SUPERHERO - PART 4 – “VILLAINS”

Villain = a cruel malicious person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime; a scoundrel.

3 John 9-11 I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us. 10 When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

9 - I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes… 1. Villains are in CHURCH 9 - I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes…

Acts 20:29 -  I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. James 2:13 - There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

2. Villains want POWER 9 - Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us.

James 4:6 - God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Luke 11:43 - What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you love to sit in the seats of honor in the synagogues and receive respectful greetings as you walk in the marketplaces.

3. Villains will SLANDER 10 - When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us.

Proverbs 11:9 - The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor. Psalms 101:5 - Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy.

4. Villains are CONTROL FREAKS 10 - Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.

Romans 16:17-18 - And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.

11 - Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. 5. Villains CONTAMINATE 11 - Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you.

1 Corinthians 5:6 - Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? 1 Corinthians 15:33 - …bad company corrupts good character.

11 - those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 6. Villains are LOSERS 11 - those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

Galatians 6:7-8 - Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God Galatians 6:7-8 - Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.