In II John 1:7-11 John brings us to the primary reason for his letter. The
verse begins with Greek word “hoti.” This word often shows a connection between
the verses that follow and the verses that come before. The connection here is that a failure to
guard against false teachers will lead this “elect lady” and her children to
leave the Christian faith. The truth and love are of the utmost importance. But
there are many deceivers, men who will lead you away from the truth. These
verses are important because they show how doctrine and the Christian life
interlock.
a.
The issue here is not a moral false
teaching, but rather a theological one. The problem is not that false teachers
are sexually immoral. But rather they are teaching that Christ did not come in
the flesh. This is important because we often put theology and action in two
separate spheres. A pedophile is wicked. A moral man who denies Christ came in the flesh is not usually put in the same category. But for John, a theological failure, especially one so closely connected to Christ and his work,
is a moral failure.
b.
To attack Christ’s person and work
is a sin of the first order. It puts
someone in the category of “antichrist.” So many of the moral failings we see
in society today, pornography, abortion, sodomy, etc., began with theological
heresy, especially heresy about Christ.
The person and work of Christ ought to be our highest possession. Those
who tamper with Him and his work are to be cursed.
c.
Like I John, II John gives us a clue as to who the real Christians are. Anyone who does not abide in the
doctrine of Christ is not regenerate. They do not have God.
d.
John is telling the church that he
is writing to avoid false teachers.
Unlike Adam, John is protecting his bride from the serpent. He tells them to not give any official
recognition to these false teachers. If they do they are sharers in their evil.
This is an important truth. It is not
okay to give a public forum to those who deny Jesus or teach some heresy about
his person or work. You do not dialogue
with heretics. You kick them out.
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