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Book Of The Month

Bible Book Of The Month... 2nd John

Details To Know Author Ù the apostle John v. 1 Date Ù No specific date can be given Belief = it was late 1st century [80-90 A.D.] Late in his life 2 Jn 1 3 Jn 1 Secular evidence also gives scant details supporting such a date

Details To Know Reason For Writing v. 1 A short letter to the “elect” or “chosen” lady An actual person or a figurative reference to a local church? [Opinions vary] No reason to be dogmatic…main lessons can be learned despite one’s view of the recipient

Lessons To Learn The Importance Of LOVE vv. 5-6 Sometimes called the “Apostle Of Love” A command from the beginning Jn 13:34-35 Discussed in his first letter 1 Jn 3:11-18 Compare with 1 Jn 2:15 with Jn 3:16 Love others…love God’s commandments

Lessons To Learn The Necessity Of TRUTH vv. 2, 4, 6 Truth = a body of teaching that has facts to be believed…commandments to be obeyed It sanctifies Jn 17:17 It is something we can know Jn 8:31-32

Lessons To Learn The Necessity Of TRUTH vv. 2, 4, 6 It abides in us 1 Jn 1:8, 10 2:4 Col 3:16 It defines the very make-up of our character (a “molding influence”) It is the reason or rationale for all our behavior and decision-making

Lessons To Learn The Necessity Of TRUTH vv. 2, 4, 6 It is something we walk in 1 Jn 1:5-10 It serves as a guide Notice the connection made between “light” & “truth” with “walking” Walking in truth establishes fellowship w/ God

Lessons To Learn The Value Of FELLOWSHIP vv. 7-11 A communion based on evidence 1 Jn 1:1-4 Primarily with God…secondarily with others Error is the primary threat to fellowship v. 7 There are “deceivers” and “antichrists” 1 Jn 2:18-19, 22 4:1-3

Lessons To Learn The Value Of FELLOWSHIP vv. 7-11 Error is the primary threat to fellowship v. 7 Opponents deny Christ came in the flesh Most likely, a reference to Docetic Gnosticism “Dokeo” = “to seem” Jn 20:15 “Gnosis” = “knowledge”

Lessons To Learn The Value Of FELLOWSHIP vv. 7-11 Watching protects fellowship v. 8 If fellowship can be gained, it can also be lost An introspective examination 2 Cor 13:5

Lessons To Learn The Value Of FELLOWSHIP vv. 7-11 Those who go beyond Christ’s doctrine will lose this fellowship v. 9a “Transgress” = trespass…to go onward A failure to abide within lawful territory A lack of love for God v. 6 1 Jn 5:3

Lessons To Learn The Value Of FELLOWSHIP vv. 7-11 Those who abide in Christ’s doctrine will maintain this fellowship v. 9b Compliance with truth determines fellowship

Lessons To Learn The Value Of FELLOWSHIP vv. 7-11 Transgressors are not to be fellowshipped by those who respect Divine authority vv. 10-11 Partnering with transgressors makes us guilty with them 1 Cor 10:14-21 We have nothing substantive in common with them…why “bid them God-speed?”

Conclusion This short book is… …a short letter by an apostle to encourage someone else (literal or figurative) …an emphasis of 3 aspects of N.T. Christianity LOVE (for God and other believers) TRUTH (respect for the will of God) FELLOWSHIP (partnership with God)

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