2 John
Bible Passage: 2 John
Let’s just focus on 2 John 7-11 today.
Very often, in today’s world, many things are tolerated.
Although we are a country of complainers… you would be surprised to learn find that there are many things that we do tolerate. No matter how outlandish or streneously we disagree with what others cherish or embrace, we accept their right to their opinion. There seems to be no basis for saying “no” anymore. Ours is an age of “I’m okay, you’re okay.”
But that is just not true!
Just read what Elder John said. He was refering to false teachers that appear but the believers were not discerning and accepted them.
And when you think about it, it is more honest to affirm, “I’m not okay and you’re not okay. We both need help from God and the truth.”
The early church faced this predicament.
After the death of Jesus and His resurrection, may claimed to know Him and His message, even though their versions of the story differed remarkably. For example, we have read that Paul faced a conflicting gospel in Galatia and Philippi (Gal 1:6-9; Phil 3:1-4). Likewise, Elder John warned them in the previous epistle (and the next) about those who distort the truth )1 John 2:18-29; 4:1-6; 3 John 9-11).
The recipient of 2 John was given to much hospitality – certainly a very much needed Christian virtue today. But Elder John was concerned enough to warn the disciple to be more discerning and not to have their reputation tarnished just because they are linked to those who distort the truth about Christ (2 John 7, 11). He knew that not all who claim to follow Christ are true believers.
There is a need to be discerning and remain loyal to the truth.
So the questions today for us is this: How much of the basic doctrines of the Bible do we know? Can you detect the error in the statements of others? When you do, do you know how to lovingly disagree on major issues of faith and truth? And when called for, are you prepared to make a stand for the truth and not stand on the side of relationships and people?
You May Also Like
One Comment
PS
Why did John write 2 John?
Bec he wanted to remind the church, ie the Elected Lady, 2 important points:
1) walking according to the commandments is love and
2)those who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh is a deceiver and antichrist.
Elder John wrote these same messages which he had expounded extensively in 1 John bec the churches needed the reminder.
A brother said recently that we must understand that faith is different from knowledge.
Frequently we have knowledge of the doctrines of Christ but we do not have the faith to abide in the doctrines of Christ.
In 2 John 9 “abides in” is recorded as守着ie to keep or to guard in the chinese bible.
Yes, if we do not guard the things we work for, we run the risk of loosing them.
Similarly, if we do not guard the truth we have received, we may loose it.
How best to guard the truth or ensure that the truth is still with us? The best way is to use the truth: walk the commandments and share the gospel.
Although Elder John was repeating himself, he wrote in a gentle tone with the heart of a father like Paul. He even gave the assurance that he will come to see them shortly.
Bec he knew that he was conveying faith in love, not knowledge.