Bible Study & Devotional 341
Guiding Scripture: 3 John 1:11 ‘Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.’
🔴 There’s Always One
written by: Torrie Slaughter
Self-examination is the study of one’s behavior and motivations.
If we don’t take the time to check our posture before the Lord, we can trust that someone else will shine a light. And that is what the author did in this letter specifically addressed to Gaius and other church leaders.
Diotrephes was that one person who negatively influenced the growth and expansion of the Gospel message.
The Apostle John tells us in verses 9-10 that Diotrephes was
1) competitive and opinionated;
2) did not have a spirit of hospitality;
3) a malicious gossiper;
4) excommunicated those who refuse to follow his example.
Wow! What a list of wretched character traits! But before we start judging and shaking our heads, let’s do a heart check. During your prayer time, ask God to reveal areas of disobedience, hardheartedness, and manipulation. I can speak from experience that it is always easy to be the victim but more challenging to admit to being the villain.
We all fall short, and seeking the Lord’s forgiveness as we repent of actions that set the wrong example within our community aligns us with God’s will. Even the Apostle Paul called himself the ‘chief among sinners’ (1 Timothy 1:15); he recognized the errors and did not seek sympathy.
If you are a Christ-follower, ask God to help you prioritize Him; by doing so, your heart for hospitality will increase, and the Gospel will spread.
Prayer: Lord, help us be faithful to you as we sow with our tears. Father, we trust you wholeheartedly and seek to do your will. Amen.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
