2 John 1:7-11
I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.
Devotion
The tone of John’s letter now shifts as he transitions away from heartfelt encouragement to a warning concerning “deceivers” who were denying the humanity of Christ. Most likely, John is addressing the Gnostics who denied both the deity and humanity of Christ. Love and obedience are critical because false teachers always stand ready to mislead and disrupt churches that are not guarding the truth concerning Jesus.
In verse eight, John writes, “Watch out.” John is instructing this church to be vigilant when it comes to protecting the truth concerning the person and work of Christ. It is dangerous to become lethargic when it comes to Christian living. This is true personally and corporately. Since the time of Christ, there have been deceivers who have sought to subvert the gospel of Jesus. John is making a case for steadfastness. He knew the consequences would be devastating if this false teaching made its way into the church.
Throughout the history of the church, deceivers have tried to infiltrate the church. One of the most common heresies today is the false teaching of universalism. Of course, this is not a new heresy, but the enemy just repackages it for each new generation of believers. We must be on our guard and vigilant when it comes to protecting the truth about Jesus.
Those who are steadfast in protecting the truth about Jesus will “be rewarded fully.” This, of course, is not referring to losing one’s salvation. This is a reference to rewards that will be presented at the Bema Seat of Christ. This is different from the Great White Throne judgment. Every believer’s motives and works for Christ will be evaluated and rewarded at the Bema Seat judgment. John is encouraging his readers to hold onto the truth concerning Jesus so that they will not miss out on any rewards or crowns that will be presented by Christ. Of course, the prospect of this coming judgment should motivate us to be more like Christ in our daily life.
John goes on to write that anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching does not have God. “They went out from us because they were not of us.” He goes on to write, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.” In other words, do not receive deceivers or false teachers into the fellowship of believers. We should love those outside of the church, but we must not allow them to infiltrate the flock of God. The consequences of not protecting the flock from wolves is devastating!
Questions to Ponder
What is the truth concerning the person and work of Christ that you believe? Do you believe that Jesus was fully God? Do you believe that Jesus was fully man? What are you doing to protect yourself from those who would lead you astray? How are you protecting God’s flock from those who would seek to harm the sheep?
Prayer Points
- Praise the Lord Jesus Christ for being fully God and fully man.
- Ask the Lord to protect His church from false teachers, to cause us to be watchful.
- Pray for wisdom and discernment when listening and speaking to others.
- Ask that we would remain rooted and grounded in His love and Word, growing in the knowledge of Him.
Suggested Prayer
Father in Heaven, I praise You as the Good Shepherd who leads perfectly! Thank You, Lord, for being Truth and giving us Your Word so we will know You better and make You known. Help us, Your body the church, to stay close to You, growing in You and sharing You with those around us. Help us to speak truth in love. In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask. Amen.