August 17, 2022
Walk This Way
2 John
Anthony Anderson
Central Truth
God's Word is timeless; and we have the tools to be faithful with it, not depart from it, and encourage others toward it.
Key Verse | 2 John 1:6
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.
2 John
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.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | 2 John
Here's a moment of transparency for me: I have a non-clinical diagnosis of being allergic to running. I start to sweat, I have shortness of breath, and the dizziness that comes with it will turn me around and send me right back home. Over time, walking has carved out a special place in my heart. I fell in love with my wife during our long walks and talks.
What does it look like to walk with God? In 2 John, we are given some rich lessons to those who belong to Christ. The author begins his letter greeting and encouraging those who know truth. He then rejoices when he sees that other believers are walking in the truth. One thing asked of the dear elect lady, which is still required of us today, is that we love one another (2 John 1:5). John's previous epistle lays it out pretty clearly what love is. God is love (1 John 4:8), and our love comes from God (1 John 4:7). This goes in sync like our left and right feet. Love God, love others, love God, love others. "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." (2 John 1:6)
Things get tricky for us when we get out of rhythm. We should be aware when deceivers, false teachers who deny that Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man, cross our path. How do we avoid being tripped up by the deceivers of this world? By abiding in God's Word and testing their teaching against truth (2 Timothy 3:16). "Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward." (2 John 1:8) Allow the Lord to guide you in taking the next step of faithfulness (Psalm 37:23, 119:105); avoid the stumbling blocks of the enticements in our broken world (Psalm 119:133); and enjoy the journey along the way.
Discussion Questions
1. Are you in sync with God? How do you make sure that you are walking with Him?
2. In a world that has an increasingly polarizing view of what "truth" is, it is important to stand firm in what God's Word teaches us. How do you speak truth to others in love and not "just truth" or "just love"?
3. Just as John rejoices in others walking in the truth, how can you be rejoicing in others as they walk in truth today? Take time to encourage someone today!