Series on
“What Kind of Christian are you?”

Title

For Doubting Christians! [Part A]

For Doubting Christians! [Part B]

For Doubting Christians! [Part C]

For Deserting Christians! [Part A]

For Deserting Christians! [Part B]

For Deserting Christians! [Part C]

For Dictatorial Christians! [Part A]

For Dictatorial Christians! [Part B]

For Dictatorial Christians! [Part C]

For Dependable Christians! [Part A]

For Dependable Christians! [Part B]

For Dependable Christians! [Part C]

Scripture Ref.

John 11 v 16, 14 v 5, 20 v 19 - 31

John 11 v 16, 14, v 5, 20 v 19 - 31

John 11 v 16, 14, v 5, 20 v 19 - 31

2 Tim 4 v 1 - 22, Col 4 v 14, Philemon v 24

2 Tim 4 v 1 - 22, Col 4 v 14, Philemon v 24

2 Tim 4 v 1 - 22, Col 4 v 14, Philemon v 24

3 John v 1 - 14

3 John v 1 - 14

3 John v 1 - 14

Acts 19 v 23 - 41, 3 John v 12

Acts 19 v 23 - 41, 3 John v 12

Acts 19 v 23 - 41, 3 John v 12

What Kind Of Christian Are You? No.1
For Doubting Christians! Part A.
Reading John Ch. 11 v 16 + 14 v 5 + 20 v 19-31.

Introduction:
The question often arises in my own mind and heart.
What kind of Christian are you?
An old writer, speaking of people as stewards of God, urges upon them as wise traders and servants to look to themselves carefully, and take care of four houses that are under their charge.
1. The warehouse--or heart and memory--where they should store up precious things, holy affections, grateful remembrances, celestial preparations, etc. Without a good stock in the warehouse there can be no good trade.
2. The workhouse--or actions--where they retail to others for God’s glory the grace entrusted to them, teaching the ignorant, comforting the poor, visiting the sick, etc. We must be active or we cannot be acceptable servants.
3. The clock-house--meaning speech--which must always, like a well-timed bell, speak the truth accurately; also meaning observance of time, redeeming it by promptly doing the duties of every hour. We must use time well, or our spiritual gains will be small.
4. The counting house--or the conscience--is to be scrupulously watched, and no false reckoning allowed, lest we deceive our own souls. The Master will call for our accounts; let us keep them honestly.
C. H. Spurgeon.
I want if I may to share with you some thoughts on four lesser-known characters in the New Testament.
Didymus the Doubter! Demas the Deserter!
Diotrephes the Dictator! Demetrius the Dependable!
This study looks into the kind of Christian Thomas was! We will call him—
Didymus the Doubter!
By the way, the name Didymus is Aramaic for twin. Didymus the double was well named for his doubts were double those of any others. And to be truthful, how many of us could identify with Thomas in this area of life.
There is more faith in honest doubt; Believe me, than in half the creeds;
So penned a poet (witless lout) to praise the doubters doubtful deeds.
But let me whisper in your ear, there’s no such thing as honest doubt:
For doubt will doubtless disappear if it is honest out and out.
Can’t we all identify with doubt?
Doubt takes from us peace and tranquillity:
Doubt plunges us into the dungeon of despair:
Doubt places us into the castle of depression:
Doubt binds us and renders us faithless:
And yet how real it is. How often it steals in upon us and causes us sleepless nights and agonising days.
Thomas or Didymus has his name recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke and The Book of the Acts, but it really is simply a recording of his name only.
If we want to know more of the little record there is of Thomas, it’s John we need to look to.
In John’s brief account of Didymus the Doubter we can learn a number of things that may interest us.

1. The Cause Of His Doubt! John 14 v 1-6.
A. A Lack Of Faith! John 14 v 5-6.
My favourite way of illustrating [trust] is to recount what I’m told is a true story. I don’t know that it is, but I’ve read in several places that it is.
A famous tightrope walker once strung a cable across Niagara Falls from the American side all the way to the Canadian side. To the applause of thousands of people, he would walk across that tightrope right on the very edge of the falls, the rushing, cascading waters thundering underneath him. He would walk back and forth, people applauding wildly. Then to further wow the crowds, he would put a blindfold on and go back and forth. Then he would ride a bicycle back and forth, and then he would push a wheelbarrow back and forth. Every day, people came out to watch him. He quite simply was the greatest.
As the story goes, one day while pushing the wheelbarrow back and forth, he called out to the crowd on one end, inquiring whether or not they thought he could successfully push the wheelbarrow across with a human being riding in the wheelbarrow. The crowd went berserk: “Surely you can. You’re remarkable. We’ve watched you for days. We understand and appreciate your skills. We believe in your abilities. You are the greatest.” On and on they went, to which he responded, “Then someone volunteer. You come right up here, single file, form a line, and get in the wheelbarrow to prove your trust in my ability.” A deafening silence overtook the crowd. There were no takers. Christianity today Magazine!

I have heard people say, well if we had better preachers today it would strengthen our faith, yet is it not amazing, Thomas had for three years listened to the best preacher this world had ever heard, the Lord Jesus Christ, yet doubt still haunts him and lingers in the depths of his heart.
For all that time period he had been taught, loved, cared for, had things explained to him by the dear Saviour but still doubts lingered.
Jesus taught about life and how to live it, Jesus taught about people and how to love them, Jesus taught about death and how to die, Jesus taught about resurrection and how to believe it. And that is only the tip of the iceberg of Jesus teachings. Added to that, the disciples could testify to the fact of seeing Jesus perform, do many wonderful works in the name of God the Father.
He taught them about building His Church; He taught them to understand that they would be the foundation or building blocks of His church. In three and one half years they had heard more and been taught more than anyone did, ever.
Yet when the disciples tell Thomas of seeing Jesus after His resurrection he just won’t believe them. He cannot take it in, he simply will not believe it, and without doubt there was a singular lack of faith.
It is always weakness to be fretting and worrying, questioning and mistrusting. What can we do if we wear ourselves to skin and bone? Can we gain anything by fearing and fuming? Do we not unfit ourselves for action, and unhinge our minds for wise decision? We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith. ... Oh for grace to be confident in God. C.H. Spurgeon.
The cause of Thomas’s doubt was lack of faith! I believe it may well be the very thing that causes our doubt, leading to a do nothing lifestyle. I mean, how many people simply because of doubt and fear just do nothing.
Dr. Vance Havner. Negative, uncertain, doubtful living poisons body, mind, and spirit; fills insane asylums, penitentiaries, graves, hell itself.
A. A Liberal Idea! John 14 v 5-6.
The Bible says Philippians 2 v 5.
“Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus”
But Thomas says I have a mind of my own. He had already decided what kind of Messiah, what kind of man Jesus was to be. Isaiah 53 had already revealed this Jesus was indeed to be the suffering Son of Man and the reason for it. Jesus Himself had made clear that He would suffer and die and go back to the Father in Heaven.
“Thomas said unto Him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?”
Now, Thomas deserves some credit here, for he was not a man to pretend a faith he did not have. And we should thank Thomas for such a stirring question. You see if Thomas had been in harmony with the Lord Jesus Christ he would have picked up on the statement Jesus had been making and things would have been at least, clearer to him.
But Thomas has his mind set already; he has his own idea. Like Namman of old, he thought the prophet would do what his mind had conceived but no, the prophet does exactly what God’s mind had conceived. That’s what Jesus is doing, what God’s mind has conceived. See the need beloved for having the mind of Christ, it really will make life a lot more understandable.
I say it again; even the greatest preacher did not have the impact on Thomas he should have. Why? A deep lack of faith and a mind, or idea all of his own.
Thomas had his mind closed to what the most wonderful preacher this world had ever heard was saying. It was not getting through; it did not sink in.

Hebrews 4:2
”For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”
C. A Love Of Logic! John 20 v 25.
”The other disciples, therefore, said unto him, we have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
Believe what you do believe and stick to it, but don’t profess to believe more than you intend to stick to. If you say you believe God is love, stick to it though all providence becomes a pandemonium shouting that God is cruel to allow what he does. Oswald Chambers.
The world’s attitude is, seeing is believing, but Jesus said to Thomas.
John 14 v 29.
”Jesus said unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
Jesus turns the logic of this world upside down!
Those today who crave miracles and signs are out of line with the Lord’s method in this age of people’s faith being based solely on God’s Word. As Paul put it, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” Romans 10 v 17.
Those who insist on signs, wonders, and miracles can have them—at a price. Satan is only too willing to oblige. After the church age when God once more takes up direct dealings with the nation of Israel, signs and miracles will resume. Pentecost was only a partial fulfilment of Joel 2 v 28-31. In the book of the Revelation we see God’s “two witnesses,” performing miracle after miracle Rev. 11 v 3-6. They of course will be opposed by counterfeit, satanic miracles. The church age however is one of faith, not sight. Hence the Lord’s special beatitude to us. Do not depend on feelings! Deepen faith!

“There is a touching fact related in a history of a Highland chief, of the noble house of McGregor, who fell wounded by two bullets at the battle of Prestonpans. Seeing their chief fall, the clan wavered and gave the enemy an advantage. The old chieftain, beholding the effect of his disaster, raised himself up on his elbow, while the blood gushed in streams from his wounds, and cried out loud, ‘I am not dead, my children. I am watching to see you do your duty.’ These words revived the sinking courage of his brave Highlanders. There was a charm in the fact that they still fought under the eye of their chief. It encouraged them to put forth they’re mightiest energies, and they did all that human strength could do to turn and stem the dreadful tide of battle.
“And isn’t it impressive to believers that they contend in the battlefield of life under the eye of the Saviour? Wherever they are, however they are oppressed by foes, however exhausted by the stern strife with evil, the eye of Christ is fixed most lovingly upon them. Nor is Jesus the only observer of their conduct. They are also ‘a spectacle unto angels.’ They are ‘surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.’ Human and angelic minds are the spectators of deeds. Thus is the theatre of life made sublime. Believers contend for salvation under circumstances sufficiently grand, and with results before them sufficiently awful to arouse their most latent powers, and to stimulate them to strive bravely, vigorously, and perseveringly even unto victory.”
D. Wise. (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Quotable Spurgeon.)

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What Kind Of Christian Are You? No.1.
For Doubting Christians! Part B.
Reading John Ch. 11 v 16 + 14 v 5 + 20 v 19-31.

