Encouragement and Warning–2 John

He was the only one left. He was one of the people who left everything and followed. He saw Jesus heal a small child with a touch and bring her back to life. He was up on the mountain where there was brightness like lighting. He saw Elijah and Moses. He heard Jesus teach. He was there in the Garden and heard His prayers about not going to the cross.  

Now it’s 50-60 years later. Everyone else had died: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Peter, and James, his own brother. One by one they were all gone and he’s the last. He will be the only disciple to die of old age. John, the apostle, writes several letters to us. One of those is 2 John.

2 John is a short letter with 13 verses in one chapter. John writes this letter for 2 reasons: (1) To encourage Christians and (2) To warn the church. Four times in the first three verses, John uses the word truth. John’s letter brings us the truth, because the truth will affect you and those around you. Today, in a time where we hear lies every day, we need to hear from this book.  

What is the truth?

“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—because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever.”  2 John 1:1-2 (NIV)

Here’s what Jesus said: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 (NIV). Today, if you were to share this verse you would probably get a response of Christianity being narrow-minded and arrogant. Jesus as the only way is laughable in our culture today. In his gospel, John shared these words of Jesus. John saw Jesus die on the cross. John saw Jesus alive after the resurrection.  John says: Jesus is the truth, the truth that lives forever. This truth is our foundation.  

“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 1:3 (NIV)

Grace, mercy and peace–those would be nice to have. This isn’t wishful thinking, if we have the truth, we have these. That is what Jesus brings. That is what the truth is.  These qualities are found when walking in the truth.  

Grace–getting good we don’t deserve.  Mercy–not getting what you do deserve.  Sometimes we think God seems unfair. But actually I don’t want God to treat me fairly–I need mercy. Peace–this is complete peace: relationally, spiritually, physically.  

John writes: This truth, if you walk in it, will bring grace, mercy, and peace.  

Walk in the Truth

“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 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. 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.”  2 John 1:4-6 (NIV)

This is not a new commandment. John writes: I want you to come back to Jesus is the Son of God–and that changes everything.  This is the truth that you love Him and love others. It’s what Jesus said to do.  

This is a call to wholeheartedly walk in truth. To not choose portions of truth and say: “This part of my life is my business. My sexuality is my business. I know I’m supposed to forgive, but I won’t”. John writes: This isn’t new–if you love God, obey Him, and love others–do that.    

Protect the Truth

“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. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 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. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.     2 John 1:7-11 (NIV)  

“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. The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.”  2 John 1:12-13 (NIV)

Hold on to the truth and protect it. John instructs us to take some steps of protection of the truth: 

(1) Don’t get involved with anyone who doesn’t teach the real Jesus. John writes: Jesus is the truth, stick with Him. Do not give a foothold in your life to anyone teaching anti-Jesus, or a different Jesus, or no Jesus.

(2) Christian growth is measured by our relationship with Jesus, not some new knowledge. John is not pointing to Bible knowledge. He is saying: Walk in love and obedience. We do not have the right to invent our own God. When anyone adds to Jesus, run from them.   

“To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”   John 8:31-32 (NIV)

Know the truth. Walk in the truth. Protect the truth. Signed: John.   

A Prayer For You

Lord, help me know Your truth. Help me not treat You like a consultant, but to obey and live Your truth. Help me to stand for Your truth in a world of lies. Help me to do the right thing in Your sight. Amen.