BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

 Lesson 1

Walk of a True Believer

2 John 1-13

One of my favorite stories of Billy Graham occurred when he was preparing to go off to college. Spending time alone on his parent’s property he came to a decision that has affected his whole life and mine as well. Although I do not remember his exact words the essence of that critical moment in his life was to accept the Bible totally as the infallible word of God. That statement was so powerful that I have chosen to do the very same thing. When I began to teach young adults that was one of the things that I told them. I said even though I do not understand all of the Bible I will by choice believe that every single word is true and that will be my approach to teaching. Far as I can remember I have never varied from what I said then. Having at this point in my life read the Bible multiple times, studied it memorized it and taught it for over forty years there has never been any reason to change my mind.

 

There is at least one verse in the Bible that has meant a great deal to me in this regard. I have probably shared it in other papers but for me it always bears repeating because the implications are so profound for any believer but especially for a teacher. It is to be the focus of our lives. It is found in the book of Ezra. The author wrote, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10)

 

A question that came up last week in a discussion was concerning the fate of those who have not heard the gospel. Even though most of us will never carry the truth of God’s word around the world we have to ask ourselves why are there people right here around us that have never heard the good news of Jesus Christ. How do I know that is true. If indeed many were exposed to the message found in Scripture the attitudes and behavior people with whom we come in contact would certainly be different. Rather than depending on others we have to ask ourselves have we studied, practiced and taught the Word in our churches so everyone of us is ready to share the good news. See Romans 10:14-15 we have the great message for the world that is dying to hear. Why are we in essence keeping it to ourselves.

 

John was also dealing with an issue that still affects churches today. It is imperative that we listen to those who truly are teaching the truth. Instead of the evangelists and prophets about whom Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:11 we now have people blaring from TV and radio every single day their particular brand of the gospel. John was warning those for whom he had responsibility to be on guard. Both 2nd and 3^rd John speak to this issue.

 

2 John 1:1

Unlike 1 John he begins with a salutation which was common in that day and age. He first of all identifies himself as the elder. This word could have a double meaning. It could imply that someone had gained the right to speak because they were older. The second meaning would be a person who was the overseer of the church to give provide counsel and guidance. Notice that John did not use his name when writing the gospel or the three letters attributed to him. One of the reason was to protect certain individuals from persecution.

 

The letter is addressed to the chosen lady and her children. This opening has caused confusion among

commentators. The problem comes with the use of the two Greek words eklekte and kuria. There are three possible meanings. The first instance would be that eklekte is a proper name and kuria would be a term of endearment in the way we would say dear and then name the person. This has been discounted by most commentators. Another possibility is that the word Kurias is a proper name and

 

she is thought as the elected lady to whom John is writing. This too is not likely. One commentator even mentioned the possibility that he was writing to Mary, the mother of Jesus, for whom he had assumed responsibility and the command of Jesus. Finally the most probable interpretation would be that John was addressing the church and its membership. As in 1 John he was writing to the churches under his protection. Another clue was his use of the word agape when addressing the recipients. His love for the congregations was tied in the reality of the gospel which they had heard and believed. He of course was not alone in his love for them. All believers had a common bond.

 

1. Why would John not have used proper names? (For fear that some of the church would experience persecution.)
2. What were the three possibilities of the meaning of the words eklekte and kurias?
3. Which of the three makes more sense to you?
4. What was the common bond that held all of the churches together?

 

2 John 2-3

Here John gave the reason for writing to the church. It was out of a concern that they not forget that it was about their commitment to Christ that they had received through the gospel taught to them by John and others. He wanted to assure them that the life that they had come to possess was forever and could not be taken from them because Jesus had come to take up residence in their lives. What they had received and would continue to experience was grace, mercy and peace. Grace was the gift of forgiveness. Mercy was not receiving what they deserved but the forgiveness of God and peace was the absence of conflict in their lives even in the difficult circumstances in which they found themselves.

 

1. What was John’s reason for writing to the churches?
2. According to John what assurance did the believers have?
3. How is it possible for us to have that same kind of guarantee?
4. What does it mean to have Jesus abiding in us?
5. What other references can you recall that speaks of God being with us forever? (Ephesians 1:13)
6. What do the three words grace, mercy and peace mean to you?
7. How have you experienced them in your life?

 

2 John 4-6

What brought a blessing to John’s heart was the knowledge that some of believers were continuing to live their lives according to the truth they had received from him and others. Notice that John used the word some in what he had to say to the church. The use of that word would indicate that there was division in the body. Not everyone was following the commandment that John had spoken about in 1 John. Actually there were two commandments to which he may have been referring. One of course called the brethren to love one another. (John 13:34-35) The other also spoken by Jesus was, “If you love Me you will keep My commandment.” (John 14:15) The two could not be separated. He, therefore, was reminding the church of their responsibility to continue in the commandment which they had received at the very beginning.

