2 John 1:1-13

February 11, 2018

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2 John 1:1-13

2 John 1:1-3
1 The elder, 
To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.  

2 John 1:4-6
4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 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.

 What's the point?  Love God, Love people!

2 John 1:7-8
7 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. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we[a] have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.

The Gnostic believers believed that "The Christ" came on Jesus when he was baptized, and then left Jesus just before the crucifixion.  John is coming against this teaching strongly with his words of "acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh".  This meant a LOT to those he was writing this letter to because it gave them confidence in the truth.

2 John 1:9
9 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. 

Running ahead is not referring to progress in their faith, but to running beyond it.

2 John 1:10-11
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 11 Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life.

2 John 1:12-13
12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.  13 The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.

Communication Card
-I will work to encourage the leaders of the church.
-I will follow God in what He is doing instead of making decisions and asking Him to bless them.