2 John 1-13 // Lifegroup Lesson

Intro

The book of 2 John is a short letter written by the apostle John to a chosen lady and her children. It is a letter that emphasizes the need to abide in the truth and to love one another. In this chapter, the apostle John encourages believers to walk in love and to beware of deceivers who do not acknowledge the truth of Jesus Christ.

Main theme and discernment is that love and truth are the same and essential to the Christian faith:

"Love and truth are the two wings of the Christian life, without which we cannot soar." - St. Augustine

Background:

John is an old guy, around 80 years of age and was one of the most oldest, and respected Christian leaders but also one of the OG.

This could be a church, especially since those are needing to be careful. We are the bride and He is the groom. In Ephesians 5 when it talks about marriage its a direct comparison to Christ and the Church.

Truth is the gospel and what is in this word. Jesus is also the word (John 1:1-3)

Read through 2 John and Summarize:

2 John 1–13 ESV

1 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, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. 12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you.

In verse 1 and 2, John addresses the chosen lady and her children, whom he loves in truth. This greeting shows John's love and affection for them. He then goes on to say that he rejoices greatly when he hears that her children are walking in the truth.

In verse 3 and 4, true joy from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is when we see each other walking in the truth. John is set on fire for Christ as he lived with Him. He says that no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth. Walking in the truth means living according to God's Word, and this is evidence of one's love for God. As believers, we are called to walk in love not just towards God but towards one another.

In verse 7 and 8, John warns the believers of the deceivers who have gone out into the world. These deceivers do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. They are false teachers who try to lead people astray from the truth. As believers, we should be careful not to be deceived by false teachings and false teachers. We need to test everything we hear against the truth of God's Word.

In verse 9, John exhorts the believers to abide in Christ. He says that whoever does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Abiding in Christ means remaining in fellowship with Him, obeying His commands and living our lives according to His will. It is only by abiding in Christ that we can have assurance of eternal life.

In verse 10, John encourages the believers to not show hospitality to those who come to them that are false teachers. This is a call to love others through deeds. It means offering a warm welcome and providing for their needs. We should be willing to be hospitable to others as a way of showing God's love.

The book states: “These Greek idioms refer to housing someone, providing a base for him, and giving your blessing when he leaves. If “the lady chosen” is a church, then “your house” is the home or building where the church meets. In that case, John is also warning against giving an official welcome and a platform for teaching.”

After question 5, on pg. 128 “Take them into your house or welcome them

”These Greek idioms refer to housing someone, providing a base for him, and giving your blessing when he leaves. If “the lady chosen” is a church, then “your house” is the home or building where the church meets. In that case, John is also warning against giving an official welcome and a platform for teaching.

Discussion Questions:

Question 5: Why do you think John so emphasizes walking in truth, obedience, and love?

Are you walking in truth, obedience, and love? How does your life reflect this? How can you improve in this area?