 

1. What brings joy to your life?
2. What brought a blessing to John?
3. In what ways did the people show that they were staying true?
4. What concern caused him to use the word some?
5. What commandment had they received? (For example see Matthew 22:37; John 6:40, 13:34-35

   and 14:15)

 

6. How did they reach the point of such faithfulness? (They had teachers like John with a life changing message.)
7. What would be an indication that there is division in the body of our church?
8. How do we make sure that it does not take hold?

 

2 John 7

As evidence that all was not right in the fellowship, John spoke of those who had walked away from the truth that the church had received. The characteristic of those individuals was their refusal to believe that Jesus, the Messiah and the Son of God, had come to earth in the flesh. These were the same people that John wrote about in 1 John. There he referred to them as having the spirit of the antichrist. (1 John 4:3)

 

1. Who were those causing problems in the body?
2. What was the characteristic of those individuals?
3. Why did John write about them again as he had in 1 John? (They were still causing troubles.)
4. Why did he refer to these men as antichrist? (They were denying Jesus as the Son of God and speaking lies just as the devil has done from the beginning.)
5. How do we recognize those who are working in the spirit of the antichrist in the church?

 

2 John 8-9

All those who remained were called to be on guard against the false teachings that some were putting forth. To walk away as others had done would put them in peril of becoming like those who had denied Jesus as having come in the flesh. They would no longer be the witness to the world for the faith. The writer of Hebrews said that those who have tasted Jesus and turned away would find it difficult to come back to faith in Him. (Hebrews 6:4-6) It is evident that the one who drifts away and does not follow God’s word has no relationship with God. Conversely, to abide in the teachings of Christ shows to the world that we belong to God and His Son.

 

1. How is the warning that John gives applicable to us?
2. What is the danger of listening to false teachers?
3. What does it do to our witness if we follow the false teachings of men who are not followers of Jesus?
4. If we turn away what does it indicate about our faith?
5. How do we keep from trying to live in both the secular world and the one that is eternal?
6. What does it take to belong and have the Father and Son living in us?

 

2 John 10-11

John used very strong words in dealing with those who had come in the spirit of the antichrist with their false teachings. The follower of Christ was to not even to give them an opportunity to begin sharing their false teachings. They were to be met with a closed door. To hear them was to participate in their way of life. If there was already division in the church why open to further problems. Obviously the people to whom John was writing had a long way to go to be mature in Christ.

 

1. Who are those in today’s world that are out in the neighborhoods sharing false teachings?
2. Why are these individuals a danger to the church? (They know what they have been taught.)
3. Why did John warn the church about those in his day who were infiltrating the church?
4. Why should we follow John’s admonition to the church? (They are not interested in hearing the truth.)
5. How well equipped are you to discuss the Scriptures with those indoctrinated in their doctrine?

 

6. How do they differ from those to whom we are to witness? (Many are open to hearing the good news.)

 

2 John 12

John said I have lot to say to you. He then went on to say that it would be better for everyone concerned if they could meet face to face. Writing is so one sided. In his day it was also a very labor intensive process especially having to use papyrus. It is hard to truly put one’s feelings on paper. Teaching on the other hand is a way to express those things in one’s heart and to hear what others are thinking. To have the venerable apostle, elder with them would be a joyful occasion for all.

 

1. Why would John prefer to be with the people than write to them?
2. What can be the problem with writing?
3. What can happen in person that is difficult to project on paper?
4. What was the real reason that John preferred to see the people?
5. Which type of learning do you enjoy the most?
6. Why is all types important?

 

2 John 13

The letter ends as it began. The greetings from the church, the bride of Christ, from which John wrote in Ephesus, went out to the churches with whom John had father-like relationship.

 

1. How is the final word like the beginning of this letter?
2. Who are the children to which he referred?
3. What does the term “your chosen sister mean”?
4. What is missing in our society? (The writing of such powerful or in many cases today no letters are written at all.)

 

• Understand your position in Christ depends on the gifts of grace, mercy and peace that can only come from the Father.

• Make sure that you do not stop having agape, Godlike love, for those who are part of God’s family.

• Know the commandments especially the one in John 13:34-35 are for the well-being of the church.

• Be on guard always against the teachings of those who desire to mislead or destroy the church.

• Know to drift away from the relationship you have with Christ might indicate that you need to reevaluate your commitment.

• Understand how important is the fellowship you have with others in the body. Face to face

  contact is needed to grow and to remain faithful.

• It is important to embrace God’s teachings for it is through them we learn how to live a life with God.

In today’s world it is more important than ever for followers of Christ to hold fast to the truth found in God’s word. With all the pressures and the things available to us we must be on guard to make sure that we are not drawn away from the faith. There are so many who declare that they have the truth when their message is actually contradictory to the word of God. These individuals are actually teaching in the spirit of the antichrist if they water down what is written in the full counsel of God.

There are ways to be on guard against such teachings. Only read those things that line up with the teachings of the Bible. Be very discriminating in your selection of authors, reading only those who have past the test of be quoted by men and women you trust. Look to others who have read material for guidance. To do these things will keep you from be mislead. We are to be thankful that God has poured out on us His grace, mercy and peace. We are to do everything in our strength to show Him how much

we love Him and want to serve Him.