August 7, 2022
THE LETTERS OF JOHN: THE HOPE OF LOVE
August 7, 2022
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Someone has said, “Love is how you act, not how you feel.” Is this statement true?
Last week we finished 1 John, written by the last living apostle of Jesus near the end of the first century—more than sixty years after Jesus’ resurrection. Today, we hear what John wrote in his 2nd letter to the church, as these Christians were being attacked for their faith, just as we are today. John reiterated the counsel he had written in the first letter of John, reminding the believers that love has to be the primary motive for everything they do. This would be both love for God and love for people, born out of the greatest love they have, that of their heart for God as was shown by their obedience to His commandments.
Focal Passage: 2 John.
The Hope of love
- Read 2 John verse 3. As believers, what is the promise we are assured of as we “remain in Christ’s teaching”? What is the difference between Grace and Mercy? Where does peace come from?
- What is another word for “Hope,” as we understand it from the New Testament? Why are you assured of eternal life if you are a believer? What are the two qualities we are to walk in daily, as Christians?
Love comes through obedience
- Read verses 5-6. Who was the “dear Lady”? How can we as believers know we are doing things “in love”?
- What is God’s definition of love? Read Phil. 2:3. Is this how we are—or how we should be? Do you ever examine yourself to see if your motives are from truly loving others, or a desire to appear godly?
- How does that statement in verse 6 reflect 1 John 2:3, 5? Does anyone recall the song as a child, “Obedience is the very best way…”?
Love can be deceived and destroyed
- Read 2 John verses 7-9. As you are living life, how do you identify deceivers or false teachers? What are some of the lies they will try to perpetrate? What is their hidden agenda? Who has sent them?
- As the end of the world seems to be drawing closer, who will people need to be alert for? Are you already identifying some as Anti-Christ? How can you guard yourself against the attacks of deceivers?
- What are some things that can destroy love? How do you remain in Christ’s teaching? Can you live however you want? Why or why not?
Love is to be protected
- Read verses 10-11. What are some ways you can be alert to protect your love for God? If someone who is preaching false doctrine knocks at your door, do you invite them in? Why or why not?
- What does John mean by greeting (or your translation) them? How will this impact your life before God?
Love is the reward
- Read verse 12. What is the biggest drawback that we endure when we read—or send for someone else to read—a handwritten missile (or email, text, etc.)? Why is body language so important?
- As the church body, what are some things we get to enjoy when we meet together? Can you experience the same kindred feelings when you meet in a group for another reason? Can you give some examples?
- Do you often think of heaven? What are some things you are looking forward to? Dr. Ed Hindson, late professor at Liberty University, often remarked, “If we can trust Jesus with our eternal soul, don’t you think we can trust Him to prepare a place for us that is beyond our imagination?” How do you agree with that statement?
Close:
If you had only thirteen verses you could give someone who had become a believer, but had no further instruction, you might consider giving them the second letter of John! These verses encapsulate the teachings of Jesus Christ, in that John encourages them that, if they know Truth, it will remain with them forever. He further states that, because of the truth, we will always have grace and mercy “to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16), as a promise.
He continues with an exhortation to “love one another.” As John repeatedly wrote in 1st John, “if you can’t love your brother whom you have seen, how will you love God whom you have not seen?” Love is vital. It is the composite of all the commandments: “Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind, and spirit, and Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no room or excuse for hostility toward a Christian brother or sister, globally, and we have the command to love our enemies, direct from Jesus.
Always be careful not to listen to or bless those who preach false doctrine, which could undermine your faith (verse 8). Stay in the study of God’s word, meditate on it, memorize it to protect you from sin, talk about it with your family, and let the words of Scripture surround you as you live—it will guard your heart, protect your mind, and bring you to Jesus when you leave this life. What a blessed assurance!