The Truth of Christ brings Joy

For the Truth of Christ to bring Joy, we must first know that Truth (2 John 1)

Explanation: In his introduction, the Apostle puts great emphasis on the quality of truth. In this short letter the word truth is used 5 times. It is clearly an important concept, so it is important we understand to what specific truth the Apostle is referring.

The definition of the word truth is “that which corresponds to reality.”

Example: If I were to say that today is Sunday, that is a true statement. If I said today is Wednesday, that would NOT be a true statement.

Argument: In this letter the Apostle is not referring to truth in a general sense, but rather he is referring to a specific set of teachings about Jesus. As the elect lady is a fellow believer, John does not set forth the content of this body of truth in this short letter. A similar approach is used in Jude’s letter when he tasks believers with the important role to “earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered” (Jude 3)

Neither John nor Jude provide the content in these short letters, but the faith to which they refer is easily found in the other books of the New Testament. [This highlights the principle of interpreting Scripture with Scripture]

Drawing from other NT Scriptures, the truth about Jesus under discussion is summarized as follows:

Jesus is the Eternal Second Person of the Trinity (Colossians 1:15-18; John 1:1-4)

Jesus entered His own Creation as the God-Man (John 1:14; Matthew 1:20-23; Phil 2:6-7)

Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of God’s law perfectly and then offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus’ death and resurrection were prophesied beforehand so we might know God’s promises are kept (1 Corinthians 15:3)

Faith in the finished work of Christ death for our sin is what saves a person (Romans 10:9-10)

Application: In the first verse the Apostle references others as “all who know the truth.” The Question for you is this: do you know the truth about Jesus?

We will experience Joy when our families and friends are living in that Truth (2 John 4)

Explanation: This verse serves as one of the purposes of the letter; the Apostle has received news that some of the Lady’s children are also believers and this is evidenced by their lifestyle. Her children do not just profess the truth of Christ, their lives have been transformed as a result of the truth. John’s response to hearing that the Lady’s children were Christ-followers was that of rejoicing! The Apostle was excited by the good news!

Illustrate: Reaction of a parent / grandparent when the child does well at something positive like getting good grades, being recognized as an artist, doing well in sports, earning a degree, getting a promotion.

Argument: We are joyful and excited when people we care about do well. Consider the alternative: how often do you hear a parent brag about an adult child serving time in prison or having an addiction?

Application: IF our desire is for those we care about to live for Jesus, what is it we are doing to influence them in that direction? The world system has a message that stands in direct opposition to the claims of Christianity and it is intentionally coming after our children. Which side wants them more than the other?

We are called to proclaim the Truth as we genuinely love others (2 John 5-6)

Explanation: In addition to truth, the Apostle also has a strong focus on love. The word truth appears five (5) times, while love shows up four (4) times. This repetition has significance.

The Apostle reminds the Lady that God has commanded His followers to love one another. John then defines what it means to love - it means to live according to the revealed Word of God.

Argument: Love is NOT primarily an emotion; it is rather a choice. Consider that God’s love for mankind is on full display at the Cross. Rightly understood, the Cross is a penalty - it is the debt payment that served to satisfy the wrath of a Holy God. The Cross is NOT an emotional response to the sin problem.

We have all heard the slogan: “Jesus is the reason for the season,” and the sentiment is a good one. Even though many in our culture do not acknowledge Him, the Christian Church has emphasized the birth of Christ during this season of the year.

It is easy, even for devoted Christ-followers, however, to slip into a sloppy, sentimental understanding of love, especially during this season. It is almost if Christmas brings with it an automatic “hall pass” mentality, in that we often let “the magic of Christmas” (whatever that is!) to over-ride biblical teaching of holiness.

Application: Love and Truth are connected. You do not really love another if you are unwilling to share the truth with him or her. Contrary to popular sentiment, it is NOT unloving to disagree with another person. Believers are called to stand for Truth and to share that truth with others. We are, however, called to share the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)

Faithful followers of Christ have Joy now and a full reward later (2 John 7-9)

Explanation: The Apostle gives a warning as he brings this short letter to a close. He reminded the Lady that deceivers (false teachers) were active in distorting the truth about Jesus. They were denying that Christ had come in the flesh and that it was not therefore necessary to follow His teaching. John dire assessment is that those who do not abide (obey) the teachings of Jesus do NOT belong to God. This is a terrible state in which to be, so it is important that we remain solidly aligned with the truth of God’s word.

Those of us who remained anchored in the Word can “receive a full reward” (v. 8) To have this goal is not selfish because Jesus is the One who tells us to “lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt 6:20).

Example: Think of the tens of thousands of toys that will not survive the day of Christmas itself, and many more will pass into the trash by New Year’s due to broken pieces and shattered parts.

Argument: Place your focus and your treasure in the next life. Live for Jesus in such a way as to influence others for the Kingdom.