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2 John 1

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‹ Chapter 0 2 John — All Chapters Chapter 2 ›

1 The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, 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 from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love. 4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. 5 And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but 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 very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded. 9 Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. 11 Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. 12 I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your elect sister send you greetings.

‹ Chapter 0 2 John — All Chapters Chapter 2 ›

Study Notes — 2 John 1

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Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a greeting from the apostle John to the elect lady and her children, commending them for their walk in truth and their love for one another. John then warns them against false teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, and reminds them of the importance of continuing in the teachings of Christ. He also emphasizes the need for believers to show love and hospitality to one another, and to be careful not to support false teachers. The chapter concludes with a final greeting and a warning against false doctrine, referencing 2 John 1:7-11.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger context of the apostle John's writings, which include the Gospel of John and the epistles of 1, 2, and 3 John. The chapter is likely written to a specific church or group of believers, warning them against the dangers of false doctrine and emphasizing the importance of continuing in the truth of the gospel. The chapter also fits into the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the need for believers to be careful to avoid false teaching.

Heart Application

The practical application of this chapter is to remind believers of the importance of walking in truth and love, and to be careful to avoid false doctrine. Believers should be mindful of the teachings they receive and ensure that they are rooted in the truth of the gospel. They should also strive to show love and hospitality to one another, reflecting the love of Christ.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the importance of walking in truth and love, and avoiding false doctrine. It reminds believers to be careful about the teachings they receive and to show love and hospitality to one another, as seen in 2 John 1:5. The chapter also emphasizes the need to continue in the teachings of Christ and to obey God's commands, as seen in 2 John 1:6.

Voices from the Church

“ "The truth of the gospel is not just a matter of intellectual assent, but a matter of the heart. It is a truth that must be lived out in love and obedience to God's commands."”

— John Calvin

“ "The love of Christ is not just a feeling, but a choice to obey God's commands and to walk in the truth of the gospel. It is a love that must be demonstrated in our actions and our relationships with one another."”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction and Greeting (1:1-3) — The chapter begins with a greeting from the apostle John to the elect lady and her children, commending them for their walk in truth and their love for one another.
  2. The Importance of Walking in Truth (1:4-6) — John emphasizes the importance of walking in truth and obedience to God's commands, and reminds believers that love is not just a feeling, but a choice to obey God's commands.
  3. Warning Against False Teachers (1:7-11) — John warns against false teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, and reminds believers of the importance of continuing in the teachings of Christ.
  4. The Need for Love and Hospitality (1:5) — John emphasizes the need for believers to show love and hospitality to one another, reflecting the love of Christ.
  5. Conclusion and Final Greeting (1:12-13) — The chapter concludes with a final greeting and a warning against false doctrine.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Sound Doctrine
This chapter teaches the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of false teaching, emphasizing the need for believers to be careful to avoid false doctrine and to continue in the truth of the gospel.
The Need for Love and Hospitality
The chapter also teaches the need for believers to show love and hospitality to one another, reflecting the love of Christ.
The Connection to Christ
The chapter connects to Christ and the gospel by emphasizing the importance of continuing in the teachings of Christ and by warning against false teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.
The Importance of Obedience to God's Commands
The chapter teaches the importance of obeying God's commands and living according to His teachings, as seen in 2 John 1:6.

Lessons from 2 John 1

  1. The Importance of Sound Doctrine — This chapter teaches the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of false teaching, emphasizing the need for believers to be careful to avoid false doctrine and to continue in the truth of the gospel.
  2. The Need for Love and Hospitality — The chapter also teaches the need for believers to show love and hospitality to one another, reflecting the love of Christ.
  3. The Connection to Christ — The chapter connects to Christ and the gospel by emphasizing the importance of continuing in the teachings of Christ and by warning against false teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.
  4. The Importance of Obedience to God's Commands — The chapter teaches the importance of obeying God's commands and living according to His teachings, as seen in 2 John 1:6.
  5. The Dangers of False Teachers — The chapter warns against false teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, emphasizing the need for believers to be careful to avoid false doctrine.

