March 18, 2012
Morning Service

We completed the letter of I John last week.  John’s writings confront the false teachers who were attacking the church from the inside.  He also challenged us to show our love for God by keeping His commands and loving our neighbors.

We will continue on this morning with John’s second letter.  The time, the recipient, and the place from where it was written are all speculations.  It is believed to have most likely been written from Ephesus, as the first letter, and probably later.

 

 2Jo 1:1-3  The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,  (2)  for the sake of the truth dwelling in us, and which shall be with us forever.  (3)  Grace will be with you, mercy and peace from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

 

            John addresses this to one who “I love in the truth.”  The Greek word for Christian love is “agape.”  It does not stand for a warm sentiment of compassion towards someone, it goes much deeper.  It is defined as an undefeatable goodwill, which never feels bitterness and always seeks for the highest good.  Agape love accepts the challenges, problems, difficulties, and sacrifices that arise with this search.

 

1Jo 4:8 The one who does not love has not known God. For God is love.

 

1Jo 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

 

1Jo 3:18 My children, let us stop just saying we love each other, let us really show it by our actions.

 

1Pe 1:22 Purifying your souls in the obedience of the truth through the Spirit to unfeigned love of the brothers, love one another fervently out of a pure heart,

 

These verses really challenge me.

 

            Do I love my brother or just say I do?

 

            Do my actions reflect that love or reject that it is love at all?

 

Is that love being generated fervently from a pure heart or am I just going through the motions?

 

As we journey towards God, these are the types of questions we must ask ourselves and hold ourselves accountable for.  This is how we grow in Christ; by reading His Word and truthfully applying it to our lives.  I challenge you to read I Corinthians chapter 13 (the love chapter) and evaluate your application of love in all your relationships.  You should start with the ones at home; spouses, children, siblings, and parents.   We can then extend that to our neighbors, coworkers, and friends.   Is there someone God has place in your circle of life that you need to show His love to?  

 

 

 

 

2Jo 1:4-6 I rejoiced greatly that I found your children walking in truth, as we have received command from the Father.  (5)  And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we 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, as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.

 

John found joy from seeing a second generation walking in the truth.  We are commanded to hand down our faith to our family.  It is happening in our fellowship.  The students have become teachers and are now bringing their little ones to church.  Our goal is to maintain proclaiming the message regardless of the messenger.

 

However sadly, not all our loved ones are here.  As we have extended our faith to them, not all have accepted it (yet).  John again give us the remedy, and it is not a “new;” love.

 

Joh 13:34-35 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. As I have loved you, you should also love one another.  (35)  By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love toward one another.

 

1Co 13:8 Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be abolished; if tongues, they shall cease; if knowledge, it will be abolished.

 

2Jo 1:7-9 For many deceivers have entered into the world, who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.  (8)  Look to yourselves, so that we may not lose those things which we worked out, but that we may receive a full reward.  (9)  Everyone transgressing and not abiding in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.

 

We are warned again of anyone not believing that Jesus Christ came in the flesh is a deceiver and posses the spirit of the antichrist.  We must watch for ourselves not to get caught up in such a doctrine.  Verse 9 promises that if we continue to abide in the teachings of Christ we will have a fellowship (relationship) with the Father and Son.

 

1Jo 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

 

Joh 15:5 I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

 

Act 4:12 And there is salvation in no other One; for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

 

2Jo 1:10-11 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house, nor speak a greeting to him.  (11)  For he who speaks a greeting to him is partaker of his evil deeds.

 

How dangerous are these false teachers?  John warns us not to allow them into our houses or encourage them in any way.  The church needed to keep a clear separation from those teaching the false doctrines.  We must use wisdom in knowing what situations to stay away from and when the Holy Spirit would have us to speak up (done with love).

 

2Jo 1:12-13 Having many things to write to you, I do not want to say with paper and ink. But I trust to come to you and speak face to face, so that our joy may be full.  (13)  The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.