The desire to "be first" is a cancer to the church.
I. Self-promoters are troublers to the church. (3 John 9)
II. Self-promoters are thwarters of the truth. (3 John 9)
III. Self-promoters are tyrants to the church. (3 John 9-10)
A. Those who promote themselves will rebel against proper biblical authority.
B. Those who promote themselves often spread vicious rumors about others.
C. Those who promote themselves will reject those who stand firm for the truth.
D. Those who promote themselves will resist those who seek to truly follow God.
E. Those who promote themselves will repel those who reach out to anyone the self-promoter rejects.
IV. Self-promoters are to be disciplined by the church. (3 John 10a)