What is Truth
Thesis: To teach the hearers that the Truth is not a subjective entity, but rather it is that Perfect Law for imperfect humanity, which produces true spiritual liberty to those who walk therein.
Text: John 18:33-38a; 2 John 1:1-11
Joh 18:33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
Joh 18:34 Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?"
Joh 18:35 Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?"
Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But (now) my kingdom is not from the world."
Joh 18:37 Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."
Joh 18:38a Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"
Introduction,
In John the 18th chapter we see our Lord before Pontius Pilate shortly before His crucifixion, in Luke’s account in Luke 23:2 we learn that the Jews laid a false charge before Pilate concerning Jesus, they said that He was “forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying He Himself is Christ a King.”
Thus Pilate had Jesus come before him and poses Him with the question seen in John 18:33 “are you the King of the Jews?”
In the next verse (John 18:34) Jesus wanted to know if Pilate came to this conclusion on his own, or did someone else tell him this?
This in itself is a very important question that we should ask ourselves, is Christ our King based upon our own conclusions, from within our own hearts, or did someone else merely tell us this as fact? Are we following the religion of others, our parents or friends, or the religion of our own hearts?
Pilate then poses a rhetorical question to Christ in verse 35 “am I a Jew?” In other words he states “I am not a Jew, therefore if you are their Messianic King that has nothing to do with me, I am wondering if you are a threat to Rome?”
Then in verse 36 Jesus tells Him straight out “My kingdom is not of this world” therefore no threat to Rome, and if His kingdom were of this world, His servants would indeed fight in order that He would not be crucified.
In verse 37 Pilate asks again if Christ is a king, it is apparent that Pilate had a problem comprehending the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom, this also is a problem with many today, thus Jesus, seeing the problem with Pilate’s lack of understanding still sets forth more information, you and I are able to comprehend our Lord’s meaning, but I believe that Pilate is clearly in the dark.
Jesus states “for this (end) purpose I was born, and for this (end) purpose I have come into the world-to bear witness to the truth,” the word “end” here in some versions denotes “purpose” or “cause”.
Not only would Jesus rule over a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of individuals, but He also came to bear witness of the truth, to testify in its behalf, what is it? “Your word is truth” as it is written in John 17:17, the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9), those teachings that originated from the Father (John 12:49), which Christ gave to His apostles and NT prophets (John 17:8, 14; Eph 3:5), and they are the very word, the commands of God (1 Cor 14:37; 1 Thess 2:13), and those that are “of the truth,” which are those who have “honest hearts,” that “good ground” (as seen in the parable of the sower; Luke 8:15), when they hear it, they believe it, and thus readily obey it, from the heart.
Then Pilate ends the discussion with the words “what is truth?” as if it were some type of fleeting whim, likened unto smoke, which no one can grasp. Yet that is basically the concept that many hold towards God’s word today, and thus, since they see is as such, they certainly can not correctly comprehend it, nor could they ever be accountable to it, even though God directly states, “yes you can understand it,” (Eph 3:4) and “yes, all are accountable and will in fact be judged by it” (John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Rev 20:12).
In the second Epistle of John this is the very subject under consideration, “the Truth,” and it clearly shows therein, that it was to be understood, abided in, and is to be that standard by which we can discern the difference between one who “does not have God”, and he who “has both the Father and the Son.”
Thus we will break down this lesson into 3 basic sections . . .
1) “The abiding of the Truth” (2 John 1:1-3)
2) “The walking in the Truth” (2 John 1:4-6)
3) “That standard of the Truth” (2 John 1:7-11) Could you please turn your Bibles to 2 John . . .
I. THE ABIDING OF THE TRUTH (2 John 1:1-3)
A. (v 1)
2Jn 1:1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
It is thought that the apostle John was aged at this time, the term “the elder” refers to this fact, but it could refer to the “office” of an “elder” (1 Tim 3; Tit 1) or both.
1. In this day we see a growing lack of respect for the aged, those who have endured the trials of a long life, those who have learned from their mistakes, I personally desire that those things that I have learned throughout the years could be implanted in the minds of my children and other younger individuals, in order that they may avoid some of the “pits” I have fallen into, which our Gracious God has seen fit to pull me out of.
a. God has commanded Christians how to act concerning the elderly (1 Tim 5:1a-2a)
1Ti 5:1a Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father . . .