Themes from 2 John 1

  1. Walking in Truth — This theme emphasizes the importance of living according to God's commands and teachings, as seen in 2 John 1:4 and 1 John 1:6.
  2. Love and Hospitality — This theme reminds believers of the need to show love and hospitality to one another, reflecting the love of Christ, as seen in 2 John 1:5 and John 13:35.
  3. The Dangers of False Doctrine — This theme warns against the dangers of false teaching and the importance of continuing in the truth of the gospel, as seen in 2 John 1:7-11 and 1 Timothy 4:1-3.
  4. The Importance of Obedience — This theme emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and living according to His teachings, as seen in 2 John 1:6 and John 14:15.
  5. The Connection to Christ — This theme connects to Christ and the gospel by emphasizing the importance of continuing in the teachings of Christ and by warning against false teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, as seen in 2 John 1:7 and John 1:1.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that you can walk in truth and love in your daily life, as seen in 2 John 1:6?
  2. How can you be careful to avoid false doctrine and to continue in the truth of the gospel, as warned in 2 John 1:7-11?
  3. What are some ways that you can show love and hospitality to one another, reflecting the love of Christ, as seen in 2 John 1:5?
  4. How can you prioritize obedience to God's commands in your life, as emphasized in 2 John 1:6?
  5. What are some ways that you can demonstrate the love of Christ in your relationships with one another, as seen in 2 John 1:5?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction and Greeting (1:1-3)

1:1 The chapter begins with a greeting from the apostle John to the elect lady and her children, commending them for their walk in truth and their love for one another.
1:2 John expresses his joy and gratitude for the elect lady and her children, and reminds them of the importance of walking in truth and love.

2. The Importance of Walking in Truth (1:4-6)

1:4 John emphasizes the importance of walking in truth and obedience to God's commands, and reminds believers that love is not just a feeling, but a choice to obey God's commands.
1:5 John reminds believers of the need to show love and hospitality to one another, reflecting the love of Christ.
1:6 John emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and living according to His teachings, as seen in the command to walk in love and truth.

3. Warning Against False Teachers (1:7-11)

1:7 John warns against false teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, and reminds believers of the importance of continuing in the teachings of Christ.
1:8 John reminds believers to be careful not to lose their reward, and to continue in the truth of the gospel.
1:9 John warns against anyone who does not continue in the teaching of Christ, and reminds believers of the importance of continuing in the truth of the gospel.
1:10 John warns against receiving false teachers into their homes, and reminds believers of the importance of being careful to avoid false doctrine.
1:11 John reminds believers that anyone who greets a false teacher shares in their evil deeds, and emphasizes the need to be careful to avoid false doctrine.

4. Conclusion and Final Greeting (1:12-13)

1:12 John expresses his desire to visit the elect lady and her children, and to speak face to face with them.
1:13 John concludes the chapter with a final greeting, and reminds believers of the importance of continuing in the truth of the gospel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of 2 John 1?

The main theme of 2 John 1 is the importance of walking in truth and love, and avoiding false doctrine, as seen in 2 John 1:4-6 and 1 John 1:6.

Who is the elect lady and her children?

The elect lady and her children are likely a specific church or group of believers that the apostle John is writing to, as seen in 2 John 1:1.

What is the danger of false teachers?

