| To Love Truth
John expresses an ageless concern for followers of Christ to this spiritual mother of many souls. Often the core things are the first to be eroded in the life of believers. Common among us who believe is allowing the minor things to become the major things. First among those core things is love, that which is to be the most distinctive expression of our faith. Love, John points out, is not only emotional and relational, but also revealed in our theological impact upon each other. Satan's destructive attack upon the church in general and each one of us individually is not only to entice us into sin but also to erode the transforming impact of truth by false doctrines. A survey of church history makes this abundantly clear. The battleground inevitably is the battle for truth. Consider the gradual decline of truth and scriptural foundations in both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches around the world. For example, there was an elevation of rituals and power in the priesthood that could not be found in scripture. Consider the rise and fall of theological faithfulness in what has been called traditional mainline churches in our own time. Truth clearly taught in scripture has often been replaced by a desire to adapt to the corrupting influence of the culture of a fallen world in which we live. A process that in the end has always weakened, not strengthened, the church's influence in our culture. The same eventually comes true in every revival movement that has risen to correct the neglect of truth. Before long, truth begins to be compromised. Added to all of this is the ongoing rise of cults that seek to draw God's people away to a false Christ. It is for this reason that these warnings by John should be carefully respected. Let love and a humble and obedient reverence for God's Word be our response to this inevitable attack upon truth. Countless sheep lay in the balance as wolves of deception stalk their prey. | |
 | |
2 John 1:1-13  Greeting the Elect Lady 1 The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. Walk in Christ's Commandments4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. Beware of Antichrist Deceivers7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. John's Farewell Greeting12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen. | |
 | |
| 2 John 1:1-13 v. 1 Elder – presbuteros (Gk.) older; or a senior in age or rank. John begins his letter by identifying himself to his readers as "the elder." This was a term used in New Testament times to describe a person of authority due to age and experience. This term is often used to identify an officer or leader of a group of people. the Elect Lady and Her Children – "Elect" means chosen by God. It is a word used to describe all true Christians. There are two primary views of what the designated title "elect lady" might mean. First, John could be writing to a specific Christian lady and her children. But this phrase could also be a symbolic way to address a particular home church and its members. Since the church is the Bride of Christ it would be quite appropriate to use a feminine term in addressing a congregation. Keep in mind also that there was great persecution of believers at this time. John could be using cryptic language so that if this letter was intercepted, no one could be implicated. If this is the case, the phrase "The children of your elect sister greet you" would simply be a greeting from the members of another "sister church." Whom I Love in Truth – Paul expresses a special bond with his readers based upon the common ground they share around the truth of God. Those Who Have Known the Truth – John expresses here camaraderie of those who know and love the truth of God. The truth is primarily discovered from knowing the Word of God. If you know and love the truth of God, you will also love those who know and love the truth of God as your own family members. v. 2 Truth Which Abides in Us – God's truth is not just something you store in your head. It is something that lives and abides in your heart. To know God is to love Him. This love and truth of God lives in us and affects every area of our lives. Will be With us Forever – Again, God's truth is not a passing trend. Like God Himself, His truth abides with us forever and changes not. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). v. 3 Grace, Mercy, and Peace – The apostles Paul and John customarily greeted fellow believers in their letters with these words (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; 2 John 1:3). Grace – The Greek word charis from which we get the word grace was used quite often by both secular and religious people in the Greek-speaking world. The word has such a wide base of meaning that no single English word can replace it. It can mean anything from beauty to giftedness depending upon the context in which it is used. When we speak of God's grace we are usually referring to God's acts of kindness and love toward us without any condition upon our own performance or worthiness. There is no better picture of Grace than the picture of Christ dying for our sins to bring salvation to the world. The greatest demonstration of God's love and grace is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 17). Mercy – eleos (Gk.) Pity, kindness, compassion. It is God's mercy that keeps Him from destroying His creation in judgment. It's God's grace that gives us forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life in heaven. Peace – eirene (Gk.) undisturbed quietness, welfare and rest. This peace is more than just the absence of war. It is the tranquil state of restful harmony with God. Will be With You – A promised blessing. Grace, mercy, and peace, are promised to all those who have come to God for salvation through receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savoir. God the Father – This phrase is found 13 times in the New Testament and is a specific reference to the first person of the Godhead. Each time this phrase is used it is always joined in combination with reference to the Son "Jesus Christ" to distinguish "God the Father" from "God the Son" (1 John 5:12, 13, 20) yet at the same time demonstrating unity and oneness (1 Cor. 8:6; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 6:23; 2 Tim. 1:2). And From the Lord Jesus Christ – The grace, mercy, and peace that we receive comes from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. It would be blasphemous to speak this way about Jesus if He were not both the Son of God and God the Son. Many attributes of the Father are also attributed to the Son. Below are just a few.