1Ti 5:2a older women as mothers . . .
b. We are to treat the elderly as if they were our own parents even if they are not; this is a distinction that should be quite noticeable between Christians, and those of the world.
c. There is a growing problem seen in our society concerning the respect children have for the aged, and the conduct of children in general, this grows out of a lack of the knowledge, fear, and love of God.
2. There has also been a difference in opinion whether this epistle is addressed to a specific person, or a congregation figuratively represented as a lady, because of the singular and plural pronouns in this epistle, I believe that it is probably speaking of a Christian woman named “Kuria,” (the word translated “lady” here ) mostly because of the fact that women are “never” referred to as “ladies” (Ku-ri-a) in the NT, but rather “women”(gu-ne), in fact this word (Kuria) only occurs here and in verse 5 in the entirety of the NT.
a. Note that this lady is spoken of as being one of the “elect”, the doctrine of election is clear in the scriptures, God knows who is His (2 Tim 2:19), and has always known (Isa 46:10), thus it is according to the foreknowledge of God (1 Pet 2:1-2).
b. Note that the apostle speaks of his love for her, and states “all” that know the “Truth” shares his sentiments.
c. The word “love” here is agapao, it refers to “love in a social or a moral sense, to be fond of, to entertain, to welcome”. There is a special bond that exists between Christians, the fact that they all believe, follow, and have hope concerning God in similar manner, this gives them a common element, they are able to open up one to another concerning the trials, tribulations and hope concerning living the Christian life in this world, because they face them daily, this is something non-Christians just can not properly comprehend, nor do they experience the comfort from it as depicted in (2 Cor 1:3-5).
2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2Co 1:5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
3. Let us take note here “the Truth” , God’s word (Jn 17:17), is something that can be “known,” it is not some ambiguous, self styled entity based upon “a truth” or “two” found in God’s word, but rather it is spoken of as a “whole” and just “one.”
a. The word of God is harmonious, it does have a “sum,” and that “sum” is the Truth (Ps 119:160), it is only when the doctrines of men are forced into it, instead of taking at face value what it clearly says, that it seems not to harmonize or be confusing.
B. (v 2)
2Jn 1:2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
This speaks of that treasure in jars of clay, earthen vessels (2 Cor 4:7), remember in the parable of the sower that the “seed” is the word of God (Luke 8:11), and when it is implanted in a good and honest heart, it grows, it lives, it abides, and the only way it will not work as God intended (for it is living and active; Heb 4:12), is if one puts it out of their mind, and fills their minds, their Biblical hearts with the things of the world, such as the sinful trash seen and heard in the media these days which basically negates most of what God’s word accomplishes within us. We are to have a biblical worldview, having in view the things above (Col 3:1-4) while in this world of sin and death, and we ought to be focusing on those certain things which harmonize and promote Christian growth, thereby taking every thought captive to Christ, as it is written (Phili 4:8) . . .
Phi 4:8 . . . whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1. This verse (v 2) is also axiomatic, in other words it teaches us an “openly apparent truth,” even though we have it written down, or it is preached, or it is sung (the mediums through which it is transmitted), the nature of the Truth, God’s word (Jn 17:17), is it came from heaven (Ps 119:89), and it dwells, it lives, it abides in the hearts of individuals, thus it is not perishable as are many of the physical things in God’s creation (1 Pet 1:23-25).
1Pe 1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
1Pe 1:24 for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
1Pe 1:25 but the word of the Lord (abides) remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
a. Our Lord states in Mt 24:35 . . .
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
b. And Ps 119:89 . . .
Psa 119:89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed (settled) in the heavens.
C. (v 3)
2Jn 1:3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.
This is the result of letting God’s living word abide in you and direct your lives. The “grace” (the favor) of God is manifested in the Christian, one would certainly want this to be true seeing that He is over all (Eph 4:6). Also His “mercy” (withheld punishment) is upon those who formerly were His enemies (Ja 4:4), from world lovers to God lovers through God’s power to save, the gospel. And the “peace” that surpasses the understanding of those in and of the world (Phili 4:7) lives in the Christian in this life of tumult, thus we have no need to fear, nothing can separate us from God’s promises and love, it is written (Rom 8:38b-39) . . .
