Responding to deceivers (2 John 7 - 13)
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.
Sermon notes
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Explore the text
7 deceivers, (planos) an imposter or someone who seeks to mislead you. A deceiver wants to make a stray dog out of you, so that you can roam and wander away from the straight and narrow path Gd has set for you.
8 may not lose what we have worked for. Although a reward is generally promised Christians for hospitality (e.g., Matt. 10:41; 25:40 9:41 ; Mark ), the idea here is of the fullness of a believer’s reward for all the good he has done (see 1 Cor. 3:10–17 ; 2 Cor. 5:9–10 ). A loss of that reward may occur to any believer who does not discriminate fellowship on the basis of adherence to the truth (Col. 2:18–19; 3:24–25 ). This is a potent warning. All the eternal reward one earns by seeing Christ purely, eagerly, and effectively in the Spirit can be diminished by any aiding or abetting of false teaching.
11 takes part in his wicked works. Hospitality to such leaders aids the spread of their heresy and inevitably leaves the impression of sanctioning the teachings of these antichrists (cf. 1 John 2:22 ). Supreme loyalty to God and his word alone must characterize the actions of every true believer.
(From The 1689 BCOF) Key doctrine: Deity of Christ
The Son of God, the second person in the Holy Trinity, being very and eternal God, the brightness of the Father's glory, of one substance and equal with Him who made the world, who upholds and governs all things He has made, did, when the fullness of time was complete, take upon Him man's nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities of it,9 yet without sin;10 being conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit coming down upon her: and the power of the Most High overshadowing her; and so was made of a woman of the tribe of Judah, of the seed of Abraham and David according to the Scriptures;11 so that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion; which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man.12
9 John 1:14; Gal. 4;4
10 Rom. 8:3; Heb. 2:14,16–17, 4:15
11 Matt. 1:22–23
12 Luke 1:27,31,35; Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 2:5
Apologetics: “Christians should hold hands with Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons and Catholics to help make this world a better place”
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Fellowship discussion points
What criteria should we use to determine if an error is heresy or not? Where do we draw the lines?
How would you answer a Christian who said, “Doctrine is divisive; we should just focus on love”?
When we know the truth, how can we avoid the sin of pride?
How can we know where to draw the line of unity versus separation? How does this differ on individual and church levels?
Thoughts for Personal / Family Worship
John mentions his desire to visit these brethren in person, and he sends them greetings from “the children of your chosen sister” (the church from where he wrote). His aim in visiting and speaking with them face to face was “so that your [some manuscripts read “our”] joy may be made full.” There is great joy in genuine Christian fellowship, when we share in the things of God with those who have experienced His grace, mercy, and peace.
The point is, we don’t want to become so paranoid about the dangers without that we cut ourselves off from other churches or individual Christians that love Christ and the truth. If they have come to know Christ in a saving way, then we are members of the same body. We impoverish ourselves and bring dishonour to Christ when we draw the lines of separation too narrowly.
How can we be discerning with the company we keep without hampering the importance of fellowship? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