2. The Consequences Of His Doubt!
There is of course always a consequence to sin. We may in a very real sense know forgiveness from the Lord when we call upon His name and repent but beloved, the consequence always remains.
A. Thomas Hurt His Own Character!
He lived a full week in misery, doubt and fear because he could not settle his heart and mind on what to believe. As I have already said he had heard the best preacher this world, and certainly he himself, ever witnessed. Instead of joy and rejoicing he was totally miserable, it was gloom and doom all through the week. He had let doubt rob him of the joy of the Lord.
Like Christian and his companion in Pilgrim’s Progress, straying into by-path meadow then captured by giant despair they were cast into doubting castle. Giant despair would pay them a visit and every time he did they were beaten with his crab tree cudgel until black and blue, starved of food, told to commit suicide. There they lay, beaten and hungry in doubting castle, until suddenly Christian says, what a fool I have been, lying here in this awful place, when I have the key in my bosom that will open every lock in this castle.
His companion said what key? Why the key of promise said Christian! What’s the key of promise? What God reveals in His word!
How often beloved we become downhearted and morbid when all the time God’s Word stands safe and secure. We are robbed of our joy; we become totally despondent with everything and everybody. We blame our partner for not being spiritual enough, we blame the church for not being interested enough, we blame the pastor for not being caring enough, we blame the office bearers for not doing enough, we blame the members for not calling enough.
What’s happening, well we have been putting together a patchwork quilt religion as Thomas did and thus we get a patchwork quilt result.
Our generation is exposed to more religious ideas than any people in history.
We are inundated with all kinds of deviant teachings that claim to be truth. The undiscerning person has no means of determining what is truth, and many are baffled by the variety of teachings. It is no wonder so many dear folks are confused. But here’s the point, why should people who believe the Bible and affirm that Jesus is Lord of all people be led astray or confounded by competing doctrines?
Scripture warns that the church will be invaded with doctrines of demons, destructive heresies, myths, falsehoods, perverse teachings, commandments of men, human traditions, empty philosophy, vain deceit, speculations, lying spirits, worldly fables, false knowledge, and worldly wisdom. Jesus warned that false prophets would show up at church as wolves in sheep’s clothing Matt. 7 v 15. Paul told the elders at Ephesus that savage wolves would enter in, not sparing the flock Acts 20 v 29. “And from among your own selves,” he added, “men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” v 30.
He wrote Timothy and said, “Evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” 2 Tim. 3 v 13. He also wrote, “The Spirit explicitly says that in; later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” 1 Tim. 4 v 1.
An almost inexhaustible gullibility has destroyed people’s will to be discerning. Therefore the church is shot through with confusion, error and doubt. And what happens? It’s the character of the individual that falls foul and is deeply hurt simply because we will not take God at His Word!
”Give the Bible to the people, unadulterated, pure, unaltered, unexplained, uncheapened, and then see it work through the whole nature. It is very difficult indeed for a man or for a boy who knows the Scriptures ever to get away from it. It follows him like the memory of his mother. It haunts him like an old song. It reminds him like the word of an old and revered teacher. It forms a part of the warp and woof of his life.” Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) Past President U.S.A.

B. Thomas Hurt His Own Christ!
By that I mean he was hurting the testimony of the Christ of God whom he claimed to love, follow and serve.
By his own actions he was accusing the Lord Jesus Christ of being a fraud or at the least untrustworthy. According to Thomas, the words spoken by Jesus had proved to be false and untrue.
We learn something here. Thomas was separate from the rest of the crowd when Jesus first appeared to them after the resurrection. If only he had remained in close proximity to the others what a different outcome we might have seen.
”Church-goers are like coals in a fire. When they cling together, they keep the flame aglow; when they separate, they die out.” Billy Graham.
And that beloved is how Thomas hurt his own Christ. By his doubt and disbelief he brought shame to the truths of Jesus Christ.
Listen beloved, we need to lay hold on this truth, what we do has a knock on effect on the whole church. We are not islands unto ourselves.
A church that functions well will function together! Or put it the other way!
A church that functions together will function well!
You might well ask, well how can we do that? “Discipleship”
Now there are two things here in need of saying!

(i) Determining the Church’s Responsibility!
A church must make a concerted effort to teach people the Word of God to bring them to maturity. Everyone is to be involved in that process: the teaching pastor is to perfect the saints, the saints are to do the work of their ministry so that the body of Christ may be built up. We are all to be involved in the process of discipling people.
Paul instructed Timothy to pass on what he had learned to faithful men who would “be able to teach others also” 2 Tim. 2 v 2. Older men and women are to teach the younger ones Titus 2 v 3-5. Even young men are to be examples to others Titus 2 v 6-7.
A Christian who isn’t discipling someone is a contradiction. He or she ought to be reproducing their life in the lives of others.
A church should emphasise discipleship. The design of the Christian church is not to have a professional preacher, financed by laymen who merely act as spectators. Every Christian should be involved in edifying other believers.
Well, that’s something we have not been about for a long time!
(ii) Delineating The Discipling Process!
a. Teach Biblical Truth:
The Greek word translated “disciple” (Mathetes) means “learner.” If someone is a learner, someone else must teach him. Discipling Christians means teaching them biblical truth. When I disciple people, I give them tapes to listen to and books to read that deal with biblical subjects they need to understand.
Besides teaching from the pulpit, I teach them biblical truths on a personal level from the word of God.
b. Apply Scripture To living:
You need to make the Bible come alive to the person you’re discipling by making it practical. He or she needs to know how to apply biblical truth. You would be amazed how many learn principles that they never put into action.
We need to ask questions that prompt the disciple to think through his or her own set of circumstances from God’s point of view. They need to interpret life spiritually. For example a lady I was discipling was panicking over her personal and family problems. But when she began viewing those very real problems from the stand point of a Sovereign God and not from that of a desperate human, her panic disappeared. Biblical truth must be taught and translated into appropriated attitudes and actions. Truth will never do any good unless applied.
c. Solve Problems Biblically!
Biblical problem solving is a key to effective discipleship. People learn best when they have a need to know. One example is the way people respond to the stewardess giving safety instructions before takeoff. Few pay any attention to what is being said, except those who are on their first flight. The others have heard it all before and don’t expect to need to know it. However, if you looked outside of the plane and saw flames coming from the engine just as the stewardess said, “please take your emergency card,” you would grab one of those cards. And if there weren’t enough cards to go round, someone would get hurt in the rush! The change of interest comes from suddenly needing to know.
You always learn best when you have to know the answers. Effective discipleship involves giving someone biblical answers to problems he or she has and teaching them how to apply those answers. Be ready to give an answer when required.
C. Thomas Hurt His Own Church!
Whatever Church Thomas will join himself to, his attitude here will not easily be forgotten. Instead of proclaiming the truth of the resurrection he’s preaching his own rationalism. I will not believe! Unbelief was the scourge then and beloved it’s the scourge of the church today.
”Every man will have to decide for himself whether or not he can afford the terrible luxury of unbelief.” A. W. Tozer.
Doubting such as Thomas portrayed will have a debilitating effect not only on the one who doubts but also on the rest of God’s people.
You see dear folks; the church is called to be effective in the world in which we live at whatever time we live. There is no time that is easy to be a member of a true believing church and witness for Jesus Christ.

The Church is to be a Saved Church! Acts 17 v 1-4.
The Church is to be a Surrendered Church! 1 Thess. 1 v 6.
The Church is to be a Suffering Church! 1 Thess. 1 v 6b.
The Church is to be a Soul-winning Church! 1 Thess. 1 v 7.
The Church is to be a Second-Coming Church! 1 Thess. 1 v 10.
The Church is to be a Steadfast Church! 1 Thess. 3 v 8.
”For the watching world, we ourselves serve proof that God is alive. We form the visible shape of what he is like.” Philip Yancey.
”If we saw the Church as she is in the most generous souls who live most truly the life of the Church, she would appear most beautiful in our sight, despite the human imperfections which are mingled with the activity of her children. We rightly lament certain blots, but let us not forget that if there is sometimes mud in the valley at the foot of the mountains, on the summits there is always snow of dazzling whiteness, air of great purity, and a wonderful view that ever leads the eye to God.” Christianity Today.

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What Kind Of Christian Are You? No. 1.
For Doubting Christians! Part C.
Reading John Ch. 11 v 16 + 14 v 5 + 20 v 19-31.

1. The Cure For His Doubt!
Where John was concerned, the resurrection of Christ made a powerful demand on the intellect; where Mary Magdalene was concerned, the resurrection made a powerful demand on the heart; now, with Thomas, the resurrection made a powerful demand on the will!
You see the problem with Thomas was doubt, but doubt reinforced by stubbornness and will. Thankfully, we discover, in this section of Scripture Thomas finds a cure for his doubt. John 20 v 24-29.
A. The Church Of Christ!
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.” John 20 v 24.
Thomas is a vivid reminder of all those believers who for one reason or another absent themselves from gatherings of God’s people as though it mattered little. Listen folks, please take note of this thought, the only other person absent from that first important gathering with the resurrected Jesus was Judas. That’s the kind of company wilfully stays away from joining themselves with God’s people at the appointed time. Before Jesus left them He had instructed them to gather in that upper room and wait until He would appear unto them. That was an appointment with the dear Saviour they should not have missed on any account. Beloved, appointments with God should always be kept. Hebrews 10 v 25.
” Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.”
One of the very real signs of true faith, by way of response to the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be found in our expression of love to each other. And how best can I display that love?
Through fellowship with the people of God. Our Text from Hebrews says, “forsake not the assembling of yourselves together”. The Jewish people were having a very difficult time breaking with the covenant and traditions of the past. They kept going back to the temple sacrifices and rites; they were still drawn by the legalism, ritual, ceremony, and the outward things of Judaism. So the unknown penman to Hebrews is telling them, one of the best ways to hold fast to the precious things of God, the real things of God that are found only in the new Covenant of Jesus Christ, is to maintain earnestly and guard jealously, fellowship with the people of God. There they could love and be loved; there they could serve and be served. There is no better place to strengthen faith in Christ, or to hope continually in Him, than the church, His body!
”And so much the more as you see the day approaching” (drawing near)
What did the writer mean by that statement? Well, there are those who say it refers to the imminent destruction of the temple, which would bring to an end all the sacrifices and rituals of that religious system. The Old Covenant could not by any stretch of the imagination continue to function without the Temple, which when the book of Hebrews was written was about to be destroyed by Titus. But I believe the primary reference is to the coming of the Lord, which of course, makes the passage apply to all of us. Beloved, the only place we can remain steadfast until Jesus Christ returns is with His people. We desperately need each other, we desperately need to be in fellowship with each other, which in turn will strengthen and encourage us day by day.
”For the early Christians, “koinonia” was not the frilly “fellowship” of church-sponsored, biweekly bowling parties. It was not tea, cookies, and sophisticated small talk in Fellowship Hall after the sermon. It was an almost unconditional sharing of their lives with the other members of Christ’s body.” Ronald J. Sider.

