John also speaks of the antichrist in his letters. After completing the books of Thessalonians I thought we might finish the week with 2 John.
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 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 he asked who His true family was in Mt 12:46-50. They are of course those who do the Father’s will, Mt 7:21.
3. Love involves obedience, 2Jn 1:6-7. Anyone who does not follow the commandments is deceived and John says are anti-Christ. As we have just 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 His true identity. This is also what the Jews are seeking. They seek a deliverer who will not proclaim to be God, but will be a deliverer of Israel. This spirit has been around since the time of the Apostles as John here is saying. These words are not greatly tolerated in our pluralistic society but there it is. John says this is so serious that we never accept and tolerate bad behaviour or teaching.
4. The ‘Apostle of love’ puts it this way “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works”, 2Jn 1:10, 11. If someone from another faith does not accept Christ for who He is – as God and coming in the flesh, the only Saviour for sin, such a person is not to be accepted as a brother or sister in Christ. Such is the case for Mormon and Jehovah’s Witness theology.
5. John makes a good point. If you have got something to say and it is within your ability to do so, go and say it face to face 2Jn 1:10,11. This type of communication is far better than a letter…or in our case texting, emailing or messenger. We should try it more often. The most effective communication is done in person. Where there are difficult subjects to cover or the potential for misinformation to arise due to a charged emotional situation, dealing with the situation in person is the only effective way to manage the problem.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sermon and reading topic for this week – Sermon “A walk through Colossians”
Reading – Colossians 1:15-23
1. Jay asked on Sunday why you do what you do. For example, our minds drive our wills and motivate our hearts. This is true for our employment, study, sport, social life, faith and recreation. What we know in our minds motivate and drive our hearts into action. Question - Is this wholly true for you or are your mind and heart in conflict in any areas in your life. I.E Are there things in your belief system that don’t necessarily align with your actions? Discuss, especially w.r.t your faith.
2. Colossians was written by Paul while he was in prison, likely in the mid 50’s AD. He follows the same pattern in all his letters. He greets the church, gives thanks for them and then proceeds with theology by instructing their minds. After the teaching element he then tells the church how this applies practically in their lives. Very much mind over matter. With respect to what we just read, how does the theology about Jesus in these verses affect the way you live?
3. Paul mentions philosophies and empty deceit of human tradition in Col 2:8. Read this verse and discuss some of the philosophies having effect today in our lives and the church.
4. Discuss some prayer points of the group. Church prayer points.
Prayer Points
1. Recharge youth and Kids@Church ministries as term 2 starts this week. Pray for Melinda as she starts as the Youth Coordinator.
2. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
3. Church finances to meet our new staff and to put a roof over our café.
4. Getting drawings into council.
5. Sunday’s message from Thessalonians - “I’m in Raptures” – Pastor Jay.
Praise Points.
1. Zac and Bec’s wedding followed by 7 baptisms was an amazing testament to God’s grace.
2. More visitors to church on Sunday.
3. We praise God for the rain but pray for those travelling over the Easter break.
4. Praise the Lord for the Kids@church ministry. Thankyou Maddison Willey.
5. Praise and worship – pray for continued growth and blessing.
6. Unity, peace and grace at CBC.
Announcements
1. Gel blaster morning – 8-12pm Sat 24th April – Wacol reserve. Contact Tim Freeman for more details 0403 682 909.
2. Recharge on this week all high schoolers – 6:30pm-8:30pm Friday at church. $2 coin donation. Melinda Fourie heading up this ministry.
3. Kids Church for all primary schoolers. Maddison Willey is the ministry contact. Parents please check your rosters. Remember to sign your kids in and out.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
