Scripture Text: 2 John 1:7-13
Many deceivers have gone out into the world; they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
2 John 1:7 (HCSB)
The apostle John lived his later years in the city of Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey. If you visit, you’ll find a church built on the place tradition identifies as his burial site. Named St. John’s Basilica, it was constructed in the fifth century A.D. by Emperor Justinian.
John’s high concern was that the church of his day would identify and resist false teaching. As he mentioned in his first letter, false teachers were denying that Jesus Christ had come in the flesh (v. 7). Gnostics saw physical matter as evil and denied that the Incarnation could have happened. John calls them “deceivers” and “antichrists.”
To follow these teachers would be to “lose what we have worked for” (v. 8)—not a reference to salvation but to the advance of the gospel and the earning of spiritual rewards. To follow them would be to “run ahead” and not continue in Christ’s teaching (v. 9). To many, “running ahead” might sound like a good thing, but to John it meant that the Gnostics thought they knew better than regular Christians. Following them would mean leaving the path of truth and righteousness.
John warned his readers not to welcome false teachers into their churches (v. 10). Hospitality— supporting itinerant teachers with food and shelter—enabled their teaching and appeared to be an endorsement of its content. Even though the believers had kind intentions, welcoming deceptive teachers would be to share in their wickedness (v. 11). The “benefit of the doubt” was not to be given in this case. Church leaders have a responsibility to stand firm in the truth of the gospel and to protect their congregations. John closed by promising to say more when he visited in person and sent greetings from a sister church (vv. 12–13).
Reflect
1. What does it mean to "walk in the truth" in your daily life, and why is it important?
2. Why should we be cautious about false teachings and how can we balance hospitality with protecting our faith?
3. How can we ensure we stay connected to the teachings of Christ and don't drift away from them?
Remember
Believers-followers of Christ, this is a warning against false teachers and their deceptive doctrines. We need to see the importance of discerning and rejecting teachings that deviate from the core message of Christ. We have to remain steadfast in our faith and not be led astray by false ideas or individuals.
Read
Proverbs 1:10-19; Mark 13:21–23; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Peter 2:1-3
Pray
Heavenly Father, we ask for the wisdom to discern truth from falsehood, guarding our faith from deception. Help us stay firmly rooted in your Word, unwavering in our devotion to your teachings.
May our love for one another be sincere and genuine, reflecting the truth we hold dear. Strengthen our bonds as a Christian community, so that we may uplift and support each other on our faith journeys. Protect us from the influences that might draw us away from your path.
We also pray for those who have strayed, that they may find their way back to your loving embrace. We ask for your continued guidance and protection.
In His name I pray, Amen.
Kommentare