November 6, 2012
TRUTH AND LOVE
2 John 1–13
Dean Macfarlan
Central Truth
We must know the truth, we must walk in the truth, and we must abide in the truth.
Key Verse | 2 John 6
And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. (2 John 6)
2 John 1–13
Greeting
1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.
Walking in Truth and Love
4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we 1 1:8 Some manuscripts you have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
Final Greetings
12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you.
Dive Deeper | 2 John 1–13
John is writing to a "chosen lady" and her children, and perhaps to the church that met in their house. If you and I are to keep our homes true to Christ, then we, too, must walk in truth and love.
It's the job of a leader and especially a parent to define reality. That reality is "the truth." God has revealed the truth in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the pages of His Word. And it is in the home where we must instill a knowledge of and love for God's truth.
John emphasizes absolute truth in 2 John because there were so many false teachers spreading error at that time. The answer to this is truth: "'Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (John 8:32, NIV) The Christian faith stands or falls on the doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ. If He is only man, then He cannot save us no matter how gifted and unique He may be. If He is not God come in human flesh, then the Christian faith is a lie -- not truth.
My brother Andy was the one who introduced me to this truth when I was 17 years old. He gave me a J.B. Phillips New Testament when I was in high school. This is what he wrote inside it: "I suggest you investigate the claims made by this man Jesus. All history . . . past, present, and future hinges on who He claims to be. You have to decide what to do with this man. I believe it is true, and if so, it changes everything." The more I read, the more real Jesus became. So, on a very hot Houston summer night, I entrusted my life to Christ. And everything did change. He has given me a significant meaning and purpose to my life that I never could have imagined.
We must not only learn the truth with our minds, but we must also love the truth with our hearts and live out the truth in our lives, presenting our bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God (see Romans 12:1). John's appeal is for us to love one another. This is not a feeling; it's an action -- an act of will.
It takes constant vigilance to protect a family or local church from the attacks of false teachers. Human nature wants to believe lies and resist truth. As a shepherd of the Watermark flock, I experience no greater joy than when I watch our body respond to God's Word and walk in truth. Will you commit to be a watchman on the tower with me (see Isaiah 62:6)?
Discussion Questions
1. We had the blessing of traveling to Israel this year. In Jerusalem we visited the tomb where many believe Jesus was buried. There is a sign on the back of the door when you are leaving the tomb. It says: "He is not here -- He is risen!" It was a very powerful reminder of what Christ has done for us. Does your life reflect this truth today?
2. Do your priorities reflect the world's lies about ambition, pleasure, and power?
3. What would it look like in your life to abide in the truth still more?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
November 5-9 (1 John 5 – Revelation 1)
Read Revelation 1.
• Look up the word revelation in the dictionary.
According to verse 1 who is this revelation from? Who received the revelation? Who is the revelation for? (The seven churches, and it's also for us.)
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What does Jesus say about Himself in verse 8? Read Hebrews 13:8 also.
How does that make you feel about Jesus?
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Who did John see standing with the lampstands?
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How many lampstands are there? How many stars was Jesus holding?
• Who did He say the lampstands and stars represent?
The Book of Revelation was written to show us the full identity of Christ and to give warning and hope to believers. It is not an easy book, but as verse 3 says, God blesses those who read it, listen to it, and obey it.
Activity: Reread verses 11-20 together. Draw and color a picture of what John saw. Be sure to label the lampstands with the seven churches. We will dive more into the seven churches next week!