The method God has chosen to bless the world is that all good things come to us from the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit. Lord – kurios (Gk.) a title of authority and supremacy; the owner; one who has control of the person, the master. Christ – Christos (Gk.) This is a Jewish term meaning "the anointed one." There is only one person this word can be applied to. It is the Messiah who was to come and deliver us from the judgment of sin and bring salvation to all who would trust in Him (Dan. 9:25-26, Luke 2:10-11, John 1:12-13). The Son of the Father – Jesus is not just "a son" of the Father. He is "the Son" of the Father. Jesus is completely unique from all others. He is not a created being (John 1:1). But He was eternally preexistent with God and came forth from the Father (John 13:3, 16:27; Col. 1:14-19. Truth – aletheia (Gk.) of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly; what is true in any matter under consideration. Love – agape (Gk.) Affection, benevolence, charity. The major difference between brotherly kindness (philadelphia) and agape is, brotherly kindness implies a mutual family love which love is shared between both parties, while agape does not require to be loved in return. Agape loves and gives regardless of circumstances, just as God loves us not because we are lovable or because we deserve His love. God loves because God IS love (1 John 4:8, 16). Agape requires no reward or reason. Agape loves by its very nature. This word is therefore fittingly translated "charity" in the King James Version. Truth and Love – Truth and love are two very powerful forces that work together in the Christian life. One without the other is incapable of changing spiritual lives. v. 4 Rejoiced Greatly – This phrase means to be exceedingly glad. Contrary to the belief of some, the Christian life is a life of immense joy. There are many reasons to rejoice for the Christian. One reason, as this letter will soon indicate, is when we find others walking in God's truth as we are. Some of Your Children Walking in Truth – The word, "Some" is not in the original Greek manuscripts here. The translators have chosen to add this word to clarify that the Apostle John has met some but not all of the members of this church. John isn't saying here that only a few of "your children" are "walking in truth." He is rejoicing greatly because the disciples he has met from this "elect lady's" fellowship are showing signs of true knowledge of God and evidence of authentic salvation. Meeting believers from another fellowship can be an occasion of great rejoicing or great grief depending upon whether or not these believers are "walking in truth." Walking in Truth – In New Testament language the word "walking" simply refers to the way a person lives (Is. 2:5; 50:11; 1 John 1:7; Rev. 21:24). So, "walking in truth" would imply that a person is living according to the truth of God. The only way a person can walk in truth is if he or she first knows the truth. And the only way to know the truth is to know the Word of God. That is why a major responsibility and occupation of every pastor is to teach the Bible. Commandment from the Father – The writings of the New Testament are not suggestions from the Father. They are "commandments from the Father." God the Father has spoken to us through His Son (Heb. 1:1-2). It is also quite interesting that when you search out and study the commandments of God found in the New Testament, they are always commandments instructing us to love God and love one another. v. 5 I Plead With You – Though the Apostles had been given the great commission to preach the Gospel with "all authority" from Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20), they write with such humility and love. Instead of commanding us like someone on a personal power trip, John "pleads" with us to love and obey God. Not…a New Commandment…We Have Had from the Beginning – John is declaring to us that the commandments of the New Covenant are not new commandments. The commandment to love has always been top priority on God's agenda (Deut. 6:5, 11:13, 30:20; Josh. 22:5). That We Love One Another – Loving one another has always been central in the Apostle John's writings (John 13:35, 1 John 4:20-21). According the God the Father and Jesus His Son, this is the greatest commandment that overshadows all the rest (Deut. 6:5, Luke 10:26-28). v. 6 This is Love, That We Walk According to His Commandments – John gives us a definition of love here that is quite different than the world's definition of love. This definition of love came directly from the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:14). Commandment…from the Beginning – Again, John is speaking of the commandment to "love one another" (v. 5). As we have already seen in the many cross-references given in the above notes, love has been God's commandment from the beginning. This command has been repeatedly given not only from the beginning of the Christian life, but also in the scriptures from the beginning to the end. You Should Walk in it – To "walk" is a biblical term meaning lifestyle, actions, and way of life. The Christian should act and live according to the commandments of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. v. 7 Many Deceivers Have Gone Out Into the World – Though we are to love everyone, we are to trust everyone. There is a big difference between loving and trusting. We can truly love without being gullible. The Bible repeatedly warns us to beware of deceivers and know the difference between truth and lie. