John's Letter to the Chosen Lady
September 19, 2009
Larry R Evans
There is anger in the land. Some see it as racial and some do not, but there is anger—intense anger. The political scene in America is not what this week’s lesson is about but the Church is fixed within a culture at war with itself. It really doesn’t matter if one is a Democrat, a Republican or an Independent, anger is knocking at the door. We’ve been conditioned to this over decades by personal and corporate abuse at all levels. The emails I get are not only about politics. They cover frustration all organizations—wherever there are more than one living or working. Nothing, it seems, escapes the accusation that some kind of conspiracy plot is underway. Personally I have no time for speculation. I simply don’t have the time or energy to trace down all conceivable theories and many are just that. There are endless guesses what this or that could mean. I do not find such suggestions very helpful. What we do know is that there is one grand conspiracy truth that transcends all political, religious and secular, organizations. The Bible puts it very simply, “ And the dragon was enraged with the woman. . .” (Rev.12:17, NKJV) 1 Thes. 2:7 says “the secret power of lawlessness.” In the midst of this turmoil John dares to describe a people who are different though not perfect. What they read, what they reflect, has a higher plane than reports coming from the Wall Street Journal, network television or from the rioters on main street USA (or any other country). Living in the midst of chaos they are different for one primary reason: "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You."Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. Isa 26:3-4 (NASU) It is from this context that we enter into our study for this week. We must not forget that historically, John’s times were also fraught with much turmoil.
Reflective Quiz
1. Christian love is “true” love when it is expressed in the context of truth. [2Jn. 1-4; 2 Thess. 2:9,10] True
First some background to our 2 John. [READ 2 JOHN]
2 John 1-6
1:1 The 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- 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever:
· The elder – (old man) – he signs the letter first and designates himself as “the elder.”
· “The chosen lady and her children” -- metaphor for a church and her members. 1 Peter 5:13 addresses the body of believers in a similar fashion by using the feminine gender.
· John identifies himself and the faithful as “living in the truth.” Why is this so important to say? Because there were dangers that were troubling his pastoral heart.
3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.
· John is carrying the same concerns we saw in 1 John and in fact 2 Jn may have come first. In 2 Jn we find the deceivers still in the church and even speaking for the church but in 1 Jn 2:19 they already departed.
· John is deeply concerned about those who appear to be representing the church but who in fact are undermining the truth. No doubt he is reflecting the words her heard Jesus speak: Matt 7:15-16--15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them.(from New International Version)
2. The love John is talking about is not very exciting in that it is connected with keeping the commandments. [2Jn 4-6; Jn. 14:15; 15:9-12; Jn.10:10] False
4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. (from New International Version)
Joh 10:9 I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for--will freely go in and out, and find pasture.
Joh 10:10 A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
Joh 10:11 "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.
Joh 10:12 A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf.
Joh 10:13 He's only in it for the money. The sheep don't matter to him.
Joh 10:14 "I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. (MSG)
2 Thess 2:8-10
9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.(from New International Version)
3. False theology can be detrimental to even those who are well grounded. [2Jn. 7-9; Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29-31] True
2 John 7-11
7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. (NIV)
· In Greek verse 7 begins with “Because” therefore connecting with verse 6. So let’s read it that way beginning with verse 6: 2 John 6-8
· 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
BECAUSE . . .
· 7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for,
(NIV)
· Paul’s counsel to young Timothy also alerted him to this danger: 1 Tim 4:1-2
4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.(NIV)
· So while the early church was described in Acts 2:46-47 as meeting together regularly, eating together, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people this very atmosphere provided an avenue that played into the hands of deceivers. So we find the John talking about love but love in the truth and cautioning his members to alert just as Paul and Jesus had done.
· John even adds a term called: “antichrist”. It is only used here in 2Jn 7 and 1Jn 2:18, 22; 4:3. The term is not used elsewhere in Scripture although the concept certainly is. Whatever it means in other places it is used here to characterize people who are radically opposed to the true doctrine about Christ and are thus strong opponents to Him. In this context, anyone who denies Christ’s incarnation and divinity and resurrection is an antichrist.
· Ellen White was plagued by deceivers also who used her writings to portray false teachings:
“I have been made very sad in reading the pamphlet that has been issued by brother Stanton and by those associated with him in the work he has been doing. Without my consent, they have made selections from the Testimonies, and have inserted them in the pamphlet they have published, to make it appear that my writings sustain and approve the position they advocate. In doing this, they have done that which is not justice or righteousness. Through taking unwarrantable liberties, they have presented to the people a theory that is of a character to deceive and destroy. In times past many others have done this same thing, and have made it appear that the Testimonies sustained positions that were untenable and false.” {RH, August 22, 1893 par. 1}
· In verse 8 we find a warning to all of us: 8 “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for”. New churches, new Christians, well-established Christians are all vulnerable. Don’t be deceived by the influence of those who do not speak truth but who work their way into your personal circles of influence.
Is it hospitality that John is denying? What is his concern?
9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. (from New International Version)
The Message puts it this way:
2Jn 1:9 Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God. But whoever stays with the teaching, stays faithful to both the Father and the Son.
2Jn 1:10 If anyone shows up who doesn't hold to this teaching, don't invite him in and give him the run of the place.
2Jn 1:11 That would just give him a platform to perpetuate his evil ways, making you his partner.
Perhaps this helps explain the strong statement made by Ellen White:
“When one becomes in any way disaffected, he begins to visit and talk with others, and impressions of a disagreeable and untruthful character are left upon the mind. Thus it is that much of the seed of irritation and evil-surmisings are sown, and the unity of the brethren and sisters is broken up. There is a great need of work to be done, that the churches may not become defiled. Let those persons who have no inclination to come out and be on the Lord's side be labored with, and if they cannot harmonize with the church, let them either keep their tongue as with a bridle, or find some other place to worship. Their influence of evil cannot have the sanction of the church or God's approval. This work has been strangely neglected. It is time to set the church in order.--Manuscript 52, 1898, pp. 17-19. (Written May 5, 1898, "The Work Required of God's People.")
-The Bible lays much stress upon the practice of hospitality. Not only does it enjoin hospitality as a duty, but it presents many beautiful pictures of the exercise of this grace and the blessings which it brings. Foremost among these is the experience of Abraham. . . . {AH 445.1}
These acts of courtesy God thought of sufficient importance to record in His word; and more than a thousand years later they were referred to by an inspired apostle: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." {AH 445.2}
5. Inconsistencies and sin within the Church caused John to make a break with the Church. [1Jn. 2:18-20; 4:19-21; 2Jn. 12-13] False
2 John 12
12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. (NIV)
“Although there are evils existing in the church, and will be until the end of the world, the church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin. The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counseled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard. The world is a workshop in which, through the co-operation of human and divine agencies, Jesus is making experiments by His grace and divine mercy upon human hearts.” {1Notebook Leaflets from Elmshaven Library, 1945 49.1}
Yes, there is anger in the land and it can find its way into the church. John’s concern in 2 John, however, is not with the symptoms but with a root issue: How do we see Jesus? It effect everything which is why he speaks firmly as a pastor about deceivers, false theology and the need to be alert. The message is timely and if we want to be the beacon of light, truth and love He must be both our Savior and Lord!
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