B. The Christ Of The Church!
Charles Colson told the following story in an address at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi:
I love the illustration about a man named Jack Eckerd. A few years ago I was on the Bill Buckley television program, talking about restitution (one of my favourite subjects) and criminal justice. Bill Buckley agreed with me. A few days later I got a call from Jack Eckerd, a businessman from Florida, the founder of the Eckerd Drug chain, the second largest drug chain in America. He saw me on television and asked me to come to Florida. He agreed Florida had a criminal justice crisis, would I come down and do something about it? And we did. We got the attorney general of the state, the president of the senate; we got on Jack Eckerd’s Lear jet; we went around the State of Florida advocating criminal justice reforms, and everywhere we would go Jack Eckerd would introduce me to the crowds and say, “This is Chuck Colson, my friend; I met him on Bill Buckley’s television program. He’s born again, I’m not. I wish I were.” And then he’d sit down. We’d get on the aeroplane and I’d tell him about Jesus. We’d get off at the next stop, he’d repeat it, we’d do the same thing again, and I’d talk to him about Jesus. When we left I gave him some of R. C. Sproul’s books and I gave him C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, which had such an impact on me. I sent him my books. About a year went by and I kept pestering Jack Eckerd. And eventually one day he read some things including the story of Watergate and the Resurrection out of my book, Loving God, and decided that Jesus was, in fact, resurrected from the dead. He called me up to tell me he believed that, and I asked him some other things. When he got through telling me what he believed I said, you’re born again!” He said, “No, I’m not, I haven’t felt anything.” I said, “Yes, you are! Pray with me right now.” After we prayed he said, “I am? Marvellous!” The first thing he did was to walk into one of his drugstores and walked down through the bookshelves and he saw Playboy and Penthouse. And he’d seen it there many times before, but it never bothered him before. Now he saw them with new eyes. He’d become a Christian.
He went back to his office. He called in his president. He said, “Take Playboy and Penthouse out of my stores. The president said, “You can’t mean that, Mr. Eckerd. We make three million dollars a year on those books.” He said, “Take ‘em out of my stores.” And in 1,700 stores across America, by one man’s decision, those magazines and smut were removed from the shelves because a man had given his life to Christ. I called Jack Eckerd up. I said, “I want to use that story. Did you do that because of your commitment to Christ?” He said, “Why else would I give away three million dollars? The Lord wouldn’t let me off the hook.”
Isn’t that marvellous? God wouldn’t let me off the hook. I don’t know any theologian who’s better defined the Lordship of Christ than that. And what happened after that is a wonderful sequel and a wonderful demonstration of what happens in our culture today.
We are caught up with this idea that we’ve got to have big political institutions and big structures and big movements and big organisations in order to change things in our society. And that’s an illusion and a fraud. Jack Eckerd wrote a letter to all the other drugstore operators, all the other chains, and he said, “I’ve taken it out of my store. Why don’t you take it out of yours?” Not a one answered him. Of course not--he’d put them under conviction. So he wrote them some more letters. But then Eckerd’s Drugs began to get floods of people coming in to buy things at Eckerd’s because they’d taken Playboy and Penthouse out. And so People power removed the magazines from their shelves and then Dart Drug removed them from their shelves and then Revco removed them from their shelves. And over the period of twelve months while the pornography commission in Washington was debating over what to do about pornography and while they’re trying to come up with some recommendations for the president about what to do which will result in laws which if Congress ever passes them will be sued by the ACLU and will be tied up in the courts for 10 years--meanwhile, across America, one by one, stores are removing them. And the 7-11 chairman, who sits on Jack Eckerd’s board, finally gave in two weeks ago and 5,000 7-11 stores removed it. And in a period of twelve months, 11,000 retail outlets in America removed Playboy and Penthouse, not because somebody passed a law, but because God wouldn’t let one of his men off the hook. That’s what brings change. LORDSHIP! End quote!

My brothers and sisters I care not what it is you are involved in, through this work a day world. You may be at home looking after children, you may be in an office with the worst kind of people, you may be in the workshop of one kind or another, you may be in the business world, wherever you are, with Jesus Christ as Lord you will never be the loser, you will always be a winner.
John 20 v 19-23. Expound and explain!
Thomas was absent and look what happened!
John is very blunt about this v 25 “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.” He missed it all!
Imagine that! The very first appearance after His resurrection to His disciples. What must that not have been like? And Thomas missed it!
Why? Because not was he not present, and why was he not present? because Christ was not Lord.
Thomas was hiding in a corner somewhere. Well, even if it is true and Jesus is going to appear there’s no point in me going, I mean, He did not want me as one of His favourites, I was not one of the three He always had close to Him. Sure I have always been a back marker, I am not an up front man, nobody knows I am here. I’m not one of the Lord’s blue eyes, it hardly matters if I am there or not! And because of such an attitude he missed the best blessing of his whole life. He did! Man, Jesus breathed on them and the very power of God fell on them. A once in an earth time experience, never to be repeated, he missed it all because Christ was not Lord of all.
”Make me a captive, Lord, And then I shall be free; Force me to render up my sword, And I shall conqueror be. I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand; imprison me within thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.” George Matheson.

C. The Word Of The Christ!
You see, Thomas like all the rest had the words, which Christ spoke before His crucifixion. Ah! That was not enough for Thomas. Unless I see, and feel for myself I will not believe. Not you guys, not the Words of the Lord, not any body or anybody’s word. It’s not enough; I need more than that!
And beloved, before we start to tut at Thomas, the truth of the matter is doubt does the same to all of us.
We have the whole, complete Word of Jesus Christ. God speaks to us today in and through the Words of Jesus Christ, the Bible, and still it is never enough.
Through the book of Joshua alone He has been reminding us that we have---
The Promise of His Presence! The Promise of His Power! The Promise of His Place! The Promise of His Prosperity! The Promise of His Plan! The Promise of His Possessions! The Promise of his Promises!
And still it’s not enough. We walk with our heads down in the dust of the ground looking at the muck and the mess around us instead of looking up at the one who has already given us the victory.
”Only by desertion can we be defeated. With Christ and for Christ victory is certain. We can lose the victory by flight but not by death. Happy are you if you die in battle, for after death you will be crowned. But woe to you if by forsaking the battle you forfeit at once both the victory and the crown.” End quote! Bernard of Clairvaux.
Our God has called us to be faithful unto the end, whatever that end may be. There is a cure for Doubt and that cure is to be found in our continuing to the end.
”When William Carey began thinking of going to India as a pioneer missionary, his father pointed out to him that he possessed no academic qualifications that would fit him for such a task. But Carey answered, “I can plod.” How true it is that God accomplishes mighty things for his kingdom through those who are willing to persevere, who are willing to plod faithfully through one difficulty after another in the power of the Spirit.” James S. Hewett.

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What Kind Of Christian Are You? No.2.
For Deserting Christians! Part A.
Reading 2 Tim. 4 v 1-22 + Col. 4 v 14 + Philemon v 24.

Introduction:
This is the second of four studies on some lesser-known men in the Bible!
We are thinking today about ‘Demas the Deserter’ 2 Timothy 4 v 9-10.
”Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me; for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica.”
This is a message particularly for those who have taken some backward steps in their Christian walk with the Lord, or as we would bluntly put it, they have become backsliders. There has arisen in their hearts a revolt!
Hosea 11 v 7. “And my people are bent on backsliding from me.”
”The real danger in our situation lies in the fact that so many people see clearly what they are revolting from and so few see at all what they are revolting to.” Harry Emerson Fosdick.
”A man had a fine canary whose song was unusually beautiful. During the summer, it seemed a shame to keep the bird inside the house all the time. So the owner placed the cage in a nearby tree for the bird to enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air. Many sparrows frequented the tree and were attracted to the cage. At first the canary was frightened, but soon enjoyed his companions. But gradually and almost imperceptibly he lost the sweetness of the song. By the end of the summer his “singing” was little more than the twitter of the sparrows. Spending his summer in the wrong environment caused the canary to lose his finest song.” End quote! Christianity Today.
Many a dear Christian has lost their song because of a rebellious heart. Oh they never did intend that such a thing would happen, but happen it did. I recall asking a lady who had been a very active church member; can you pin point a time when you began to backslide? “Yes Pastor! Very clearly indeed, when I was sitting in the prayer meeting.” You see she said, “there were two people in
our meeting who had said some terrible things about my husband and myself, which I assure you were totally untrue, but when they began to pray I discovered a hatred in my heart which eventually destroyed my life and witness for the Lord. Some years later when the Lord drew me back to Himself I knew, it must be the very first thing I do, go and make things right with those people.”
In Psalm 137 when their captors asked the children of Israel to sing a song, a song of mirth or a song of Zion. “Sing us a happy song or sing us a Holy song” they asked, what reply did the captors receive? v 4
”How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?”
And of course they could not sing the Lord’s song, Why? Because they had lost their song, the song of the soul set free! Sin had separated between them and their God, they had taken a very large backward step from following after God, which of course displays itself in that they could not rejoice in the Lord.
Perhaps this is a good time to ask the question, what do you expect from God? Ephesians 3 v 20.
”Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
There is no piling up of words in Paul’s writings as these, “exceedingly abundantly above all.” And each word is packed with infinite love and power to “do” for His praying saints.
There is one limitation, “According to the power that worketh in us.”
He will do just as much for us as we will let Him do in us! The power that saved us, washed us and keeps us is willing to fill us. We will only get from God as we allow His spirit to work in us! Could this be the very point of departure where Demas was concerned, he had stayed the power of God in his life?
1. Demas And His Character!
And please remember the basic difference between physical and spiritual power is that men use physical power but spiritual power uses men!
The scholars tell us that Demas was at this time in his life in middle years therefore not a novice, should have been mature, we would think of him as being dependable. What do we find? He forsakes his friend and he fails bitterly in his field of service for the Lord. Was he expecting more than could be given? Because of a coldness of heart God could do no great work through him which led to an even colder attitude because of disappointment.
It’s as though he has hit a real low of some kind in life, or could it be he has been wrestling with a cold heart for some time and would not admit to it or seek help for it. Anybody recognise the symptoms?
Is it any wonder Habakkuk prays in Ch. 3 v 2.
”O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known.”

