2nd John Part 5

1:4-5 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

John rejoices over the fact that some of this woman’s children are walking in the truth. It delights the apostle to know that the reception of the gospel has landed in the fertile soil of prepared hearts and has yielded a harvest of obedience. I use the word prepared not in any Calvinist sense, but with the notion that if someone sets their heart to find God, God will reward them with Himself as He promised, Jeremiah 29:13.

2nd John Part 4

1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

John tells this matron that it is for the truth’s sake that she is loved; both by him and by all who have known the truth, verse 1. There are two important points that the apostle stresses about this truth which is the commonality if their love and faith. First, it dwells in them individually. Because there is this individual possession of the truth John speaks of there can be corporate unity amidst the brethren. Second, this truth shall be with “us” (namely every Christian) forever. The notion of “forever” (NKJV) conducts the idea of eternity. The truth dwells in us and will forever be with us.

2nd John Part 3

1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth, cont.

We know from hundreds of verses throughout the New Testament that faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ saves. For example:

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe,” 1st Corinthians 1:18-21.

2nd John Part 2

1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth, cont.

I do not expect this portion of my writing to be well received, but I am convinced that it is the Biblical structure the church was meant to be founded upon, and we have gone far away from it, led back into a priesthood/worshiper dichotomy courtesy of the RCC and similarly designed church structures. A plurality of elders, independently governing the local church they are a part of is God’s design for His body, with the Holy Spirit ruling over all.

2nd John Part 1

1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

Though a number of scholars believe the beginning of this verse is in reference to “John the Elder” a disciple of John’s, I don’t believe such an explanation is necessary. John is merely, through his letter, reminding the saint he is writing of his position in the church. Like Peter he is a fellow elder among other things, 1st Peter 5:1.

1st John Chapter 5 Part 12

5:20-21 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

John wraps things up with an incredible declaration that we ought to meditate on. We know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding. What is this understanding? That we may know Him that is true. Moreover, that we are in Him that is true. We are in Christ.

1st John Chapter 5 Part 11

5:18-19 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Since we just finished reading in verse 16 that Christians can and do still sin after being born again this is not a statement affirming sinless perfection after rebirth. Rather, it is in reference yet again to our spiritual attitude, whether or not we live in a habitual state of sin, or we practice righteousness habitually.