Rom 8:38b . . . that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers (principalities), nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
Rom 8:39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1. Note also “truth” and “love” here are joined together, they are inseparable, one must love the Truth in order for it to have the effect that God desires, this can be seen on the flip side also (2 Thess 2:10b)
2Th 2:10b because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2. But the one who loves that Truth, the word of God, which is that sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17), who studies it daily, who thinks upon it in every circumstance (has a biblical worldview), they are in and of the Truth, and it is in them, they apply its principles to their lives, which manifests true love as God Almighty had intended it, this only takes place when we allow “the abiding of the Truth” to grow within our hearts and guide us (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18).
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow thereby,(NKJV)
2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
II. THE WALKING IN THE TRUTH (2 John 4-6)
A. (v 4)
2Jn 1:4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.
One of the most wonderful events in a Christian’s life is when another person, being led by the Spirit, believes and obeys the gospel from the heart, and then one sees that person progressing, through that same Spirit, living the Christian life, in the scriptures one’s life is spoken of as a walk . . .
1. Just as “Noah walked with God” (Gen 6:9) so ought we, if we are to be pleasing unto Him Who “for” and “are” all things (Col 1:16), and how did Noah do it? (Gen 6:22; 7:5)
Gen 6:22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.
Gen 7:5 And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.
a. And so ought we (Mt 28:20a, Acts 3:22-23), this is an open declaration of our love for God, and proves whose we are (1 Jn 3:10), Jesus stated (John 14:15) . . .
Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
b. And the opposite is true, He also stated (John 14:24) . . .
Joh 14:24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
c. To “not” keep the commandments of Christ, is an open declaration of our “lack” of love for Jesus, Paul states thus concerning those that have a lack of love for Christ in 1 Cor 16:22
1Co 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. (ASV)
1Co 16:22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!
d. “Let him be Anathema Maranatha” (ASV) basically means “let him be accursed, Divine Judgment is approaching!”
2. It should be noted also that “certain” or “some” of Curia’s children were walking in the Truth/God’s commandments; this implies that others were “not,” this is just one of the hardships of the Christian’s life.
a. We know the Truth, we know what awaits us beyond the doors of physical death, God has spoken, we have believed, but many, even among our own families, decide to reject God, or to concoct “their own” god, one who has commands that fit “their own” lifestyle instead of being transformed by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ, this is a sad circumstance, thus families are divided because of Christ, and His teachings, as He Himself said (Mt 10:34-39) . . .
Mat 10:34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Mat 10:36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.
Mat 10:37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
B. (v 5)
2Jn 1:5 And now I ask (plead; beseech) you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.
This is the badge that Christians are to wear, love one for another, this was commanded by Christ when His teachings were first made know, “from the beginning” here refers to the earthly ministry of Christ Jesus stated in John 13:34-35 . . .
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Joh 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
1. But Satan has been busy since the 1st century, he has and is attempting to muddle the waters concerning Christ and His commands, but this epistle makes it clear who is the “we” the “one another” in this verse, and who is not, it is a reference to faithful disciples of Christ (even though the Christian is to love all, even his enemies; Mt 5:44), yet there is another group in view (v 7, 10-11) whom we are not even to give greeting to, even though we love them, we hate the sins they walk in (Heb 1:9), and the world they love (Lk 14:26), the lies they propagate, for these are the enemies of the cross of Christ (Phili 3:18-21), but we still care for them, and pray and direct these to turn from their worldly ways and to the Way of Truth, through Jesus.
a. The teachings of the Bible have been twisted, tossed, and turned by many who claim to be followers of Christ, but the Bible gives plain and distinctive commands on . . .
1) How to become a Christian.
2) How to live as a Christian.
3) How to worship as a Christian.
4) How we as a church are to be organized and how we are to work as Christians.
b. The key word in this list is “Christian,” “only,” we are to be called “Christians” “only” (1 Pet 4:16) which means “owned by Christ” “only,” ruled by Christ “only,” in order to glorify the Father in Christ, in the church “only” (John 14:6; Eph 3:21; 1 Pet 4:16), it is written . . .