Those middle years can be difficult, ladies and gentlemen! I am reliably informed that there are three times in the Christian life that can be most difficult. In those first months and years of Salvation, that growing up in the Lord period. Those years in the eventide of life. Having given years of devoted service you begin to feel you are no longer needed or wanted. Bitterness and anger set in and you begin to create trouble for anyone and everyone. And of course those middle years. Stretched beyond limit in work, in the home, in your marriage, with responsibility. We at such times tend to let our guard down, the enemy finds a way through and suddenly we are growing cold of heart, we blame everybody and everything, it is a very dangerous time.
“In coming to Christ we do not bring our old life up to a higher plane; we leave it at the Cross. The corn of wheat must fall into the ground and die.” A. W. Tozer.
A. Demas Was A Fellow Servant! Philemon v 24.
”Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.”
At this time it seems evident Demas is considered one of Paul’s faithful labourers. I say so because of his inclusion in this list of Paul’s faithful fellow workers together with him in the service of His Lord. This man is a recognised servant of the Lord; he is an accepted companion of the Apostle, an authorised minister in the churches. Yet all is not well in his inner being. Something is building up on the inside of him not visibly detectable from a human standpoint. Whatever is happening with Demas on the inside, jealousy, envy, a critical spirit, annoyed about something or other, he is not dealing with it, he is not bringing it to the Lord. Rather he is allowing it to rot his attitude, harden his heart, and grieve the spirit and without any shadow of doubt the end result is going to be disastrous.
Could we identify with Demas today? Is there something going on the inside? We are allowing it to eat us up and little by little our lives are going to run down into a wasteful and backslidden condition. Beloved, we desperately need to take honest stock of our heart condition on a regular base.
Coming home from work, a woman stopped at the corner deli to buy a chicken for supper. The butcher reached into a barrel grabbed the last chicken he had, flung it on the scales behind the counter, and told the woman its weight. She thought for a moment. “I really need a bit more chicken than that,” she said. “Do you have any larger ones?”
Without a word, the butcher put the chicken back into the barrel, groped around as though finding another pulled the same chicken out, and placed it on the scales. “This chicken weighs one pound more,” he announced. The woman pondered her options and then said, “Okay. I’ll take them both.” Honesty is still the best policy. End quote! Clark Cothern.
B. Demas Was A Fellow Sufferer! Col. 4 v 3+14.
”With all praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.”
”Luke, the beloved Physician, and Demas, greet you!”
He was a prisoner with Paul and Luke; he was suffering for the sake and name of Jesus Christ! Certainly it would appear at this period he was suffering along with Paul and the others for his faith. Or could there be the slightest hint in Paul’s words in v 14 of Colossians 4 as he brings his letter to a close.
Note the wording, “Luke the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you!”
Luke’s name is couched in a term of endearment, but it’s simply and blandly, “and Demas.” Is there some indication here that Paul suspects something happening in the life of Demas that does not look good?
Could it be that Demas is beginning to show signs of cooling off?
Has Paul had to call him aside and challenge him as to his Christian Character?
Now if I am right in my thinking on this matter, notice where his coldness starts! In the midst of some of God’s choice servants, when he’s labouring hard for the Lord and when his suffering is at its most intense. As I asked earlier, can we identify with Demas? Has something else taken pride of place in our thinking?
Remember Jeremiah’s text. ch. 45 v 5.
”And seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not: for behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord: but thy life, will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.”

This phrase ‘A life for a prey’ is most intriguing!
It means a life snatched from the jaws of the destroyer, as David snatched the lamb. It means, not a removal from the noise of battle and the presence of foes, it means a table in the midst of our enemies, a shelter in the storm of adversity, a fortress amid the angry foe. In other words, a life preserved in the face of continual pressure and danger. It means healing when pressed out of measure; it means grace to help in every time of need. Could it be the pressure of service and suffering are getting to Demas. He looks out on this world and enjoys what he sees, Paul will say when writing to Timothy, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.”
Did he weigh his service and suffering for God against the seeming pleasures of this world and vote with his feet for the world. Has he been guilty of what so many are guilty? Giving half hearted service, not been willing to pay the price and when that service became frustrating and he had to suffer some, decided, that’s it I’m off, I can’t take this treatment, I deserve better than this.
The world will surely appreciate me and perhaps there will be some decent reward from the world. Has he forgotten, the wages of sin is death?

My brothers and sisters, my great fear today is that there is even within the confines of God’s house a great deal of backsliding and we are unaware it’s happening. You may well say, well Pastor what makes you think that? Simple, just look at how God’s professed people treat God’s work and House. They can take it or leave it, they turn up when it suits, and they are to be found sitting in other churches. Worse still, found sitting at home or walking about some seaside resort on the Lord’s day. Friends, unless membership begins to mean something, we are fast coming to a time when it will mean nothing!
Don’t we have pride anymore in being members of our Church? Are we not glad to be a part of the family of God in this town? Are we not glad to be His witness in this place? Then why hide our light under the bushel or the bed?
Brothers and sisters let your light so shine before men for Christ’s sake!
”Christ calls men to carry a cross; we call them to have fun in his name. He calls them to forsake the world; we assure them that if they but accept Jesus the world is their oyster. He calls them to suffer; we call them to enjoy all the bourgeois comfort modern civilisation affords. He calls them to self-abnegation and death; we call them to spread themselves like Green Bay trees or perchance even to become stars in a pitiful fifth-rate religious zodiac. He calls them to holiness; we call them to a cheap and tawdry happiness that would have been rejected with scorn by the least of the Stoic philosophers.
A. W. Tozer (1897-1963).
Beloved we are called by God into this work to be fellow servants and fellow suffers, no its not an easy road we are treading today, but believe me when I say it’s the road to blessing, and there never can be blessings without buffetings.

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What Kind Of Christian Are You? No.2.
For Deserting Christians! Part C.
Reading 2 Timothy 4 v 1-22 + Col. 4 v 3+14 + Philemon v 24.

3. Demas And His Cause!
“Having loved this present world.” V10.
Without doubt this is a most intriguing phrase! What is the true meaning of it?
Now, I find this most interesting indeed. Luke 16:13
”No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
A. The Power Of The World! “This present world”
I believe it is true to say, it is not so much worldliness that Paul is concerned about. Rather it is the present world values causing him concern. It is what Demas lays importance upon in the present (now) world. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus went to Dalmatia, yet Paul makes no comment with regard to where or what they were doing. The only one it would appear he had dispatched anywhere was Tychicus to Ephesians. So what is the big concern with Demas going to Thessalonica?
Well, it would seem his concern arises out of the fact that Demas loves his life more than he loved his Lord. Had Demas stayed with Paul he might well have suffered the same fate, so, not having come to the point of absolute commitment, he is getting out of there. What a test for all of us beloved!
”If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.” C. S. Lewis.
Moses had come to that point of complete commitment when he said.
”Blot my name out of the book of the living” Exod. 32 v 32.
Paul had himself come to that point of complete commitment when he said.
”I could wish myself accursed from Christ for my brethren.” Rom. 9 v 3.
It may not be that we are “worldly” that is, continually in the pursuit of worldliness, it may well be we have such a love of this life, we have more love for life than we have for the Lord. We have not yet come to a moment of complete surrender where like the Apostle Paul we can with honesty of heart say, “for me to live is Christ, to die is gain.”
B. The Persuasion Of The Church! “Departed unto Thessalonica”
Now this I trust will be of some interest. Some of the scholars believe Demas was a native of Thessalonica in the first place. Secondly, some believe he had received a call to the Church at Thessalonica. As we have seen in our studies of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians things were going well there, it was by all accounts a well to do church, there would be a better salary, a larger congregation and anyway, because he comes from that part of the world he is well liked. Not so much danger of persecution or prosecution there! Is Paul concerned Demas is going there for all the wrong reasons? Is this what Paul means by “having loved this present world” he has a love for a better lifestyle rather than laying down his life for the Lord!
Like the two on the road to Emmaus, at that moment of time it was easier going back than going forward. Although Demas was going to a good work could it be it was not God’s calling for him at that time and Paul was acutely aware of the dangerous decision he was making. Beloved, that’s a possibility that faces all of us. Is something or someone pulling you away from God’s call for your life. Better position, better money, better prospects for you and your family. Mark time folks, take time out, think and pray carefully. All too often decisions have been made taking people away from the call and work given to them by God only to end in terrible consequences.
”He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Jim Elliot (1927-1956).
4. Demas And His Consequences! v 10.
”For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed to Thessalonica.”
What are those consequences?
These words written against his name for all eternity!
Whatever my thoughts with respect to Demas going to Pastor the Church at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul was without doubt he was going backward and not forward. Interestingly, we never hear his name mentioned again, yet written against his testimony for evermore will be these very telling words, “Demas has forsaken.”
You see dear friends, there is always a consequence to our actions either good or bad, we really ought to take this thought on board. There are no actions without consequences!

A. Consequences To The Christian! 2 Cor. 5 v 10.
”For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
I said: “let me walk in the field” God said: “nay walk in the town”
I said: “there are no flowers there,” God said: “no flowers, but a crown.”
I said: “but the sky is black” there is nothing but noise and din”
But he wept as he sent me back, “There is more” he said, “there is sin.”
I cast one look at the fields, then set my face to the town;
He said: “my child, do you yield, Will you leave the flowers for the crown?
Then into His hand went mine, and into my heart came He,
And I walked in a light Divine, the path I had feared to see.

