2 John study section
2 John themes
2 John develops walking in truth and love, the test of the incarnation, and discernment.
1. Walking in Truth
John rejoices that believers are “walking in the truth,” which “abides in us and will be with us forever.” The truth about Christ is not merely to be believed but to shape the whole course of one’s life.
2. Walking in Love
The command “that we love one another” is central, and love is defined as walking according to God’s commandments. True love and true obedience are inseparable, both flowing from the truth.
3. Guarding Against Deceivers
“Many deceivers have gone out into the world.” Believers must “watch yourselves” so as not to lose their reward, discerning and rejecting those who spread false teaching about Christ.
4. The Test of Confessing Christ in the Flesh
The dividing line is confession of “the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.” To deny the incarnation is the mark of “the deceiver and the antichrist”; to confess it is the mark of truth.
5. Abiding in the Teaching of Christ
“Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” Remaining faithful to the apostolic teaching about Christ is the way to have God; departing from it is to lose Him.
6. Discernment in Hospitality
Christian welcome must be governed by truth. To receive and greet a false teacher is to “take part in his wicked works,” so love for the church requires refusing aid to those who deny the gospel.
My notes
Private unless you specifically share them with another.