Stay Useful | Pastor Raph | Feb. 02, 2025

Staying Useful

Last week, we discussed three men mentioned in the third letter of the Apostle John. The recipient of the letter, Gaius, was known for his hospitality. His name means “joyful,” and John encourages him to remain steadfast in his identity as one who is beloved.

Gaius is commended for his faithfulness, hospitality, and commitment to the truth of the gospel. He is described as “beloved,” reflecting his deep connection to the Christian community. His generosity and support for traveling missionaries demonstrate his dedication to Christian love and service.

Demetrius, on the other hand, is presented as a role model for Gaius to follow. He possesses a quality essential for protecting the church and resisting deception: integrity. We explored the significance of integrity in the Christian life. Demetrius is portrayed as a man of integrity and truth. 

Integrity is a firm commitment to truth, moral uprightness, and consistency between beliefs and actions.

Integrity is not merely about reputation but about being whole and undivided in one’s faith.

A person of integrity remains loyal to what is right, even when faced with opposition or challenges. 

 Proverbs 20:7: “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him” (ESV).

The Christian community and the apostle John affirm Demetrius' character. He serves as an example of a trustworthy and faithful believer whose life aligns with the gospel’s teachings.

Finally, we examined Diotrephes's character, whose actions contrasted with those of Gaius and Demetrius.

Diotrephes is condemned for his self-centeredness, rejection of apostolic authority, and divisive actions. He refuses to welcome Christian missionaries, spreads slander, and exerts control over others in the church.

What made the apostle of love write the following words about this man?

3 John 1:9-10 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

Not like that in the beginning.

Diotrephes was not always as described in 3 John. At some point, he was appointed a leader in the church and likely supported the apostles, possibly even opening his home to host a small group of believers. While the details of his early journey remain unknown, it is evident that he once held a position of influence within the church.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

Similarly, in marriage, every couple begins with love, respect, care, and consideration for one another. However, something can enter that relationship—whether in a marriage, a leadership role, a family, or an individual—that causes a person to become divisive.

I want you to remain useful in God’s service. The key is to guard our hearts.

Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (ESV)

The question is, what are the stumbling blocks? What are the self-exaltation, selfishness, bitterness, and resentment pebbles that can cause you to fall into purposelessness?

Saul, from king to knave

A knave person is deceitful, untrustworthy, dishonest or dishonorable.

King Saul began his reign as a man of honor. The Bible clearly states that the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, transforming him into a different man (1 Samuel 10:6). Initially, he displayed humility, as the Lord found him hidden among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:22), seemingly reluctant to take on the role of king. His early leadership was marked by divine empowerment and a sense of duty. However, as time passed, his heart changed, leading to disobedience, jealousy, and, ultimately, his downfall.

1 Samuel 10:6 “Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.” (ESV)

1 Samuel 10:21-22 “He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot, and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. So they inquired again of the Lord, ‘Is there a man still to come?’ and the Lord said, ‘Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.’”

King Saul’s transformation from a humble leader to a jealous and disobedient ruler happened slowly.

Israel was under constant threat from the Philistines, a powerful and well-equipped enemy. The Philistines had superior military technology, including iron weapons. Saul, facing military pressure as the Philistines gathered a massive army, became impatient when the prophet Samuel did not arrive at the appointed time. Instead of waiting, Saul took it upon himself to offer a burnt sacrifice, a duty reserved for the priest (1 Samuel 13:8-10).

Samuel arrived immediately after the sacrifice and rebuked Saul for his disobedience. This marked the beginning of Saul’s downfall.

1 Samuel 13:11 11 Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, 12 I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.”

God, through Samuel, commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, including their king, livestock, and possessions, as judgment for their past hostility toward Israel (1 Samuel 15:1-3; cf. Exodus 17:8-16). This was a form of divine justice for their attacks on Israel during the exodus. Instead, Saul spared King Agag and kept the best livestock, justifying his actions by claiming he intended to offer sacrifices to God.

1 Samuel 15:15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the LORD your God, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.”

Samuel confronted Saul, declaring that obedience was more important than sacrifice.

(1 Samuel 15:22-23) And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.”

Although Saul repented superficially, the kingdom was already being taken from him and given to another—David.

As the people celebrated Israel’s victories, the women sang, praising both Saul and David. However, their song gave greater honor to David, saying, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” From that moment on, Saul viewed David with suspicion and hostility, seeing him as a threat rather than a servant of God. Saul’s jealousy of David led to paranoia and hatred, marking a drastic change in his character.

1 Samuel 18:8-9 8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.

1 Samuel 18:9 (AMP) Saul looked at David with suspicion [and jealously] from that day forward.

Saul’s jealousy turned into violent aggression, showing how far he had fallen from his original humility.

How could a humble, Spirit-filled king like Saul change so drastically? 1 Samuel outlines his downfall:

1. Rebellion (1 Samuel 13:8-14; 15:9-23).

Saul rejected Samuel’s authority. In the case of Diotrephes, he rejected the apostolic authority.

