by Samuel E. Ward Introduction Most adults resent being treated as children by their peers, with patronizing, condescending remarks and simplified instructions. They take pride in their expertise, experience, and knowledge. Mature and well established, they stand confident and secure. But even the most self-assured adult will listen carefully to an admired elder and not be offended, knowing that this person has profound wisdom and insights gleaned from a lifetime of study and practice. --Life Application Bible Commentary, "Introduction to 1, 2, &3 John," Electronic Edition STEP Files Copyright © 2002, Parsons Church Group John in his senior years is fond of addressing the readers of his letters as "children." In 1 John there are eight references to them as "dear children," not counting his use of the word "children" in seven other passages in all three of his pastoral letters. Being the last living apostolic eyewitness of the Lord Jesus Christ's life and ministry, he enjoyed a high place of respect in the first century church. When he spoke or wrote, people listened, and with good cause. His affection and love for the church is obvious. His willingness to suffer for it was well-known. No one minded being called a "child" by the beloved apostle. This is the first of a brief series of studies on what some have designated "postcards" rather than "letters" to churches or individuals that are in the New Testament. John has written two of them. Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, and Paul wrote the other two. For the few words that are used to convey their messages, there are very many lessons that the church of today can learn from them. We begin with 2 John which is believed to have been written some time between 90 and 95 A.D. I. Greetings to the Lady and Her Children, 2 John 1-3 2 John 1:1-3 (NIV) 1The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— 2because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: 3Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love. A. The Author: Generally accepted to be the Apostle John, 2 John 1a B. The Recipients: The chosen lady and her children, 2 John 1b 1. They are loved in the truth by John, 2 John 1c 2. They are loved in the truth by all who know the truth, 2 John 1d 3. They are loved because of the truth, 2 John 2 C. The Greeting: Grace, mercy and peace for God the Father and from Jesus Christ, 2 John 1c. II. Exhortations from the Elder to the Lady and Her Children, 2 John 4-6
A. The Exhortation Is Introduced with a Cause for Joy, 2 John 4 1. The significance of the use of the word "some," 2 John 4a It will become apparent later in the letter that just as some were "walking in the truth," there were some who were not. This is true probably in every church. To the degree that everyone one is committed to not only knowing and believing what the truth is, but also living accordingly, that is the degree of the spiritual health of that church. Those "walking in the truth" are worthy of commendation; those who are not are worthy of condemnation. 2. The meaning of "walking in the truth" , 2 John, 4b a. To walk in the truth is to not walk in the darkness, which is anything that contradicts the Word of God, 1 John 1:6.
b. To walk in the truth is to obey the command of God, 2 John 4. c. To walk in the truth is to do so faithfully and continually, 2 John 3. 3 John 1:3 (NIV) 3It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 3. The Source of the command: The Father, 2 John 4c B. The First Exhortation is a Reminder to Continue in Love, 2 John 5-6 1. This is nothing new, 2 John 5a.
John 13:34-35 (NIV) 34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." b. It was a part of the gospel from the beginning, 1 John 2:7. See also 1 John 3:11.
2. This is needed now, 2 John 5b. "I ask that we love one another." 3. This is clearly defined, 2 John 6. "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands." C. The Second Exhortation Is a Caution Concerning Deceivers,
This caution includes . . . 1. A description of the deceivers, 2 John 7a a. They are marked by their failure to acknowledge the truth concerning Christ, Zane Hodges writes concerning this failure in his commentary on 2 John, The present participle "coming" (in the phrase "coming in the flesh") focuses on the principle involved in the Incarnation: Jesus taking on (coming in) and continuing with a human nature (cf. 1 John 4:2). This truth about "Jesus Christ… coming in the flesh" is what the deceivers denied. Some taught that Jesus' body was not truly human; it only appeared that way. That, of course, contradicted the truth of the Incarnation, that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human (Col 2:9). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, "2 John," Copyright 1983, SP Publications, Inc. All rights reserved b. They are many in number and targeting the world, 2 John 7a,c c. They are antichrists, 2 John 7d Zane Hodges addresses the possible misunderstanding of "Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist". The English article "a" (rather than "the") is sometimes appropriate for rendering the Greek definite article when an unnamed individual is in view. John did not mean to say here that "any such person" is the unique, end-time figure known as the Antichrist. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, "2 John," Copyright 1983, SP Publications, Inc. All rights reserved 2. An alert to danger, 2 John 8-9 a. To those who are tempted by the deceivers, 2 John 8,
b. To those who are prone to go further than or depart from the teaching concerning Christ, 2 John 9a,
3. An indicator of true faith, 2 John 9b,
4. A warning to collaborators and sympathizers, 2 John 10-11 a. They are not to be shown hospitality, 2 John 10 2 John 10 (NIV) 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. b. Anyone who does is considered a partner to his wickedness, 2 John 11.
III. Expressions of Longing to See the Lady and Her Children, 2 John 12-13
13The children of your chosen sister send their greetings. A. Some Things Are Better Said Face to Face, 2 John 12 a-c. B. Joy Is Best Shared Face to Face, 2 John 12d. C. Others Care for You, Too, 2 John 13. Applications to Life 1. Truth (the content of truth that we live by and the Person Who is Truth, Jesus Christ) is what binds Christians together. It is also what separates us from those who twist it to suit their own desires so they can live as they please rather than living to please God. 2. A Christian is not one because he or she says so, but if they live so in obedience to God by faith in Jesus Christ. It is the giving up of our personal will so that God's can be done through us. 3. The basic command that covers all others in our relationship with others is to "love another." This has always been the heart of Christian living and always will be. It is the way we love God. 4. Believers are to be alert to those who seek to distort God's truth. John chooses to emphasize the truth about Christ's nature but we must be attentive to other manipulation of God's Word, as well. There are severe consequences to changing and/or ignoring the truth of God and sympathizing with those who do. 5. There is no greater joy than seeing others living out God's truth as revealed in His Word. ========================================================== |
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Sunday, October 26, 2008
Living Postcards Series: 2 John