Do you recall the church at Ephesus in Revelation chapter 2; they had activity, quality, solidity, reality, sincerity, and even immovability, and the Lord mentions these things by way of praise. Yet all of that was without love! Despite all the praiseworthy elements in this amazing church, the penetrating, omniscient gaze of the Lord Jesus Christ has spotted a fatal flaw. Though they maintained their doctrinal orthodoxy and continued to serve Christ, that service had degenerated into mechanical orthodoxy. Though at one time they had displayed great love, forty years later the affection of first generation believers had cooled. The current generation was maintaining the doctrine handed down to them, but they had left their first love. And dear folks, there is no work so frustrating and empty as the work of God without calling or love, it will be a work in which we go through all the motions without the blessing or the reward when we stand in the presence of our dear Saviour.
B. Consequences To The Church!
Everything I do and say is a reflection on my fellow believers in this church. The purity of the church is essential if we are to make progress and effectively serve God. Since we know that God blesses a church that is a saved church, Satan wants to infiltrate the church with unbelievers, that way it’s difficult to tell the tares from the wheat and so easily a church can be rendered useless. Because everything I do and say reflects on my fellow Christians then I must not only be a saved church member, I must also be a surrendered church member, submissive to the Lord and leadership.
Paul writing to the Thessalonians in his first letter Chapter 1 v 6 says,
”You became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.”
The Thessalonians church didn’t have it easy. In fact, any church that is saved and surrendered to Christ is going to have a difficult time. Now, although Demas may have thought it would be easier back home in Thessalonica, can you imagine what his kind of attitude would do to the church there, it would have a devastating effect on that group of strong believers and indeed could do them positive harm. Perhaps now we begin to understand why Paul was marking Demas’ card. Paul loved this church in Thessalonica with a whole heart; he had been responsible for their commencement and was concerned they would stand in the day of persecution, not like Demas, run away!
“God could have kept Daniel out of the lions’ den. . . he could have kept Paul and Silas out of jail. . . he could have kept the three Hebrew children out of the fiery furnace. . . but God has never promised to keep us out of hard places . . . what he has promised is to go with us through every hard place, and to bring us through victoriously.” Merv Rosell.
C. Consequences To The Christ!
This church at Thessalonica was not only a saved church and a surrendered church but they were a soul-winning church. How did they become so? Firstly they spread the gospel by living exemplary lives.
Paul said of them, 1 Thess. 1 v 7.
”You were an example to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia”
Other people could look at these Thessalonians and be attracted by what they saw. Amazingly it took the Thessalonians only a few weeks to establish a life-style that displayed total and complete surrender to Christ, they quickly became like Jesus Christ! They set a pattern for everyone else, including the believers to follow.
Dr. John MacArthur of Grace Community Church California tells how his first sermon in that church was entitled, “How to play church.”
In Luke 6 v 46 Jesus says, “Why call me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Reminiscent of that verse is a painting in the cathedral of Lubeck, Germany, entitled “The Lament of Jesus Christ Against the Ungrateful World.” The corresponding text reads,
You call me master, and obey me not; You call me light and see me not;
You call me the way, and walk me not; You call me life, and live me not;
You call me wise, and follow me not; You call me fair, and love me not;
You call me rich, and ask me not; You call me eternal, and seek me not.
If I condemn thee, blame me not.
Demas thought he knew many things and especially the way he should take, the one thing he did not know was the shepherd of the sheep.

A friend invited an old pastor, forced to retire because of voice problems, to a high-society luncheon. The person heading up that gathering requested a famous actor who was present to recite something for the guests. Agreeing to do so he requested the guests they would suggest a suitable piece. All was quiet for a moment, then the old pastor suggested the twenty-third Psalm. “That’s an unusual request, but I happen to know it. I’ll do it on one condition, though: you recite it after me.” The old pastor had not expected that but agreed. The actor stood up and recited the twenty-third Psalm with great intonation of his lyrical voice. When he finished, everyone applauded. The old pastor then stood to his feet and went through the Psalm in his own way his voice crackling. When he finished, there was not a dry eye in the room. Sensing the emotion of the moment, the actor said, “You clapped for me, but you wept for him. The difference is obvious: I knew the Psalm, he knows the Shepherd!
My brothers and sisters be careful of the way you take, walk constantly with the Shepherd and you will always take the right pathway!

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What Kind Of Christian Are you? No.3.
For Dictatorial Christians! Part B.
Reading 3 John v 1-14.

3. Diotrephes The Dictator!
B. The Dictatorship!
(i) Think With Me About His Personal Ambition:
v 9. “He loveth to have the pre-eminence.”
The word pre-eminence comes from two Greek words, which mean; “to be fond of being first” Diotrephes wants to be boss man or nothing, whereas if he had become nothing the Holy Spirit may very well have set him in the place of Spiritual Leadership within the church anyway.
He is actually treading under foot the teaching of the head-ship of the church.
Do you know there are only two places in the New Testament where the word pre-eminence is found? In this passage we are reading this evening and in
Col. 1 v 18.
”And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the pre-eminence.”
This man thinks more highly of himself than he does of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He most certainly could not say with John, “He must increase and I must decrease.”
Dr. Lee Robertson wrote an article on Diotrephes for a denominational paper. The editor contacted him some time after the article appeared and said, “Dr. Robertson we have had twenty five leading church men stop their subscription to our paper to show their resentment against being personally attacked.”
Men of this calibre are the offspring of Diotrephes, they reject the authority of Christ and His church and they do so at their peril.
Beloved, the man or woman who loves the pre-eminence should ask themselves some serious questions, for example!
Here is a good searching question for a man to ask himself as he reviews his past life: “Have I written in the snow? Will my life work endure the lapse of years and the fret of change? Has there been anything immortal in it, which will survive the speedy wreck of all sublunary things?” The boys inscribe their names in capitals in the snow, and in the morning thaw the writing disappears. Will it be so with my work, or will the characters that I have carved outlast the brazen tablets of history? Have I written in the snow? Charles H. Spurgeon.
We cannot help but compare Gaius with Diotrephes of whom Paul writes in the first six verses of third John.
a. Look at the designation of Gaius v 1.
”The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.”
b. Listen to the desire for Gaius v 2.
”Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
c. Love the delight he has in Gaius v 3-4.
”For I rejoice greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
d. Learn from the diligence of Gaius v 5-6.
”Beloved thou doest faithfully whatever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers, who have borne witness of thy love before the church; whom, if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well.”
What a difference between these two men! Gaius does what he does for the glory of God and the extension of Christ’s kingdom; Diotrephes does what he does for his own glory and self-aggrandisement. And here’s a point worth considering; both will receive their reward accordingly.
(ii) Think With Me About His Perverted Actions: v 9 +10.
“He receiveth us not.” “Prating against us with malicious words.”
Diotrephes was not going to allow the Apostle John into the assembly, he would not allow the men John sent into the assembly and not content with that, he would not allow his own people to receive them. He would not accept the Scriptural teaching of Head-ship; he would not accept the Scriptural teaching on Hospitality, he would not accept the Scriptural teaching on Holiness, he would not accept the Scriptural teaching on Honour.
Not only that, John says he “prated against us with malicious words.” The root of that word “prating” means to bubble up, like an air bubble or a water bubble. A water bubble is just water around nothing, an empty bubble. Dioterphes was a thorough going gossip, babbling malicious words. He was prepared to scandalise the Apostle John, he would spread lies about John, and he would tear his reputation apart without fear. His actions were perverted!

Every man, especially those in leadership should have an ever-deepening desire to be just the opposite of this man Diotrephes. He was indeed a rebel without a cause! He was displaying the most arrogant, carnal state of mind and heart it’s possible to reveal before men and God.
This from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones:
”You cannot receive Christ as your justification only, and then, later, decide to refuse or accept Him as your sanctification. He is one and indivisible, and if you receive Him at all, He is made unto you “wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” You cannot receive Him as your Saviour only, and later decide to accept or refuse Him as your Lord; for the Saviour is the Lord who by His death has [bought] us and therefore owns us. Sanctification is nowhere taught or offered in the New Testament as some additional experience possible to the believer. It is represented rather as something which is already within the believer, something which he must realise more and more and in which he must grow increasingly.” End quote!

Brothers and sisters, we desperately need to understand as Paul declares in his wonderful ministry in the book of Romans, justification never occurs alone in God’s plan. It is always, but always, accompanied by sanctification. Our God does not pronounce sinners righteous legally without making them righteous practically. When God proclaims someone righteous, He will inevitably bring it to pass. Romans 8 v 30. “Whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
When justification occurs in the person, the process of sanctification begins.
Grace always includes both! The kind of behaviour Diotrephes is displaying has no place in the life of God’s redeemed.
This from Dr. John MacArthur (p108+109 Faith works)
”All no-Lordship teaching hinges on a two-stage theory of the Christian life. Stage one, conversation, is receiving Christ as Saviour. Stage two, consecration, in surrendering to Him as Lord. In between is usually a period of time during which the “carnal Christian” lives like a pagan before he or she makes the “decision” to become a “disciple.”
One needs only to listen to testimonies to see how pervasive this teaching has become in American evangelicalism: “I received Christ as my Saviour at age seven, and didn’t make Him Lord until I was in my thirties.”
I am convinced that such testimonies reflect people’s misinterpretation of their own experiences. There are many degrees of sanctification; hence many levels of commitment to Christ. But no one who truly has trusted Christ for salvation is uncommitted in principle to Christ’s Lordship, and no one who perpetually lives in conscious and purposeful rebellion against Him can truly claim to trust Him.” End quote!
Our God, let me say it again, does not justify anyone whom He does not sanctify. No second or new work of grace is necessary for those who have been truly born of the Spirit. Peter puts it like this 2 Peter 1 v 3.
”According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”
Everything has been granted to the saved of earth pertaining to life and godliness. If the positional aspects of God’s truths are applicable to a life, His practical sanctifying work will also be operative in that same life.
What Diotrephes is exhibiting here is nothing like the spirit of submission and humility our God calls for from His people. It is nothing like the kind of sanctified life that flows from salvation, to be alive in Christ is to be dead to sin. Christians have died to sin. It is therefore inconceivable to Paul that we would continue to live in the ugliness of that sin from which we have been delivered. “How could we who died to sin still live in it wilfully.” Only a carnal, corrupt way of thinking could argue that continuing in sin extols God’s grace. This wonderful union by faith through grace with Christ guarantees a totally changed life, a change that must be made evident by how we live.
”A young woman in England many years ago always wore a golden locket that she would not allow anyone to open or look into, and everyone thought there must be some romance connected with that locket and that in that locket must be the picture of the one she loved. The young woman died at an early age, and after her death the locket was opened, everyone wondering whose face they would find within. And in the locket was found simply a little slip of paper with these words written upon it, “Whom having not seen, I love.” Her Lord Jesus was the only lover she knew and the only lover she longed for.”
R.A. Torrey in a sermon, “How to Be Saved.”
Here is a man whose personal ambition led him to perverted actions having a detrimental effect on both the church and his own character rendering his testimony useless and a sham before the world he propertied to love and the church he said he wanted to serve. Truly, there are none so blind as those who will not see!

