Whistle-Stop Scripture Study: 2 John

"It is the nature of all hypocrites and false prophets to create a conscience where there is none, and to cause conscience to disappear where it does exist."   - Martin Luther (1483-1546)

I'm so happy to have you join me for a new study! Having finished our study of The First Epistle of John, we now move on to The Second Epistle, or letter, of John. This book has the distinction of being the shortest book in the Bible; just one chapter.

Although it is compact in size, we should not be fooled by its brevity. Thinking back to 1 John, the main focus there was on our fellowship with God. Here in this letter, 2 John, the focus is on two main topics. They are:

• to encourage brotherly love, and committing to the commandments of God.
• to caution against supporting and/or promoting false teachers.

Traditionally, the author of this book is thought to be the apostle John. The audience of 2 John is presumed to be one or more churches in Asia Minor, or what is modern-day Turkey. 

John's name is not specifically mentioned, but rather the moniker "the elder" is used in reference to him instead (2 John 1:1); "elder" being a New Testament word for a pastoral role. 

Allow me to bring us up to speed as to the reason for this letter. It appears that John is delighted that some of the believers are not deviating from the truth, but the implication here is that not everyone is on board with this.

He worries about the strong influence that is arising from false teachers, and lets them (the believers) know in no uncertain terms how he feels about this. You'll also notice the mention of "the elect lady and her children" or "the lady chosen by God" in 2 John1:1.

Most likely, this letter may have been intended for either a particular woman in the church, or a local church and its members who were welcoming false teachers there. Thus, the apostle felt an urgency to share his displeasure with this action (2 John 1:10).

It will become apparent to all why John wrote this personal letter. He was motivated to stress the significance of walking in love and truth, while at the same time, being ever watchful of hypocrites and imposters.

As we usually do, let's briefly revisit the questions given at the end of 1 John 5. The answers provided are not meant to be regarded as exact, nor as the final word. They have been provided as a comparison and self-evaluation tool only!

Compare your answers below*:

Reading Questions:

1. What are the main points of 1 John 5?

• Our faith, love and obedience as the children of God. 
• The assurance of God's testimony.
• Confidence and kindness in prayer.
• Concluding remarks.

2. To be born of God, what are we to do? 

• We must believe that Jesus is the Christ

3. How can we know that we the love the children of God? 

• When we love God and keep His commandments. 

4. How can someone defeat (overcome) the world? 

• By being born of God and believing that Jesus is the Son of God.

5. What three things gave evidence toward Jesus Christ?  

• Water (as in Jesus' baptism?), blood (as in Jesus' death?), and the Holy Spirit.

6. What does one receive in return for their belief in the Son of God? 

• The testimony in himself.

7. What has God given us? Who has this? 

• He has given us eternal life; whoever has the Son

8. Why did John mention these things in his epistle? 

• So that we might know that we have eternal life, and continue to believe

9. What confidence do we have in prayer? 

• That if we ask anything according to His will, He will hear us.

10. What is described as the true God and eternal life? 

• That we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ.

*see verses for the questions in the previous lesson.

In 2 John, "The Elder" welcomes the "elect lady and her children" (vv. 1-3), being elated upon hearing her children were walking in truth, with a request to love one another (vv. 4-6).  He then forewarns of deceivers (antichrists) who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, telling her not to welcome those who do not share the doctrine of Christ into her home (vv. 7-11). With the hope of seeing her soon, he closes with greetings from the children of her elect sister (vv. 12-13). 

Objectives of this lesson: 

After completing this lesson (including reading the selection), you should be familiar with:

• the importance of walking in truth and love, and abiding in the doctrine of Christ. 
• how to identify deceivers or antichrists; thus refusing to support any false teachers.

Before we start, let us pray: "Dear Lord, send the grace of your Holy Spirit to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study. Amen."

The questions provided below are to help you get the most out of the chapter study. The numbers enclosed in parentheses are the verse numbers relating to that particular question. 

I encourage you to first read the chapter thoroughly as many times as needed. Then take your time answering the questions, making sure you understand each one before moving on. 

Reading Questions:

1. What are the main points of 2 John? - (vv. 1-3, 4-6, 7-11, 12-13 )
2. What four phrases related to truth does John use in his greeting? - (vv. 1-3) 
3. What caused John to rejoice? What did he ask? - (v. 4) 
4. How is love defined by John? - (v. 6) 
5. Who does John describe as "a deceiver and an antichrist?" - (v. 7) 
6. Why did John advise we self-examine ourselves? - (v. 8) 
7. What happens if one sins and does not keep to the doctrine of Christ? - (v. 9) 
8. What phrase challenges the Oneness doctrine of the Godhead? - (v. 9) 
9. How should you respond to someone who does not follow the teaching of Christ? - (v.10)

This now concludes our study of 2 John. I've purposely created these studies to be concise in order to accommodate most busy daily schedules. Even so, they contain enough content to promote actual learning.

I invite you to join me for our next study of 3 John. Until then, I hope this "whistle-stop" for Scripture study will become an established point of departure as you set out on your journey with Jesus Christ!

Thank you again for joining me, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:20; Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 4:3; Revelation 19:20

 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that You provide me with the wisdom to recognize false teachers and their teachings, and that they repent and come to saving faith in You. Amen

May God richly bless you always,

Leia