The book of 2 John is a short but powerful letter written by the apostle John to a chosen lady and her children. Its purpose is to encourage believers to uphold the truth of the gospel and to warn against false teachers who seek to deceive them. Throughout the letter, John emphasizes the importance of love and obedience in living out the truth of the gospel.
Upholding Truth: The Importance of Love and Obedience
In 2 John, John emphasizes the importance of love and obedience in upholding the truth of the gospel. He writes, "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. 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 1:5-6).
John makes it clear that love and obedience are inseparable. To truly love God and others, we must obey God’s commandments. This includes not only the commandment to love one another, but also the commandments to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and to abide in his teachings (2 John 1:7-9).
Furthermore, John warns that those who do not walk in love and obedience are not abiding in the truth of the gospel. He writes, "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…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" (2 John 1:7, 9).
Therefore, to uphold the truth of the gospel, we must not only believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, but also walk in love and obedience.
Warning Against False Teachers: The Danger of Deception
In 2 John, John warns against false teachers who seek to deceive believers. He writes, "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" (2 John 1:7).
John makes it clear that false teachers are a serious threat to the truth of the gospel. They deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, which is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. By denying this, they are denying the very foundation of our salvation.
Furthermore, John warns that those who receive false teachers into their homes or give them a greeting are participating in their evil deeds (2 John 1:10-11). This is because by giving them a platform, we are helping them spread their false teachings and deceive others.
Therefore, we must be vigilant in guarding against false teachers and their teachings. We must test everything against the truth of the gospel and not be swayed by those who seek to deceive us.
Hospitality and Support for Fellow Believers: Living Out the Truth
In 2 John, John emphasizes the importance of hospitality and support for fellow believers. He writes, "Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God" (2 John 1:5-6).
John commends the chosen lady and her children for their hospitality and support of fellow believers. He encourages them to continue in this good work and to do it in a manner worthy of God.
Furthermore, John warns against those who do not show hospitality and support for fellow believers. He writes, "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works" (2 John 1:10-11).
Therefore, to live out the truth of the gospel, we must show hospitality and support for fellow believers. We must be willing to open our homes and our hearts to those in need, and we must do it in a manner worthy of God.
Conclusion: The Call to Continue in Truth and Love
In conclusion, the book of 2 John is a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding the truth of the gospel. John emphasizes the importance of love and obedience in living out the truth, warns against false teachers who seek to deceive us, and encourages hospitality and support for fellow believers.
Therefore, let us continue to abide in the truth of the gospel by walking in love and obedience, testing everything against the truth, guarding against false teachers and their teachings, and showing hospitality and support for fellow believers. May we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.