1Pe 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that (this) name.
c. That command exposes the error of most, if not all of so called “Christendom,” because of their “names,” because of their “creeds,” because of their various forms of “mediation” between God and man, because of their “will worship,” because of how “their” church is organized, Christ is the “only” Head over all things to “His” church (Eph 1:22-23),
Eph 1:22 And he put all things under his (Christ’s) feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
d. And His commands are written only in the NT (2 Pet 1:3), that New Covenant (Heb 8:8), and “His” church is the one He promised to save (Eph 5:23-24)
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
Eph 5:24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
1) The church is to submit to Christ in everything, therefore the NT can be our only creed (Col 3:17),
Col 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
2) It’s clear, it can be understood (Eph 3:4), and it means what it says (Luke 9:26), the Lord said . . .
Luk 9:26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
3) And there is to be no man called “father,” in a religious sense (Mt 23:9), nor is “Mary,” nor any other “saint” a mediator between God and individuals, there is but One Mediator, “Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:5).
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
d. We are commanded to love all people, even our enemies, but considering the nature of the Christian’s love, denouncing sin, and upholding righteousness, holding forth the word of Truth, this will have most outside of Christ and some within not reciprocating that love, as is seen in this verse (2 John 1:5; “love one another”), but we must continue to do God’s will (Mt 7:21), and pray for them that do not, that they may repent and turn to God through Christ (Eph 5:13-14).
Eph 5:13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,
Eph 5:14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Eph 5:13 And when all things are brought out to the light, then their true nature is clearly revealed;
Eph 5:14 for anything that is clearly revealed becomes light. That is why it is said, "Wake up, sleeper, and rise from death, and Christ will shine on you." (GNB)
D. (v 6)
2Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
Here is the biblical definition of “love,” that we should “walk” (live our lives) according to His commandments, again the reference is made to Christ Himself giving this command during His earthly ministry, this refers to (John 14:15, 21), where Christ stated.
Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Joh 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."
1. Keep in mind, the flip side of this is also true (Jn 14:24)
Joh 14:24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
2. Note that our verse (2 John 6) ends with “that you should walk in it” a repeat of the command to walk (live) according to His commandments; in the ancient languages repetition denotes a matter of utmost importance.
a. Therefore adherence to God’s commands from the heart are essential part of our eternal welfare, if proves whose child we are, a child of the devil, or a child of God (1 Jn 3:4-10),
1Jn 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
1Jn 3:5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
1Jn 3:6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
1Jn 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.
1Jn 3:10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
b. So if we are children of God, followers of Christ we will “walk in the Truth” and in this manner, we manifest true biblical love, the love of God which is shed abroad in our hearts through His Spirit which is given to us (Rom 5:5).
III. THAT STANDARD OF THE TRUTH (2 John 1:7-11)
A. (v 7)
2Jn 1:7 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.
The word “for” here connects this sentence with the last, this is the reason you should “walk after His commandments” and thereby demonstrate biblical love . . .
1.“For” many “deceivers” have “gone out (forth);” this teaches us that these so called “deceivers” were faithful at one time, but with time they concocted their own doctrines, and went out teaching them.
a. The particular false doctrine taught at this time by many was that Jesus Christ did not truly come in the flesh, this is one of the many tenants, of the many forms of Gnosticism seen in the 1st century.
b. You would think that with an actual apostle of Christ alive, one who “could” and “did” testify that the Christ of God emptied himself and became an actual physical man (Phili 2:6-7), that these would believe such, John by inspiration wrote in (1 John 1:1-2) . . .
