Welcome to The Hebron church of Christ Don’t Forget Pew 5:45 Elders/Deacons meeting church, October 24

The Apostle of Love I.The Apostle of Love II.5 Major Themes of I John III.II John IV.III John The Epistles of The Points 1)The Audience 2)The Aspects 3)The Application

The Audience Written by John –“Elder” (vs.1a)—likely a reference to his age He could have been as old as 85 –What does it say of their relationship that he: Wrote a personal letter to her? Did not have to mention his name?

The Audience Written to “the elect lady and her children” (vs.1b) –“Elect”—chosen Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen [same word], and faithful. –“Lady”—Cyria, a name or a description

The Audience “Her children”—she apparently had multiple children (vs.4—“certain” [ASV]) –She was either: Widowed Or her husband was not a Christian

The Aspects John makes three points in this epistle: 1)He had witnessed the faithfulness of some of her children –II John 4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

The Aspects 2)He was warning of potential dangers to their home –II John 9-10 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed

The Aspects The “elect lady” was given to hospitality –Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. –Matthew 10:9-14—Jesus’ instructions on the limited commission

The Aspects However, she could not entertain false teachers –Her household was at stake II John 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward –Her influence was at stake II John 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker [fellowship] of his evil deeds.

The Aspects The false doctrine to which he was referring: –II John 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. –One who teaches such is a: “Deceiver”—imposter “Antichrist”—one against Christ (I John 2:18)

The Aspects 3)He was making known his intention to see her shortly –II John 12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

The Application 1) Promoting the work of the church takes on many forms –What were this lady’s contributions to the church? She reared a godly family (I Peter 3:20) She housed preachers as they travelled She maintained relationships with other Christians (II John 1)

The Application 2)We must be aware of what enters our homes –Consider the sources of negative influence: 1)The media of the world (Philippians 4:8) 2)The people of the world (I Corinthians 5:10) 3)The unfaithful of the church (I Corinthians 5:11-13) –Are we protecting our homes?

The Application 3)There is great benefit to positive communication –Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace [charis, kin to “Godspeed”], seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man

Could John write this letter to me?

Philippians 2:5-9 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name The Lord’s Supper