The danger of false teachers is that they can lead believers astray from the truth of the gospel, and cause them to lose their reward, as seen in 2 John 1:7-11 and 1 Timothy 4:1-3.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 John 1:1 → 1 John 1:1 The greeting in 2 John 1:1 is similar to the greeting in 1 John 1:1, emphasizing the importance of walking in truth and love.
2 2 John 1:4 → 1 John 1:6 The emphasis on walking in truth and love in 2 John 1:4 is similar to the emphasis in 1 John 1:6, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands.
3 2 John 1:5 → John 13:35 The emphasis on love and hospitality in 2 John 1:5 is similar to the emphasis in John 13:35, highlighting the importance of showing love to one another.
4 2 John 1:7 → 1 Timothy 4:1-3 The warning against false teachers in 2 John 1:7 is similar to the warning in 1 Timothy 4:1-3, emphasizing the importance of being careful to avoid false doctrine.
5 2 John 1:6 → John 14:15 The emphasis on obedience to God's commands in 2 John 1:6 is similar to the emphasis in John 14:15, highlighting the importance of obeying God's commands.
6 2 John 1:9 → John 1:1 The warning against anyone who does not continue in the teaching of Christ in 2 John 1:9 is similar to the warning in John 1:1, emphasizing the importance of continuing in the truth of the gospel.
7 2 John 1:10 → Matthew 7:15 The warning against receiving false teachers into their homes in 2 John 1:10 is similar to the warning in Matthew 7:15, emphasizing the importance of being careful to avoid false doctrine.
8 2 John 1:11 → Ephesians 5:11 The reminder that anyone who greets a false teacher shares in their evil deeds in 2 John 1:11 is similar to the reminder in Ephesians 5:11, emphasizing the importance of being careful to avoid false doctrine.
9 2 John 1:12 → 3 John 1:14 The desire to visit the elect lady and her children in 2 John 1:12 is similar to the desire expressed in 3 John 1:14, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships and fellowship.
10 2 John 1:13 → 1 John 1:1 The final greeting in 2 John 1:13 is similar to the final greeting in 1 John 1:1, emphasizing the importance of continuing in the truth of the gospel.

Sermons on 2 John 1

SermonDescription
Art Katz (Pdf Book) the Spirit of Truth by Art Katz Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of truth in the Church, arguing that the institution has become inauthentic and predictable due to a lack of genuine commitment to truth
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 2 & 3 John by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concepts of mercy, grace, and peace that come from God. He explains that mercy is not receiving the punishment we deserve, while grace i
Stephen Olford Christians Must Perform the Truth - Part 1 by Stephen Olford In this sermon, the preacher presents two main propositions. The first proposition is that obedience to truth indicates the authority of God in our lives. The second proposition is
Ian Goligher Canadian Christian Heritage Under Fire #4 - New Evangelicalism Denounced by Ian Goligher In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of the modern evangelical movement and its impact on the church. He emphasizes the importance of not being slack in serving t
Bob Bruton To the Beloved Gaius by Bob Bruton In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Third John and highlights several important lessons. The preacher emphasizes the importance of promoting fellowship and not deny
Milton Green (Saved Through the Fire) 05 - Love & Righteousness by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to the entire series in numerical order to fully understand the teachings. He warns against living a selfish life
Stephen Olford Christians Must Perform the Truth - Part 2 by Stephen Olford In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prevalence of counterfeit preachers and evangelists in today's society. He emphasizes that these individuals mimic the lifestyle of genuin
Stephen Olford Christians Must Perform the Truth - Part 3 by Stephen Olford In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the truth of the gospel. He highlights the method of communication chosen by God, which includes both written (
Herbert McGonigle A Heart From Sin Set Free by Herbert McGonigle In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the television series "Peyton Place" and its clever sales technique of leaving viewers hanging, comparing it to the anticipation of future
Stephen Kaung Barnabas by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, Brother Stephen Kahn emphasizes the importance of both the ministry of the joints and the ministry of the past in building the body of Christ. He explains that whil

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 John 1

In his commentary on 2 John 1, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of walking in truth and love, and avoiding false doctrine. He notes that the elect lady and her children are commended for their walk in truth and their love for one another, and reminds believers of the importance of continuing in the teachings of Christ. Henry also warns against the dangers of false teachers, and emphasizes the need for believers to be careful to avoid false doctrine. He concludes by noting that the chapter is a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else, as seen in 2 John 1:6 and John 14:15. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Doctrine

The chapter emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of false teaching. This is seen in 2 John 1:7-11, where John warns against those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.

The Need for Love and Hospitality

The chapter also emphasizes the need for believers to show love and hospitality to one another, as seen in 2 John 1:5.

The Connection to Christ

The chapter connects to Christ and the gospel by emphasizing the importance of continuing in the teachings of Christ and by warning against false teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.

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