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do for someone is to point out a lie and warn him or her of a deceiver. Who do not Confess Jesus Christ as Coming in the Flesh – John is defending against the Gnostic heresy of his day, which taught that Jesus did not have had a body of flesh. Today this warning can also be applied to those who teach that Jesus didn't really come at all. Some modern-day liberals teach that the Jesus story is just a myth compiled from various mythological gods of times past. They would have you believe that the Jesus we read about in the Bible never really came as the Christ. Know that these liberal so-called scholars are deceivers! They are, as the next phrase indicates, "antichrists." Do not be deceived by their lies. This is a Deceiver and an Antichrist – "Antichrist" can mean "against Christ" or "replacing Christ." And a "deceiver" is simply a liar. Though John has earned the nickname "the apostle of love," he also puts a high premium upon truth. John mentions truth in his writings almost as much as he instructs us on the subject of love. Truth without love can make a person harsh and offensive to others. Love without truth can make a person naive and gullible to deception. Some would consider it a very rude thing to call anyone a liar or a deceiver. But the fact is, there are as many liars and deceivers in the world today as in John's day. Anyone who would be a teacher of truth will by design become a refuter of lies. You cannot stand for truth without standing against a lie. v. 8 Look to Yourselves – Though we are exhorted in scripture to look to Jesus (Heb. 12:2) we are also exhorted to look to ourselves. This does not mean we should look to find guidance from within our own selves or deliverance through our own powers. This phrase is translated "watch out" in some translations. It is an exhortation to be on guard. John is simply saying that we are to guard our hearts against deception and honestly examine ourselves in truthfulness. That We Do Not Lose Those Things We Worked For – This phrase is referring to a Christian's blessings and heavenly rewards, and not salvation (as indicated in the next sentence). "Things we worked for" cannot be referring to our salvation, because our salvation is not something we work for. Salvation is a free gift from God by grace (Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 3:5). It is possible for a Christian to "suffer loss" without loss of salvation (1 Cor. 3:12-15). Full Reward – The scriptures reveal that though salvation is a free gift of God, we do receive "rewards" according to our works (Matt. 16:27, 1 Cor. 3:8). v. 9 Transgresses – To "transgress" means to "go beyond" or "cross the line." Does Not Abide in the Doctrine of Christ – this is referring to one who has abandoned the teachings of Christ and left them behind. The NIV words this, "Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ." Does Not Have God – Notice John does not say, "Never had God." God is concerned about the present. The scriptures never seem to focus on our past. For instance, as a Christian, your past sins will not be held against you. They are "remembered no more" (Heb. 8:12, 10:17). On the other hand, if a person is in rebellion against God and rejects Christ's Lordship, the good things of his past don't justify, excuse or cover the bad things he or she is doing in the present (Eze. 18:24). He Who Abides in the Doctrine of Christ – To "abide" means to "remain in" and requires both knowledge of and a practice of the teachings of Christ. Has Both the Father and the Son – The Father and the Son are a package deal. You cannot have one and not the other. But the way to have both is to abide in Christ's teachings. We see in this verse that to "have God" you must have both the Father and the Son. If you claim to "have God" yet don't hold to the teachings of Christ, then you don't have God at all! v. 10 If Anyone Comes to You and Does Not Bring This Doctrine – John is referring to self-appointed evangelists and teachers who do not embrace and teach the doctrines of Christ. A "doctrine" is simply a code of belief embraced. This verse can be applied to those who reject Christ's teachings altogether or to those who twist and distort Christ's teachings. Today we have many "Christian cults" who name the name of Christ and claim to follow Him, but in reality distort the true doctrines of Christ. This is why it is so important that we are on guard and "test all things" (1 Thess. 5:21) by the scriptures as the Bereans did in Acts 17:11. Do Not Receive Him…Nor Greet Him – In John's day Christians would welcome traveling evangelists and teachers into their home and give them the hospitality of food and housing along their way. Christians here are exhorted here not to entertain or greet or offer hospitality of any kind to those whose mission is to preach a false Gospel. v. 11 He Who Greets Him Shares in His Evil Deeds – John is simply warning us that we should not assist false teachers in accomplishing their mission. If we offer them room and board or even greet him with the right hand of fellowship, that would be assisting an enemy of the doctrine of Christ. We would thus be in partnership with an antichrist. v. 12 I Hope to Come to You…that Our Joy May be Full – Notice the aged Apostle John's attitude toward relationships. Though he has much more to say, he is saving it until he can meet face to face with his readers. Though letters and e-mails can be nice, nothing can take the place of being together face to face with those you love. John goes as far as saying that when we meet together with those we love "our joy may be full." There is much joy to be found through faith in Christ. But there is more joy—full joy—to be found when the saints gather in unity because of the love and truth received through Christ. This is a good reason to continue in regular fellowship and not be a spiritual "lone ranger." (Heb 10:24-25). v. 13 The Children of Your Elect Sister – (See 2 John 1:1) There is some debate whether John is writing to an actual woman and her children or a particular church and its members. If we compare this statement with 1 Peter 5:13, we see that this is a way for churches to send their greetings to one another. The word "elect" simply means chosen by God. It is a term used to describe all true believers. Amen – "So it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled." It was a custom, which passed over from the synagogues to the Christian assemblies, that when he who had read or discoursed, had offered up solemn prayer to God, the others responded Amen, and thus made the substance of what was uttered their own. Amen is a word known throughout the world today and is used in every language and culture. | |
 | |
| I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. –2 John 1:4 Lord, we pray for those who are walking in truth, that they would not be led astray. We also lift up those who are not walking in truth, that the Holy Spirit would show them clearly where they are in light of Your just judgment and mighty grace and mercy. | |
1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.
