to directly confront the spirit of Diotrephes. I believe we can intercede and pray for people like John who have the unction to confront the Diotrephes in the spirit. The Lord is jealous over His church and desires to be The Shepherd of His fl ock. Over my years in ministry I have witnessed the e ff ects of this spirit of Diotrephes. There is manifest a constant e ff ort to separate part of the fl ock from the whole, to separate the fl ock from The Shepherd, to disparage leaders that are sent by the Lord to bring encouragement and understanding, and to instead raise themselves into a seat of preeminence. By understanding this spirit and what the Word of God has to say about its operation, we are be tt er prepared to bring enlightenment, correction, and faith to move forward with those who have been in fl uenced by this spiritual darkness. Operate your faith with humility, seek the Lord with songs and hymns and spiritual songs, pursue the fl ow of rejoicing in your inner man, and keep His love in fi rst place. Be involved in the harvest, pray 170