2 John 1:1-13

2 John 1:1-13

John writes the short letter to a church in another city to inform them of his intent to visit, as noted in verse 12. Perhaps this was prompted by some of the young leaders coming to John for a visit or in their mission travels. Of course, the best we can do concerning the occasion, person, and places involved is conjecture.

What is certain is the priorities that John places before the church, then and now. The first priority is love; this commandment is nothing new to the believers. In fact, it is the bedrock, the foundation, and the beginning point of the work of God, the Incarnation of Christ, and the existence of the church. “Love one another” is the commandment that is at the core and the beginning of our faith. But how do we love one another? John explains how to love one another. We do this by obedience to the Lord’s commands. This may not occur to us, but the best expression of love is holy living; we might even say the only expression of love, Christian godly love, agape love, is holy living. This moves love away from being sentimental feelings or emotion (while these may be a byproduct of agape) and moves it into the utter lack of selfish concern and the driven desire for the benefit of others. We do not earn or keep our salvation by the merits of holy living. But holy living is the expression of being a disciple, which is our love for Christ and desire to be like him. There are many implications and applications, but if you wish to keep the commandment to love God and neighbor, holy living is how it is done.

In contrast to the appeal for holy living and love, John refers to those who deny Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. The denial of the orthodox faith regarding the Incarnation has three associations we do not want. By implication, those who deny the Incarnation do not love. Second, bad theology will sooner or later result in unholy living. Third, and this is by statement, not implication, this false Christianity is the work of the Antichrist. The young men who peddle around on bicycles looking for converts going door-to-door witnessing their false faith are driven by the Antichrist. Would we allow such in our homes and churches? If so, why not Satan himself?

“For the Love of You, Lord, help me be faithful in holy living. AMEN”