So much so-called “testimony” today is really autobiography and even sometimes thinly disguised self-advertisement, that we need to regain a proper biblical perspective. All true testimony is testimony to Jesus Christ, as he stands on trial before the world. John Stott.

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What Kind Of Christian Are you? No.3.
For Dictatorial Christians! Part C.
Reading 3 John v 1-14.

3. Diotrephes The Dictator!
C. The Deliverance! v 11.
”Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good: he that doeth good is of God; but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”
This is solemn advice indeed. Such a person is not to be followed, he is not to be imitated or mimicked. Too often the Diotrephes of this world become heroes in the minds of some because he is championing his own selfish cause.
So John is deeply concerned that Gaius and others not be influenced by Diotrephes, so he writes, “Don’t follow that which is evil” v 11.
Rather, “follow that which is good”
(i) We are to follow after Love: 1 Cor. 14 v 1.
This is the way to a godly life for Gaius, Diotrephes and all others who will take instruction.
Paul says, we are to follow after love, or “pursue Love.” Pursue means to follow, hunt, or chase after with intensity. Lovelessness was a very real problem among the Corinthian Church to which all of their other problems were related in one way or another. The only strong affection many of them displayed was for themselves, so Paul introduces a command to them, “pursue love!” the Apostle had taken the whole of the previous chapter to highlight the necessity of displaying true love, because true love displays the reality of our Christianity!
The Bible’s clearest and yet simplest description of God, and therefore God’s own description of Himself is, “God is love” 1 John 4v16. Love is the most precious manifestation of the character of God. John continues, “and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” v 16b. Therefore the simplest and most profound description of Christian character also is love.
Sadly, in many of our churches, as with the church at Corinth, the love that is absolutely fundamental to Christian character is absent from amongst us. We may have many of the gifts, the right doctrine, a good crowd, an excellent programme, and an interest in people, but if love is missing the Apostle says, “we are as a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.” 1 Cor. 13 v 1.
History records for us, it seems much easier to be strongly orthodox than to be loving toward each other.
(ii) We are to follow after Good: 1 Thess. 5 v 15.
”See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
We seem to have lost within the context of the church these days the Scriptural principle of what we once called body-life. That is a family member learning to care for and ministering to each other. According to Ephesians 4v12, the spiritual leaders are to be continually equipping the members to do the work of their ministry, yet in most churches, the members pay the leader or leaders to do the work of the ministry. Now, as the leaders cannot do everything, consequently the work begins to weaken and die, and everybody blames the preacher. That’s what is meant by following after good, each one of us doing the good we should be doing in carrying out our own ministry.
There are many dear people in our Churches that need good doing toward them, which should in turn cause them to want to do good towards others. Can you imagine a church like that? A church, in which I have more care and thought for you than I have for myself. The cross is a tree set fire on with invisible flame, that illumines the entire world. That flame is love!
In verse 14 of 1 Thessalonians Paul reminds us of the kind of people that need that kind of care and love, the unruly, the feebleminded, and the weak. We may well add to that list many others that we know are not the easiest to get along with, no it’s not going to be easy, he never said it would, but it will be worth it because it will bring glory to God in His Church. So for that reason in verse 15 of 1 Thessalonians he reminds us to watch our motives.
Often as we minister to others, come alongside to help, they totally reject us and rebel against us. They may even show no signs of appreciation of any kind. So we must be careful to serve in love with a forgiving heart or we will be torn apart within. Never pay back evil with evil to anyone. Never try to take revenge, that’s God’s department. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty give him to drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12 v 17-21. NASB.
You see, if our motive is wrong then we are going to be wrung out like a wet cloth. If we are looking for appreciation and praise for what we do unto others, we may be very disappointed. On the other hand, if our motive is “ourselves your servants for Jesus sake” 2 Cor. 4 v 5 you nð „

(iii) We are to follow after Righteousness: 1 Tim. 6 v 11 + 2 Tim. 2 v 22.
”But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
”Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
The title Paul uses in this first text from Timothy is deeply interesting to say the least. The title “Man of God” although used often in the Old Testament is used only on one occasion in the New Testament and it’s here in this text. This is an amazingly personal and privileged title not simply lavished on just anyone. Why? Because without any doubt at all it describes the very powerful responsibility that rests on the shoulders of the man so designated. And I believe Paul used the title under the leading of the Spirit to increase Timothy’s sense of responsibility so that he would discharge his ministry with the deepest integrity. How is such a man to carry on his ministry in a difficult day amongst indifferent people for God?

This from Dr. John MacArthur.
”The man of God is known by what he Flees from, Follows after, Fights for, and is Faithful to!” End quote!
That’s the deliverance for Diotrephes and the determination for Gaius and the delight for us if we follow instruction.
We are designated men and women of God; we have a powerful responsibility and an amazing privilege to glorify the name of our God.
The second text quoted from Timothy is a vivid reminder, if he is to continue as he began, ‘a man of God’, he must be a man of a pure heart! Paul sets out for him five characteristics of a pure heart, which are very similar to his admonition in the first text quoted. The first characteristic of a pure heart is negative, set out for us in the command to “flee youthful lusts” the next four characteristics are positive and comprehensive, righteousness, faith, love and peace. To pursue those virtues is the other side of fleeing youthful lusts.
And by the way, this is not simply a suggestion from Paul it is much stronger. The Christian who will not “flee” from sin and pursue righteousness will be completely overcome by sin. The whole purpose of a true believer with a pure heart is to please God and bring glory to His name, thus he/she will continually pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, it becomes as natural as breathing. Just as we cannot know life without breath so we cannot know abundant life without following after these things, they are the very breath of life to us. That’s why Diotrephes became a vocal point for John to hone in on, he is acting absolutely from a sinful heart and it’s tearing the church apart.
”Max Jukes lived in New York. He did not believe in Christ or in Christian training. He refused to take his children to church, even when they asked to go. He has had 1,026 descendants; 300 were sent to prison for an average term of thirteen years; 190 were public prostitutes; 680 were admitted alcoholics. His family, thus far, has cost the state in excess of $420,000. They made no contribution to society.
Jonathan Edwards lived in the same state, at the same time as Jukes. He loved the Lord and saw that his children were in church every Sunday, as he served the Lord to the best of his ability. He has had 929 descendants, and of these 430 were ministers; 86 became university professors; 13 became university presidents; 75 authored good books; 7 were elected to the United States Congress. One was vice president of his nation. His family never cost the state one cent but has contributed immeasurably to the life of plenty in this land today.” James S. Hewett.
We are to follow after righteousness and the results will speak for themselves.
(iv) We are to follow after Peace: Heb. 12 v 14.
”Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Another translation puts it like this:
“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”
Dr. John MacArthur says, “Pursuing peace primarily relates to loving men, and pursuing righteousness primarily to loving God. If we love men, we will be at peace with them, and if we love God we will live righteously.” End quote!
That folks is a very telling statement indeed and very clearly, in a nut shell, is the meaning of this text and every Christian with dictatorial tendencies should take serious note of it. Why? Because Christlikeness, is our greatest possible testimony to a sinful and lost world. The unbelievers of this world may well be asking of such a person, why don’t you practice what you preach?
(v) We are to follow after the Lord! 1 Peter 2 v 21.
”For even hereunto were you called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
Hosea in chapter 6 v 3 reminds us “we are to follow on to know the Lord”
”Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come forth unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”
We are not saved by following Christ’s example, because each of us would trip over verse 22: “who did no sin.” Sinners need a Saviour not an example. But after a person is saved there should be a desire born within to follow closely upon the steps and example of Jesus.

Jesus is our example by His life. All He did of which we read in the Gospels is a wonderful example for us to follow. Our Lord’s example of humility and submission were not, remember, evidence of weakness but of power and authority. Just before the Lord Jesus Christ went to the cross He gathered His disciples around Him. Do you remember they were debating who was the greatest in the kingdom? Jesus brought a little child to the front and Matthew 18 v 3-4 says, “Verily I say unto you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
The one who will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven is the one who displays a humble childlikeness not childishness; there is a major difference!
So I believe beloved the major purpose of John highlighting this problem with Diotrephes is to keep before us, that that kind of behaviour is not acceptable with the Lord in the midst of His church. It is at best the behaviour of a Christian out of touch with his living Lord or at worst it’s the action of an unsaved man who is living as a tare amongst the wheat.
”A holy life is a voice; it speaks when the tongue is silent and is either a constant attraction or a perpetual reproof.”
Archbishop Robert Leighton (1611-1684).

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What Kind Of Christian Are You? No. 4.
For Dependable Christians! Part A.
Reading Acts Ch. 19 v 23-41 + 3 John v12.

Introduction:
Dependability is a most wonderful quality in the life of anyone, but especially in the life of a Christian. But we need to understand, it costs!
It cost Abraham the yielding up of his only son Isaac to death.
It cost Queen Esther the yielding up of her own life if called for.
It cost the three Hebrew children the burning hot furnace.
It cost Daniel the lions den.
It cost Stephen death by stoning.
It cost Peter a martyr’s death.
It cost Paul his head on the axe man’s block.
I am only one, but I am one.
I can’t do everything, but
I can do something.
And what I can do, I ought to do.
And what I ought to do, by the
Grace of God, I shall do. Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909).
”Give me a hundred men who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world. I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; and such alone will overthrow the kingdom of Satan and build up the kingdom of God on earth.” End quote! James S. Hewett Illustrations.
In the wonderful calling of God, am I one of those faithful souls of whom it can be said, “dependable whatever the cost.”
”Make me a captive, Lord, And then I shall be free; Force me to render up my sword, And I shall conqueror be. I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand; imprison me within thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.” George Matheson (1842-1906)
This is number four of the lesser-known characters from the Bible.
4. Demetrius The Dependable!
Not a great deal has been written about him, but O, what has been written about him is amazing and worth looking into.
A. Let’s Think About The Person!
Now as I set out to study the person of Demetrius from 3 John v12 I discover there is a great deal of disagreement amongst the scholars as to whether he was the same Demetrius of Acts 19 v 23-41. Whether he was the same person or not though, the contrasts between the two are worth a long hard look.
(i) This Demetrius Was Marked By A Desire for Wealth! Acts 19 v 23-26.
Luke highlights for us in v 23 before Paul left Ephesus as he had planned in v 21-22 there was something of an uproar-taking place about the group known as ‘The Way.’ This was a title given to those who followed the Lord Jesus in the early days, probably drawn from the words of Jesus, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’
I am sure the reason for such a riot was of course the satanic realm’s antagonism to the prevailing of the Word Acts 19 v 20. Demons would stir up human agents to oppose the preaching of the glorious gospel, which of course was having a powerful effect throughout the province of Asia Acts 19 v 26.
”Moreover, ye see and hear that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods which are made by hands.”
Now it is evident, the one who is the instigator of this uproar was a man named Demetrius, the silversmith. Why? Obviously it was affecting his business, remember he is a man with a deep desire for wealth. That’s enough to warp the thinking of any man or woman. Not that wealth is wrong per-Sa but we can easily get choked or taken up by the riches of the world to the degree that we lose sight of why we are here. And if I may interject here, to the question as to why we are here, be careful not to give too small an answer. We are in the Kingdom for such a time as this and God has a plan and a purpose for every believer. Don’t lose sight of the plan or get caught up with something less important. It’s an old adage I know, but it does take a steady hand to carry a full cup. Be careful what you follow after!