1Jo 1:1 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life
1Jo 1:2 (and the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare unto you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us); (ASV)
1Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—
1Jn 1:2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life ( lit “the life, the eternal” life was added a second time in the ASV by the translators, it was moved by the ESV translators), which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—
c. But they denied it! Thereby distorting our living hope (1 Pet 1:3-4), He became flesh because we are flesh, so that we can follow Him in life, in death, and into Heaven, basically they changed the mechanics of the gospel.
d. The same is true today, we can open our Bibles and read certain passages and people will flat out deny it, and that to their own spiritual demise (2 Pet 3:16), and we sit and grieve and pray unto God, but God will not force them, they have the word, let them hear it (Luke 16:29)!
e. This person who denied Jesus came in the flesh, believed in Christ, obeyed Christ in some, perhaps many points, yet he was “the” deceiver, and “the” antichrist, which in the simplest terms denotes one who is “against Christ,” in Greek the word “anti” is a preposition, it states “position,” this position is “against,” therefore it denotes one who is against Christ, His nature, or His teachings.
f. Premillennialism asserts that there is some specific entity known as “the” antichrist, yet the bible teaches differently, anyone that is opposed to the doctrine, the teachings of Christ, is in fact “the” antichrist, for they are “against Christ” in these matters
g. Premillennialism also asserts today that Christ’s attempt to set up an earthly kingdom was foiled, thus He will do it at some later date, yet the Bible plainly teaches that everything that happened went exactly as planned by the Father (Acts 2:23) before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4), and people are being transferred into that everlasting spiritual kingdom upon belief in the gospel ever since the 1st century and even unto this very day (Jn 5:24; Col 1:13).
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Col 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
h. But they put their hopes in some sort of perishable earthly kingdom.
i. This is directly opposed imperishable nature of the kingdom taught in the doctrine of Christ (Jn 18:36; Phili 3:18-21; Col 3:1-4; Heb 12:25-29), and where our focus is to be, in doing such, they have arrayed themselves “against Christ,” therefore it makes them also “the” antichrist.
j. Those that state that baptism (immersion) is not part of one’s salvation, while Christ plainly states “he that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk 16:16), and “except one be born of the water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5), as Peter wrote “baptism does also now save you” (1 Pet 3:21) these are “against Christ”, therefore they also are “the “anti” (against) Christ and His teachings His doctrine, which is from heaven, not men (Ps 119:89).
k. We could go through many teachings in the NT, and any teaching of which someone is “against,” this person has in fact arrayed himself “against” Christ, and therefore is “the” “antichrist” concerning that part of the doctrine of Christ.
B. (v 8)
2Jn 1:8 Watch (look to) yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win (receive) a full reward.
With these so called deceivers, antichrists in view, the exhortation is to one’s self, not to be lured away by these false doctrines, and lose their heavenly reward, which they wrought (worked, labored) for.
1. This verse teaches us a number of things . . .
1) That there is “much” we have to do with our own salvation, we have been given the power of choice (Rom 6:16; Rev 22:17), I believe this is one way that we are made in the image of God (Gen 1:26), we are to “keep ourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21) “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling,” (Phili 2:12) “give diligence to show ourselves approved unto God,” (2 Tim 2:15) “give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard” (Heb 2:1), there are over 2500 warnings concerning apostasy in the Bible.
2) Also note that this reward is something that has to be “wrought,” which means “to labor, to work for” this does not indicate that this is a wage, as if owed, but rather denotes a “doing” a “laboring” with no wage included in the definition, this is a reference to the “obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5; 16:26), which shows God working in and through us (Phili 2:13), in that difficult Way which leads to life (Mt 7:14). Keep in mind while being doers of God’s word (Ja 1:22) there is a certain mindset we are to have (Luke 17:10; Mt 5:3). . .
Luk 17:10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"
Mat 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
3) This verse (2 John 8) seems to imply “degrees” of “reward,” but it should be noted that this word “full” is defined as “full as opposed to empty” by Thayer, not “full as opposed to partially full.” Therefore the reward is “full” as in “lacking nothing, complete,” in other words . . .it is hard for us to truly comprehend the reward of eternal life in the heavenly places, even though the bible attempts to address it in figurative manners in order that our finite minds might better comprehend it as seen in (Rev 21:1-22:5).
C. (v 9)
2Jn 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching (doctrine) of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching (doctrine) has both the Father and the Son.
There is no clearer statement than this made in the Bible, one must “abide or abideth” (present active participle) “keep on abiding” in the teaching, the doctrine of Christ, or else, or else they don’t have God, in other words, they are not in fellowship with God, they don’t possess eternal life, they are not being saved but rather they are lost, in the process of perishing, it’s as simple as that (Jn 17:3).
