Message: “Living in Truth and Love 2 John” from Joe Summers

"Living in Truth and Love: Lessons from 2 John" Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of truth, love, and hospitality in the Christian faith, as taught in the letter of 2 John, and to encourage the practice of these virtues in our lives. Personal Goal: To cultivate a deeper commitment to walking in truth, practicing love, and discerning falsehood in my interactions with others, following the example set forth in 2 John. Scripture References: - 2 John 1:1-3 – ESV 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, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. Introduction Purpose: The primary purpose of 2 John is to warn against false teachers and to encourage believers to adhere to the truth of the Gospel. The letter emphasizes the importance of love and obedience to God's commandments. Audience: Many believe it is the Church The word “truth” is found five times in this short letter of 13 verses. It is the keyword. The word “love” occurs five times. Truth and love are inseparable. Key Themes 1.Truth and Love: The letter emphasizes the inseparable connection between truth and love. Believers are encouraged to walk in the truth and to love one another. 2. Discernment: 2 John warns against receiving false teachers into the church and emphasizes the need for discernment in recognizing and rejecting falsehood. 3. Obedience: The letter underscores the importance of obeying God's commandments as a demonstration of love for Him. 4.Hospitality: While hospitality is commended, believers are cautioned against extending hospitality to false teachers who do not confess the true doctrine of Christ. 2. Truth and Love 2 John 1:1-3 – ESV 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, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love - What is the importance of truth and love in the Christian faith.? .How do we express that love and truth toward each other? 3.Walking in Truth and Love 2 John 1:4-6. 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 does it means to "walk in truth" and "love one another." We must test all the teachings in the world by the Scriptures “for the truth’s sake” (2 John 2). Test your experience by the Word of God, but never test the Word of God by your experience! 4.Beware of Deceivers 2 John 1:7-11. 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. 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. 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. Many false teachers who would not confess that Jesus Christ was here in the flesh were traveling to the churches (see 2 John 7–11). This “is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 7; see also 1 John 4:1–2). They did not believe in the humanity of Christ and denied His incarnation. If you call Jesus Lord but deny His deity, you are a liar and an antichrist. John says this. Why the warning against deceivers and false teachings. What are the ways to discern truth from falsehood in today's world. 5.Abiding in Christ's Teaching 2 John 1:9. 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. - Discuss the importance of abiding in the teaching of Christ. 6. Conclusion and Application - Read 2 John 1:12-13. 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. 2 John provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by early Christian communities, particularly the threat of false teachings. It underscores the importance of truth, love, and discernment in the life of a believer and serves as a timeless reminder of the essential elements of the Christian faith. The truth John speaks of is from above, the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. We are to walk in the truth, not just admire it. Then we will “love one another” (2 John 5). This love is genuine and not subject to change. “The love of Christ constraineth us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). The proof of our love is in our walk: “And this is love, that we walk after his commandments” (2 John 6). John speaks of the teaching, or doctrine, of Christ: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God” (2 John 9). This is the test of the gospel: Not what I think or what someone else has thought or said or done, but what has Christ said? What is He to you? Is He the Son of God?

More Messages from Joe Summers | Download Audio

From Series: "Sunday Service"

These are the regularly scheduled Sunday lessons