John, the Apostle of love as an elderly man writes two short letters to people who are dear to him, these are the words of a compassionate apostolic witness to Jesus showing Christ’s truth and grace right to the end of his earthly journey. We consider the first one this morning – 2John.
2 John 1: Greeting
1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.
Walking in Truth and Love
4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.
5 And now I ask you, dear lady---not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning---that we love one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.
9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,
11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
Final Greetings
12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you.
Things to think about…
1. The Elder is John, but who is the ‘elect lady’ he is writing to 2Jn 1:1? Is it a woman, is it a church, is it elect Jewish Christians? It seems it is a church, 2Jn 1:8 because he says “watch yourselves” – plural. He also mentions children of “your elect sister” 2Jn 1:13 – likely another church. At the end of the day, it matters little because the words are to edify all those who are elect in Christ Jesus. Note 2Jn 1:3. John uses a similar greeting here that the Apostle Paul uses in his letters. It is full of grace and truth and immediately sets the tone of the letter, that these people are secure and loved, not only by John but by the Father in heaven. The same applies to all the elect in Christ. Rejoice!
2. 2Jn 1:4 can have two meanings. We not only want our children by physical birth to walk with the Lord, but also those who have been born of the Spirit. John’s words here echo the significance of Christ’s words when Jesus asked the crowd who His true family was in Mt 12:46-50. They are of course those who do the Father’s will, Mt 7:21. May our physical and spiritual families be united in Christ.
3. Love involves obedience, 2Jn 1:6-7. Anyone who does not follow the commandments is deceived and John says are anti-Christ. As is covered 1 and 2 Thessalonians speaking about the man of lawlessness, so here John refers to him as antichrist. How do we discern who he is? When he comes, he will deny Jesus who is God came in the flesh. He will say Jesus came no doubt, but he will deny that Jesus is God and therefore deny Christ’s true identity. This is where the Jews are also deceived. They seek a deliverer who will not proclaim to be God but will be an earthly deliverer of Israel. This spirit has been around since the time of the Apostles as John is saying in his letter. These words are not greatly tolerated in our pluralistic society but there it is. John says this is so serious that we should never accept and tolerate bad behaviour or teaching.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. Leaders’ meetings this week. Year planning goals/events/services.
2. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor.
3. New contacts remain engaged and connected into the church.
4. Our One for Israel ministry.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Youth Pastor motion agreed to set aside 3 days for the role and Jarrod Christian starts today. Everyone will meet him on Sunday if they haven’t already.
2. Ministry Leaders being set apart.
3. Thankyou to those who have supported the church and youth and young adults role - $49. 640 raised thus far.
4. New folk becoming members of CBC
5. Those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