Joh 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
1. The abiding in the teaching is the proof of whose child we are (1 Jn 3:4-10), it is not the cause but the result of one’s spiritual status, the cause is belief (faith; Jn 5:24), which produces the obedience of faith (Rom 1:5; 16:26), which proves that we know God (1 2:3-5) and thereby possess eternal life (1 Jn 5:13).
a. The present active participle here is not as the standard present tense, which denotes, linear “or” punctilear action, this verb here denotes an action simultaneous with the noun it modifies (in this case “abide or abideth” modifies “teaching or doctrine of Christ”) thus, this action (having God) is present simultaneously as one practices the teaching, the doctrine, and if one doesn’t, he does not have God, therefore we need to be always walking according to the Spirit which imparts life.
2. This word translated “onward” (in “goeth onward”) in the ASV or “ahead” (in “goes on ahead”) in the ESV is the word “proago” it is where we get our word “progress” or “progressive,” therefore those in that day, that have progressed beyond the revealed teaching (doctrine) of Christ, are those under contemplation.
a. There is much so called “progression” seen in the church today, there is the acceptation of sodomy as an act approved of God, divorce and multiple marriages, having sexual relations outside of marriage, baby killing/abortion, the lifting up of self with no mention of God, the loving of money and things of the world.
b. Recreation used as an a tool to evangelize, skits, or testimonials used to teach the members, instead of good ole gospel preaching, many say, “oh that is too offensive to most, we need to adjust our spreading of God’s word to line up with the times, we have progressed way beyond that, that’s for simple folk, it’s almost barbaric.
c. There is an ever growing list in this matter, using machines to worship God (instead of in spirit and truth, John 4:24), observing the Lord’s supper on any ol day instead of on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 11:20; 16:1-2), women exercising authority over men instead of being in subjection to them (1 Tim 2:12), and so forth.
d. The “Truth” the doctrine of Christ is simple (2 Cor 11:3), it was purposed that way by the Father, He knows what He is doing, and when you look closely at the innovations brought into the church for the sake of “progress” and the end results of such innovations, it is easy to see the wisdom in the simple pattern revealed in the NT.
e. We must continue to follow that “form,” that “tupos” that “pattern” of teaching, that is what proves whose child we truly are, Satan’s or God’s (1 Jn 3:4-10).
2Ti 1:13 Follow (Hold) the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
1Co 4:6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
D. (v 10)
2Jn 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,
The one who “does not bring” this “teaching,” this “doctrine of Christ” are not to be received into one’s house.
1. Note that this does not say, “those that teach that Christ didn’t come in the flesh are not to be received into your house,” but rather the qualifications concerning this command are broadened immensely, those that bring not “that simple NT teaching/doctrine are not to be accepted” as it is written (2 Cor 11:3) . . .
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds
should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward (“in” YLT) Christ.
2. There are 2 basic thoughts concerning the “receiving into your house” of this verse . . .
1) The house here refers to the common practice of receiving traveling teachers to give them room and board while they traveled abroad and preached, or. . .
2) Seeing that many, if not all churches assembled in members houses at this time (Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Phile 2), it refers to not letting them come into their house church and teach their false doctrines, which may sway you after these various teachings.
a. Whatever the correct view, the directive is clear, if he don’t teach the “Truth” don’t allow him into your home for either of these purposes, which would propagate “another gospel” which is not another (Gal 1:6-9).
3. Neither are you to “give him greeting,” the word “greeting” here is “chairo” which literally means “joy” “goodspeed” or “Godspeed” which is basically the extending of fellowship and a “wishing well” in their efforts (as seen in Acts 15:29).
a. This does not denote that we should not be civil to such a one, nor that we shouldn’t help him in a time of physical need, for that may be that which turns him towards the truth (Rom 12:19-21)
Rom 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
Rom 12:20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."
Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
b. We should help him, as to heaps coals of love upon his head, overcoming evil with good (Rom 12:20-21), but in no way having partnership, (fellowship) in his evil works of spreading a soul damning, God separating gospel (one concocted in the minds of men; Pro 14:12; Jer 10:23).
