TEXT: 2 John 1-13
READING: 1 Corinthians 13
SUBJ: The basic precept of truth and love defines the life of believers. Such is proven in practice.
AIM: That we should be found walking in the Truth.
INTR:
1. We would note the loving nature of the writings of John including his account of the Gospel. And consider that such a small letter as this is contained in the canon of scripture. This message is simple but profound.
2. Consider Paul and 1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
3. While we must not shun to declare the whole counsel of God, without the foundation of faith and practice, which is love in Christ, nothing else is of consequence.
THESIS: The elder Apostle sees wisdom that transcends the intellectual claims of the many. Thus, he would have us to ever be drawn to the foundation upon which we are built and that is discovered in the love of Christ.
I. The foundation for fellowship (vv. 1-3)
1. The value of a highly personal letter is evident here. It is not a testing of doctrine held, but of basic practice.
2. Of the elect lady and love in the truth. Who was she? A person or a church. Perhaps a precious lady who is a picture of the function of the redeemed.
3. All that have known the truth clearly manifest an identity with Christ.
4. It is for the truth’s sake that dwells in us forever. We must see this as equated with Christ who is the Truth.
5. Consider the spiritual desire for the bestowing of Grace, mercy, and peace. See 1 Timothy 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
6. And see that such blessing proceeds from God the Father and the Son of God in truth and love.
II. The loving counsel and warning of fellowship (vv. 4-11)
1. Consider the joy of one’s children walking in truth. (Some of thy children).
2. The essential and unchanging truth in defining a Gospel work.
1) It is what Christ died to accomplish
2) It is nothing new and yet it is always new. S.F. John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. AND ALSO: John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
3) We are ever reminded: 1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. AND the exhortation: Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
3. Consider the connection of love and obedience: Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
1) Love and obedience are inseparable: John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
2) They are mutually expressive (that the existence of one confirms the other). John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. AND compare: John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
3) From the beginning: Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
4. We must consider anything denying Christ as a deceiver and antichrist. Know that to deny the accomplishments of Christ is to deny Him. Salvation is of the Lord.
5. Look to yourselves that:
1) We lose not – the foundation of the Apostles that has been wrought in us.
2) If they bring not the doctrine (or the teaching that underlies the knowledge of the truth as a matter of experience) that you do not receive them or condone such false teaching.
3) These things are either abiding (living within) or not and such makes the distinction between those that have Christ and those that do not have Christ.
6. There is no hospitality given to error or those who teach it. This is not popular, but true divine love is in truth.
III. The Nature of believing fellowship (vv. 12-13)
1. Many things to write. SEE John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
1) Since he was expecting to see her face to face which was better. We treasure loving fellowship.
2) Sharing the truth with each other is to be desired.
3) The outcome is full joy and mutual delight.
2. There was acknowledgment from a sister – See 1 Peter 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