3 John 1:10: “So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us.” (ESV)

It usually begins with a sense of merit, entitlement, or the belief that one deserves more. This mindset can lead a leader to justify rebellion. 

Questioning authority is not inherently wrong; however, it is essential to recognize that God Himself establishes those in positions of authority to bless and protect. 

When this understanding is lacking, authority may be mistaken for oppression. This misunderstanding can distort the perception of leadership, causing direction and challenges to be misinterpreted as control or unfair demands, ultimately leading to rebellion.

Titus 3:10-11: “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (ESV)

Those who reject authority often exempt themselves from the protection and guidance of their leaders. This may help explain what Paul meant when he spoke of delivering someone to Satan.

1 Timothy 1:19-20 (ESV) “Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

Paul instructs the church to remove an unrepentant sinner from their fellowship, allowing him to experience the consequences of his actions in hopes that he will ultimately repent and be restored.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 (ESV) “When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.”

Rebellion and presumption are closely connected, as both involve acting independently of God’s authority and wisdom.

2. Presumption (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (ESV)

That was the problem of the Diotrephes. 

3 John 1:9: “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.” (ESV)

He one day put his calling, the ministry, the people, the church, his family, and others ahead of him. But now, something let him put himself first. 

A person who feels entitled—believing they deserve certain rights, recognition, or merit—often fails to perceive the blessing of being under the protection, prayer, and intercession of a leader. 

When challenges arise, or opportunities for growth present themselves, such individuals may take them as personal offenses rather than divine invitations to mature. This misunderstanding can lead to bitterness, which, if left unchecked, grows into resentment that closes you for the favor of God.

Hebrews 12:14-15 directly connects bitterness and resentment to one’s ability to receive God’s favor: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” (ESV)

This passage warns that bitterness not only harms the individual but also spreads, defiling many. A hardened heart can blind a person to God’s grace, leading them further away from His will. 

Recognizing authority as God’s provision rather than oppression is essential to remaining under His blessing and walking in His favor.

3. Rejection of God’s Word. (1 Samuel 15:23, 26)

3 John 1:9: “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.”

Saul and Diotrephes are prideful and self-centered.

People tend to prioritize themselves, especially during major transitions in life. This often happens at pivotal moments, such as when a student graduates from high school and enters college, facing new challenges and responsibilities. It can also occur when a dating couple decides to get married, becoming preoccupied with the pressures of wedding planning and the realities of adult life. Similarly, a married couple preparing to have children may find themselves overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenthood. Likewise, an employee transitioning into business ownership may become consumed by the demands of entrepreneurship.

Matthew 13:22 (ESV) “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”

Often, these significant life changes were initially inspired by the Lord Himself. He gave you a word, stirring your heart to take a step of faith. However, the many distractions of this world and the constant, nagging voices of doubt can begin to steal that word from your heart and suffocate His promises. 

1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

Do not allow God’s word to fade from your mind and heart. Instead, confess it daily, establish spiritual disciplines, and keep it ever before you. Write it on your mirror, place it on your refrigerator, set reminders on your phone—immerse yourself in His promises. Surrounding yourself with God’s truth will help you remain steadfast in what He has spoken over your life.

4. Anger and Jealousy (1 Samuel 18:7-9; 19:1, 9-10).

Unresolved anger and rebellion against God can lead to spiritual consequences.

Ephesians 4:25-27 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.

This explains why Saul is oppressed by an evil spirit. 

1 Samuel 16:14 states, “Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him.”

We are in the new covenant. The Spirit of God does not depart from us. But it definitely can be grieved.

Ephesians 4:29-32 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

The key is to guard our hearts against entitlement and resentment. We must recognize the grace of God as defined by Scripture—His undeserved and unmerited favor—given to those who acknowledge His love with humility, knowing they have not earned it.

On the other side of relationships lie struggles and the temptations of resentment and entitlement. There are those who live with lightness and empathy—individuals who are joyful, easygoing, and admired by their peers.

Such people are lovable not because they demand recognition but because they walk in grace and humility. God is calling you to live this kind of life.

The Bible emphasizes that those who are forgiving, empathetic, and pure in heart will receive blessings from God. Here are key verses that highlight the rewards of such a heart posture:

You Will Receive Mercy

Matthew 5:7 (ESV) “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Those who show compassion and forgiveness will experience God’s mercy in their own lives.

You Will See God

Matthew 5:8 (ESV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

A pure heart enables a person to experience a deeper relationship with God.

You Will Be Forgiven

Luke 6:37 (ESV) “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Those who readily forgive others will receive God’s forgiveness. This message is not limited to God’s forgiveness; we all need forgiveness from others at times. 

You Will Be Strengthened and Renewed

Psalm 51:10 (ESV) “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Colossians 3:12-15 (ESV) “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

You Will Be Exalted by God

James 4:10 (ESV) “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

 A humble and pure heart leads to God’s favor and exaltation in due time.

The forgiving, empathetic, and pure heart will receive mercy, peace, renewal, and a closer relationship with God. Keeping the heart free from bitterness and filled with love leads to spiritual blessings and eternal rewards.