(ii) This Demetrius Was Marked By Dislike of Christians! Acts19 v 27-28a.
“So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at naught, but also that the temple of the great goddess, Diana, should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshipeth. And when they heard theses sayings, they were full of wrath.”
Demetrius, was first and foremost a businessman, what buttered his bread controlled his conduct. The trade, he with others, was involved in was indeed a lucrative business and anyone or anything that threatened that lifestyle was not going to be tolerated. So we read, they were full of wrath. Full of wrath against whom? Why Christians of course. They became very alarmed as to how rapidly the Christian gospel was spreading and having a diverse effect on their sales and income. He begins by addressing very bluntly the problem. In effect he was saying v 27. “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business.” The gospel was threatening their business, and they were compelled to take action. These Christian preachers and people were making a difference.

Wherever the gospel was preached and believed. Like the Thessalonians, the Ephesians were turning from idols to serve the “living and true God” 1 Thess 1 v 9. Demetrius, a bitter opponent of the Christian message and faith, was forced to confess that the preaching of the gospel was successful. It is most interesting that he could find no charge of wrongdoing by these Christians v 37. Now the question for us must be, what caused the success of the gospel in Ephesus?
Well, number one was the powerful, relentless presence of one man who was totally committed to the gospel. If ever there was an example of what one man, given up to God, can be used to do, here it is. It must be noted of course, the key to his powerful influence was not his charismatic personality or a clever marketing strategy, and not even a political influence. Paul said in Acts 20 v 27-31 “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God…night and day for three years, I ceased not to admonish each one of you with tears.”
Paul’s powerful effect came from a devotion to his Lord and the Word.
Another factor in the gospel’s success was a pure church. Acts 19 v 18-19.
”Many also of those who had believed [at Ephesus] kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. And many of those who practised magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of all; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
”When an observatory is about to be built, the site selected is always on some high mountain. The aim is to find a place where there is a clear, unobstructed view of the heavens. Similarly, faith requires for its heavenly vision the highlands of holiness and separation, the pure sky of a consecrated life.”
A. B. Simpson in A Larger Christian Life.
Because there was a continual persecution, there was produced a continual purging of the church. The church remained pure and clean and “the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing” (19 v 20). Now that’s a recipe for blessing in any man’s language, persecution, purging, purity, result in power for the preaching of the Word of God. And beloved the church needs today more than ever before a powerful preaching of the Word of God with ongoing effect upon those who hear.
Yet another reason for the success of spreading the gospel was the church’s use of correct spiritual means. The Ephesian believers did not approach the authorities and plead their case, they did not organise a march with placards and slogans, they did not enter on a tirade of the goddess Diana. They simply preached and lived out the life-changing message of the gospel.
”A purely social gospel is like a body without a soul - it is a corpse. A purely personal gospel is like a soul without a body - it is a ghost. But put them both together and you have a man with a message.”
E. Stanley Jones (1884-1973).
Beloved, we have been entrusted with a life-changing message, it is high time we were showing we believe the message and live by it. The walk and the talk must measure up and produce a finished article.
(iii) This Demetrius Was Marked By Devotion to His Beliefs! Acts 19 v 28-34.
Obviously, Demetrius and his friends were deeply concerned about their financial situation and any threat to their lucrative lifestyle. They were also concerned deeply about their civic pride, but it’s evident that a third thing
concerns them greatly, that is the challenge to their fervently held religious beliefs. When they heard this very powerful and convicting speech they literally boiled with rage. And of course what they did boiled over into the crowd. The crowds are whipped into a frenzy by this inflamed speech from Demetrius; they become more and more infuriated. You see, the gospel makes people angry by confronting them with their false religion and their sin forces them to recognise the emptiness of what they are professing.
Dear brothers and sisters, that should challenge us deeply! Let me ask the question. Why is it, that so many who propound false teaching, hold so fervently to their foolish beliefs with such deep conviction, when those who have the whole truth and nothing but the truth find it so difficult even to get excited about it and share this wonderful message with those who are in spiritual darkness? What is the problem here?
Let me leave this reasoning from J.C. Ryle with you to end this segment.
He is speaking of a faith that does not work and have an ongoing effect on others.

“Sanctification…is the invariable result of that vital union with Christ which true faith gives to a Christian. “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit” (John 15 v 5). The branch which bears no fruit is no living branch of the vine. The union with Christ, which produces no effect on heart and life, is a mere formal union, which is worthless before God. The faith, which has not a sanctifying influence on the character, is no better than the faith of devils. It is a “dead faith, because it is alone.” It is not the gift of God. It is not the faith of God’s elect. In short, where there is no sanctification of life; there is no real faith in Christ. True faith worketh by love. It constrains a man to live unto the Lord from a deep sense of gratitude for redemption. It makes him feel that he can never do too much for Him that died for him. Being much forgiven, he loves much. He whom the blood cleanses walks in the light. He who has real lively hope in Christ purifieth himself even as He is pure” (James 2 v 17-20; Titus 1 v 1; Gal. 5 v 6; 1 John 1 v 7; 3 v 3). End Quote!
Now this Demetrius was under no delusion that he was a believer, in fact he comes across without any shadow of doubt that he was not a believer in the Christian gospel. He knew exactly where he stood with respect to what he believed, he was not in any sense deluded about what he believed, it meant a great deal to him. As I stated earlier, what buttered his bread affected his character and he did not mind taking a distinct stand for what he believed.
James reminds us that people can be deluded into thinking they believe when in fact they do not, and he says the single factor that distinguishes bogus faith from the real thing is the righteous behaviour inevitably produced by authentic faith.
Now Demetrius of Acts 19 is very clear where he stands in respect to the gospel and whether they be one and the same or not, the Demetrius of 3 John is also very clear where he stands with respect to the Gospel and his beliefs.

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What Kind Of Christian Are You? No.4.
For Dependable Christians! Part B.
Reading Acts 19 v 23-41 + 3 John v 12.

4. Demetrius The Dependable! 3 John v 12.
B. Let’s Think About The Principle:
”Demetrius hath a good report of all men, and of the truth itself; yea, and we also bear witness, and ye know that our witness is true.”
The Apostle John wanted those to whom he was writing to follow a good example v 11.
”Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God, but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”
The Universal Dictionary tells us the word example means someone or something that serves as a model or pattern for imitation or duplication; an exemplar.
John is warning his readers not imitate someone like Diotrephes. If you wish to follow an example, then follow Demetrius! He’s worth taking note of.
(i) This Demetrius Was Concerned About His Testimony! v 12a.
How important is testimony?
Sir Bernard Burke thus touchingly writes in his Vicissitudes of Families, “In 1850 a pedigree research caused me to pay a visit to the village of Finderne, about five miles Southwest of Derby. I sought for the ancient hall. Not a stone remained to tell where it had stood! I entered the church. Not a single record of a Finderne was there! I accosted a villager, hoping to glean some stray traditions of the Findernes. ‘Findernes!’ said he, ‘We have no Findernes here, but we have something that once belonged to them. We have Findernes’ flowers.’ “’Show them to me,’ I replied, and the old man led me into a field that still retained faint traces of terraces and foundations. ‘There,’ said he, pointing to a bank of garden flowers grown wild, ‘there are the Findernes’ flowers, brought by Sir Geoffrey from the Holy Land, and do what we will, they will never die!’”
So be it with each of us. Should our names perish, may the truths we taught, the virtues we cultivated, the good works we initiated, live on and blossom with undying energy. Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
The point is, is it correct to imitate human leaders? Well, yes, if they have been a wonderful example of Jesus Christ. If their testimony is true. Why? Testimony is important! In Phil. 3 v 17 Paul puts it like this.
”Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.”
Paul also reminds the Corinthians in 1 Cor. ch. 11 v 1.
”Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
It’s an accepted fact, we cannot see God, but we can see God at work in the lives of His people. The godly life and consecrated service of a believer is always an encouragement and stimulus to others. The unknown penman to the Hebrews says it like this. Heb. 10 v 24.
”Consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
John reckons Demetrius is a man who stands out as an example, he has a good testimony, he has a “good report”, in other words he is an excellent witness amongst all in his church fellowship. All the members knew and respected him. They loved him, and thanked God for his consistent life and ministry. Yes it can be a dangerous thing when “all men speak well of you” (Luke 6 v 26), it is a marvellous thing when every believer in the local church acknowledges your testimony as one that glorifies God.
(ii) This Demetrius Was Controlled By the Truth! v 12b.
”And of the truth itself.”
It is not by any stretch of the imagination that we can say this man was perfect, rather it is that there is a delightful consistency about his lifestyle that corresponds with the Word of God. The very Word of God cries out to the testimony of this Demetrius as being true.
My dear brothers and sisters, it is a thing most wonderful when we can set our lives beside the Word of God and our testimony and His Word blend as if one.
A glory gilds the sacred page, Majestic like the sun;
It gives a light to every age, It gives, but borrows none.
William Cowper (1731-1800).
A loving Personality dominates the Bible, walking among the trees of the garden and breathing fragrance over every scene. Always a living Person is present, speaking, pleading, loving, working, and manifesting him whenever and wherever his people have the receptivity necessary to receive the manifestation. A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)
Centuries of experience have tested the Bible. It has passed through critical fires no other volume has suffered, and its spiritual truth has endured the flames and come out without so much as the smell of burning. W. E. Sangster.

