Walking in truth and love (2 John 1 - 6)
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.
Sermon notes
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Explore the text
1 love, (agapo) The Christian is to have a wholehearted love for other believers. This love is unconditional. It is a love that endures through sin and offence (1 Cor 13:7) It is a love that is devoted and never ends. Agapo love is linked to morality as it’s perfect example is from God. It means that true love is in keeping with God’s commandments.
2 truth (alétheia) this word is used five times in the first four versus. It means “a matter of fact”. In the Greek the word is synonymous with reality and is an antonym for illusion. The basis of some people’s love is nothing more than an illusion. John repeats that the Christians foundation for love and hospitality must be a matter fact and true, springing from the true saving work of God, done in them.
4 walking, walk (6). (peripateó) to walk in truth is a metaphor for every aspect of your life being dictated by the truth. The word also points to the truth being your companion.
(From The 1689 BCOF) Key doctrine: Good works
These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith;3 and by them believers manifest their thankfulness,4 strengthen their assurance,5 edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel,6 stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God,7 whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto,8 that having their fruit unto holiness they may have the end eternal life.9
Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ;10 and that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is necessary an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure;11 yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty, unless upon a special motion of the Spirit, but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them.12
They who in their obedience attain to the greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate, and to do more than God requires, as that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do.13
Apologetics: “I know plenty of Christian’s who aren’t loving. This can’t be true!”
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Fellowship discussion points
What should be the requirements for church membership?
Why is hospitality important? What does it say about our faith?
What does love and truth look like in our relationships with other believers?
Some contend that if you advocate obedience, you are legalistic. How would you respond?
Thoughts for Personal / Family Worship
Everyone who takes a stand for God’s truth will be slandered for being unloving.
We must not compromise the truth or to become unloving in defending the truth. We must not abandon the church because of the problems.
What is the solution?
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