E. (v 11)
2Jn 1:11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked (evil) works.
And here is the reason that we cannot do this, if I wish a Baptist well of his spreading of his doctrine, it is as if I were doing it myself, I am therefore by association saying as he would “baptism is not a part of God’s plan of salvation it is merely an outward sign of an inward faith” in spite of what the Lord and the apostles and NT prophets stated concerning such, that it is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38), that it “washes away sins” (Acts 22:16), that “it saves you” (1 Pet 3:21), that it is one of the ways by which one enters “into Christ” (Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27).
1. Neither Pilate nor the unbelieving Jews drove the nails in our Savior’s hands, but in God’s eyes it was as if they did it themselves (Acts 2:36).
a. David didn’t kill the Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, with his own hands, but it is as if he did (2 Sam 11).
b. And in like manner when we support in any fashion the religions of men, that not from heaven, it as if we wrote their very creed books, as if we were to bow down and worship the pope as if he were God with them, as if we were praying through Mary with them.
2. The “teaching,” the “doctrine” of Christ is “that standard of Truth” by which we must judge all of our religious associations, and we must be “careful” that we do not fall into the condemnation of those who are “against Christ” (the antichrists) by following their teachings, or by bidding them Godspeed therein, but rather be bold, tell them the truth in love, and hope and pray that their hearts are open to it, that they might hear, believe and obey unto the life eternal (Mt 7:21).
Conclusion,
We looked at “the abiding of Truth” (2 John 1:1-3), it is the word of God, it’s living and active (Heb 4:12), it lives in the good and honest hearts of those that will allow it to flourish there, where it will become “a well of water springing up into eternal life” (John 4:14), it is eternal in nature (1 Pet 1:25), and it will be in existence long after we and this earth are no more (Mt 24:35; 2 Pet 3:10).
Then we looked into “the walking in Truth” (2 John 1:4-6), this “walking” denotes the whole of one’s life (1 Pet 1:15), and it refers to one that lives according to God’s divine directives, obeying His commands; but you can’t obey them, if you don’t know them, therefore study, give diligence to present yourselves approved in the sight of God (2 Tim 2:15).
If you have any question concerning your life, what you should do, how you should do it, where you came from, where you are going, the answer is in the Bible, which gives us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3).
And lastly we looked at “that standard of Truth” (2 John 1:7-11), today it is specifically the NT of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which is “the doctrine of Christ” anything that states it is the doctrine of Christ and is not found in the NT is “against Christ” and it cannot save, it is that standard by which we must judge all religious teachers (Acts 17:11), and if they fall short, we cannot assist them in their evil works, for that is truly what another, progressive gospel is (evil), there is but one gospel (Gal 1:6-7), one faith (Eph 4:5), one plan of salvation for the whole of mankind, what is it? The same as it was in the days of the apostle John . . .
One is to . . .
Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17)
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
It must be implanted deeply within the good ground (Luke 8:15), the good heart (Ja 1:21) . . .
Jas 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
One is to . . .
Believe that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37; John 20:31); this is the major purpose of the gospel accounts . . .
Joh 20:31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Belief (faith) is the crossover point concerning salvation (Jn 5:24), it is the point wherein one enters into the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15).
One is to . . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Paul stated on mars hill . . .
Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
“Repentance” is a change in heart that results in a changed life, this is granted by God (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25), through His Spirit (Jn 16:8), which we receive upon belief in the gospel (Gal 3:2; Eph 1:13).
One is to . . .
Confess Jesus as the Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), the eunuch said . . .
“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So must you
This is one way God fulfils the great commission (Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15-16) through His people.
One is to . . .
Be baptized (immersed), which doth also now save us (1 Pet 3:21), immersed into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for the purpose of) the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
And finally one is to live a holy and faithful life (1 Pet 1:15; Rev 2:10), not perfect, but faithful, being renewed day by day, Putting off that old man, and putting on the new, being constantly in a state of spiritual growth, walking (living) in the light of God’s soul purifying Truth, the doctrine of Christ (John 1:5-7)
1Jn 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1Jn 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.