SCRIPTURE: 2 JOHN 1
INTRODUCTION:
John wrote this letter to Christian women and her family and also to a church and its member. Hisd emphasized the importance of “LOVE” in Christian life and the doctrine of Christ as both man and God.
BIBLE VERSES:
“ And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” ( 2 John 1: 6)
“ I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we[ have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 1:7-9)
A true believer must not only know the truth. He must practise the truth. In addition, he must also defend the truth to those who preach lies. Do not make friends with the wrong people. Otherwise, you will lose what you have worked for.
THOUGHTS:
The truth told us to love one another. Practising the truth means showing it in action. Loving the truth and loving the brethren cannot be separated..
John waned us not to get involved with false doctrines. If we get detoured from our Christian faith, we will lose all the spiritual blessings we have gained. If we entertain false teachers by showing them hospitality or giving them donations, we share in them evil deeds. We should realize the danger they cause when heresies are given a foothold.
The meaning of “run ahead” in verse 9 means to go beyond. False teachers go beyond the Bible by adding or subtracting what God has written. They distort and exchange the meaning to suit their likes. We are to abide and affirm the fundamentals of the Word of God.
WAYS CHRISTIANS CAN SHOW LOVE TO ONE ANOTHER:
- By avoiding prejudice and discrimination
- By accepting people
- By showing compassion
- By listening
- By helping
- By giving
- By sharing
- By serving
- By not judging.