2 John 7–13

INTRODUCTION

PROTECTING TRUTH (v.7-11)

VERSE 7

2 John 7–11 NKJV

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

2 John 7 NKJV

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

In this verse 4 things:

The word “deceivers” comes from the Greek word planē, where we get the English term “planet”. (v.7)

The ancient world studied the movement of space. They knew that many stars fit into stable patterns but some stars move irregularly. (which later in history they figured out that the irregular stars are planets in orbit).

Well the Ancient people called the irregular stars wonderers and became a way to describe a person who wonders from the truth.

Teaching us that a deceiver is someone who wonders from the truth.

The Bible warns us to look out for people who wonders from the truth

; , ; ; ; ; ).

The word “deceivers” comes from the Greek word planē, from which we get the English term “planet

Matthew 7:15 NKJV

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 24:11 NKJV

11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

Matthew 24:24 NKJV

24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Mark 13:22 NKJV

22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

1 John 2:26 NKJV

26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.

1 John 3:7 NKJV

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

1 John 4:1 NKJV

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Robert James Utley, The Beloved Disciple’s Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, and III John, vol. Volume 4, Study Guide Commentary Series (Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International, 1999), 248.

Deceivers come from within and go out in the world (v.7) ()

Note

now that you know about the Greek word “deceivers” (“plane”) you can also appreciate the play on words John just used.

Deceivers come from within and go out in the world (v.7) ()

this verse can mean a few things:

Either false teachers leave the church as described in

or they are on missionary assignments deceiving people as seen in 3 John

or both.

Denying Jesus coming in the flesh is an example of what a deceiver would say (v.7)

at this time Gnosticism was becoming a large belief system:

The Beloved Disciple’s Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, and III John Word and Phrase Study

Gnosticism affirmed an eternal dualism between “spirit” (God) and “matter” (flesh). To them, Jesus could not be fully God and fully man.

Deceivers are Antichrists (v.7) ( 2 -29).

However note that there is a difference between plural antichrists and the singular antichrist ()

1 John 2:18 NKJV

18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.

VERSE 8

2 John 8 NKJV

8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.

2 John

In this verse 2 things;

Look to yourselves also means “watch yourself” and is present active imperative.

The Beloved Disciple’s Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, and III John Word and Phrase Study

Believers are responsible for discerning error because (1) they know the gospel; (2) they have the Spirit; and (3) they have ongoing fellowship with Christ.

a

Believers are responsible for discerning error because (1) they know the gospel; (2) they have the Spirit; and (3) they have ongoing fellowship with Christ.

So we are warned against deceivers in ( ; ; ; ; ; ; ; )

(cf. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; )

The things the church works for in verse 8 is love & doctrine ( see v.4-6)

VERSE 9

2 John 9 NKJV

9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

In this verse: 2 things

The doctrine of Jesus is to love God and each other. (; )

If you don’t love God and each other than you don’t have Jesus, which means you don’t have the Father. (v.9).

“You cant know the Father if you don’t know the Son.”

Verse 10-11

2 John 10–11 NKJV

10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

2 John 10 NKJV

10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;

In theses verses 2 thing:

In theses verses 1 thing

If anyone does not love God or God’s people then kick them out. (v.10).

Us accepting them is accepting what they teach. (v.11)

If anyone does not love God or God’s people then kick them out. (v.10)

What we accept, accepts their life and their belief.

What are you accepting that God is rejecting?

Verse 11

2 John 11 NKJV

11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

CLOSING WORDS (v.12-13)

2 John 12–13 NKJV

Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

*Are Identical to the closing words to 3 John

Notice how John re-mentions Joy from

2 John 4 NKJV

4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received a commandment from the Father.

This joy was based on (1) the presence of the teacher and (2) the knowledge of truth that he brought.