The question should be asked at this point! Does God’s word control your life?
If we are to be real and not false, we must allow the Word of the Lord to have control in our every day living. So what do I do that this might happen?
Should I learn special passages? Should I only attend to the words of Jesus?
Should I stick with the New Testament only? Well, I don’t think so! You see, as we read in the Bible, we soon discover that all of Scripture has infallible, inerrant authority for our lifestyle. “All scripture is given by inspiration and therefore is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, (or mature, complete) thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3 v 16 & 17).
And it’s not even simply memorising passages, it’s not simply talking about the Scriptures, it has to be an allowing of the Scriptures to take control of us. How do I do that? John 15 v 7.
”If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.”
In other words, by staying with Him and in Him we shall glorify God, enjoy Him forever, and show the world we are true disciples.
(iii) This Demetrius Was Considered By John To Be True! v 12c.
Although little is said of Demetrius in Scripture, what has been said of him is very well worth noting as I said earlier. Here is a man who understands that the testimony matters to God and it therefore should matter to us.
John himself was without any shadow of doubt a man of God. His words about Demetrius carry great weight indeed. Can I say dear folks, it is a thing most wonderful, when asked about someone in your congregation, you can give a good testimony off. And may I say secondly in that area, this is something we should all aim for. To be a Demetrius type character in the Assembly of God’s people will do more for the glory of God than anything else I know. When our character or testimony speaks so loudly and clearly to the glory of God men and women in your area will sit up and take notice and become willing to hear what you have to say. The very real problem with many dear, professing Christians today is, what we are, is speaking so loudly to our detriment, the world cannot hear what we are saying about the love of God.
”In Paris they simply stared when I spoke to them in French; I never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.” Mark Twain.
That can be our attitude to testimony. We often say, I can’t understand why people do not understand my testimony. The reason being folks is, what you see and hear is totally different to what others see and hear. If that’s the case, is it not time we did a little stock taking of how we are living and what we are saying
The reason the name Demetrius was placed into the cannon of Scripture was, I am perfectly sure, to cause us to examine our own testimony in the light of the Word of God and thereby get the balance right.
Every believer possesses the equipment necessary to win victory in the daily struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The crucial weapon is the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, which is likened to a small, easily wielded weapon used for close, precision work. This sword is given by the Holy Spirit, who is the resident truth-teacher in every Christian’s heart. It is the Word of God, which must be used specifically and precisely to be effective in the believer’s life. The sword of the Spirit is used very effectively in two different ways, one, we learn to use the sword in the defensive, and two, we need to learn to use the sword in the offensive.
On the defence, we must learn to use the Word to ward off the blows and thrusts of Satan, who is constantly trying to tempt us at our weakest points. On the offence, we must be just as careful and sharp as we wield the sword by teaching and sharing God’s Word wherever we can to cut through the Devil’s dark kingdom.
Dr. John MacArthur reminds us, “there are three approaches to God’s Word which can be likened to three visitors to a beautiful flower garden. We can be butterflies who flutter about, obtaining little of real value, or we can be botanists who carefully study the details and the fine points of the flower but who fail to find any real nourishment. Or we can be bees, who sink deep into God’s Word, going in empty and coming out full of His truth, wisdom, and power. How we choose to use our sword of the Spirit determines whether we will know the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat.” End Quote!
Is the bible sufficient? Does it need defending or protecting?
The godly Spurgeon said well: “there is no need for you to defend a lion when he’s being attacked. All you need to do is open the gate and let him out.”
Beloved, a testimony that measures up to the Word of God will know continual victory.

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What Kind Of Christian Are You? No. 4.
For The Dependable Christian! Part C.
Reading Acts 19v23-41 + 3 John v12.

4. Demeterius The Dependable!
C. Let’s Think About the Possibilities:
Whether members, attending friends, leaders or pastors, there are tremendous possibilities for men and women with a testimony like Demetrius within and without the church of Jesus Christ. Opportunities to be of service to our God and His Christ in this amazing time in which we live.
(i) The Character of Service! 1 Cor. 4 v 1-2. + Rom. 12 v 4-5.
You see, that’s the way God designed the church. The church is to consist of people ready and willing to serve. Paul very ably reveals that thought to us in 1 Corinthians 4 v 1.
“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants using the Greek word “huperetes”, meaning ‘an under rower’ of Christ.”
In these times, large wooden three-tiered ships were propelled by slaves chained to their oars in the hull. The slaves in the lowest tier were called “under rowers.” Paul and his co-workers didn’t want to be proud so they made themselves known as third-level galley slaves that pulled their weight. So many today want to big shots, but God is looking for people who will be humble, obedient servants. In verse 2 of 1 Corinthians 4 Paul says,
”It is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.”
God does not want us to be coming up with new fangled ideas on how to pull our oar and shear off everyone else’s oar in the process! God is looking for faithful rowers who see themselves as willing servants. God is looking for faithful stewards to give the work of God over to, knowing they will carry through their responsibility with integrity. We need beloved to understand that God has a design for the order and function of His church whatever kind of order and design we might have. Demetrius is a man who works closely to the plan and design of God. Result! Faithfulness and blessing, the two go hand in hand.
Once again the Apostle Paul highlights for us how this plan and design work. It is most interesting; he uses the analogy of the body. Romans 12 v 4-5.
”As we have many members in one body and all members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
It really is the simplest illustration. While the body has many parts, they all do not have the same function. Which beautifully illustrates the relationship of individual believers to the entire body of Christ. We constitute one body, yet we have different roles that should complement one another. Like a human body whose parts all work together, believers form a spiritual body, who as parts of the one body should all work together expressing unity, while also expressing diversity. If one part of our body is not working as it ought then we have a real problem; we might even have to get medical or surgical help. Every part must work together for the body to function as it was meant to. So must everyone in the body of Jesus Christ work together or the entire church feels the pain. You see beloved, each believer has a very special part to play within the church, when we do not play our part as we are gifted and designed to do, we are the reason the whole body is not functioning as it ought.
Only as each member serves in some capacity does the church function, as it should. While a small percentage of people are called to lead the church, the rest of the congregation, both men and women alike, must serve.
There is a character to service that needs to be understood!
(ii) The Characteristics of Service!
Please remember it’s the church as a whole that is important to Paul and indeed all the writers of the New Testament. Especially its spiritual health and vitality. So he sets before us, not only men like Demetrius and the outworking of the body as we have briefly seen. He also takes time to write complete epistles to people like Titus in order to highlight, not only the character of the church but also the characteristics of the people who are the church.
So in Titus 1 v 5 he writes.
”For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I appointed thee.”
Among other things Paul gives Titus a list of qualifications for the entire congregation and he breaks that list down into age group and gender, the idea being that Titus would focus in his teaching on having a healthy church.
In Titus 2 v 1 Paul says to Titus.
”Speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”
The Greek word translated “sound” gives us our English word “hygiene” And it basically means “healthy”. God is deeply concerned that His church be characterised by sound, healthy teaching that will result in sound, healthy living. Paul then takes time with Titus to deal with the kind of life God wants each age group or genderèˆ

In other words our God is interested in our characteristics, He desires that we be a healthy congregation.
He first mentions the older men giving wise counsel as to how they should behave in the congregation of God’s people. What age group is he speaking of?
Well in Philemon v 9 he used the term “Paul the aged,” and he was about sixty at that time. In other words, men who have reached the grand old age of sixty and upward need to listen carefully to what the Apostle is saying, it’s important. In Titus 2 v 2 he describes what is expected from such men.
”That the aged men be sober-minded, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.”
Men who walk with Christ for a period of years should have become spiritually mature and excellent examples for the younger to follow. There is no value at all in being old if you are not godly.
Secondly he mentions the older women Titus 2 v 3.
”The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.”
Again these older women are to live such lives that they become an example to the younger women teaching what is good. Instead of being occupied with gossiping or criticising they should be about teaching what is good, what is noble and excellent. The implication being, having already taught there own children who may well have moved on and set up home on their own, they now have opportunity to teach the younger generation in the church. They are to train the younger woman the art of self-restraint.
Thirdly he mentions the role of the younger women. v 4-5.
”They are to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands.”
This is of course the opposite of what is being taught today. Woman are taught to love whomever they want, to farm out their children to someone else’s care and influence, and not to worry about being wise and sensible or pure, but do whatever turns them on and brings satisfaction.
Fourthly he turns his attention to the young men. v 6-8.
Paul brings his instruction in this area to a conclusion with a strong word to young men. I believe in v 7-8 Paul deals specifically with Titus but his instruction applies to all young men. As a young man himself he now has opportunity to be an example to the young men around him. They are to act in a sensible manner at all time; youth is no excuse for foolishness. They are to be an example of good works in every aspect of life; they are to display pure motives in every area of their being, they are to be dignified and of sound speech. How different from many of the young men today who think it’s clever to be foul, abusive, and rebellious.
Solomon gives this amazing advice in Ecc. 11 v 9-10.
”Rejoice, young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring these into judgement. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for childhood and youth are vanity.”
While there is nothing wrong with enjoying your youth, one-day we will all stand before a Holy God and give account of what we did in those days. So Solomon encourages young men to enjoy their youth, but make sure they remove anything from their life that will produce sorrow in a day to come. How do you do that? By remembering “your creator in the days of your youth” Ecc. 12 v 1. By giving God the honoured place he requires in your lifestyle. Clearly, there are characteristics of service that we must observe.
Want the best?--give your best.
The Christian’s place is on the front line, not on the sideline.
William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was interviewed near the close of his life. This is what he said: “God had all there was of me. There have been others who had greater plans, greater opportunities than I; but from the day I got a vision of what God could do, I made up my mind God would have all there was of William Booth.”
Service to Jesus Christ is a wonderful opportunity that all who are a part of the household of God are privileged to have. Only as we seek to live holy lives will our service have any bearing on the health of the church or on a lost world.
We are called to be those who honour God’s Word by proclaiming it, pondering it in our hearts, and by practising it daily in every area of living.
Demetrius has left us an amazing example, it is our responsibility to leave a good example for others to follow, and may the Lord help us so to do so in these days in which dear people need so much the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

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