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.
2 John 7-11
Scripture Notes
This is such a straightforward warning that we should pay close attention. It is so important to watch over ourselves and even to examine ourselves.
There are five takeaways from this brief yet important verse.
First, we need to be watchful over our faith and avoid deceptive teachings. One way to do this is to put on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-17. It is necessary to put on the full armor of God daily: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with readiness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God). These work together so that we cannot do one without the other. For instance, with truth, our faith, righteousness, and salvation will be solid, stable, and strong. Without truth, we can be deceived and drawn away from God. Also, knowing the truth helps us recognize deceptive teachings. Read the Word regularly, join a Bible study at a local church that teaches sound doctrine, and memorize Scripture.
Second, we need to watch out for those who do not accept Christ’s coming in the flesh. By not acknowledging this, they do not accept the full written Word of God. If Christ did not come in the flesh, the Christian faith would be undermined.
Third, we need to be careful not to support or associate with false teachers. To recognize a false teacher, we must know the Truth. False teachers are those who preach or teach outside the confines of Christ’s teachings or the Bible or even put themselves above Christ.
Fourth, we must hold to the truth of the Gospel and abide in Christ’s teachings. How do we do this? We read and study scripture regularly. We need to know what we believe and continue to grow in our knowledge of Christ and His teachings.
Lastly, we need to remember to stay true to the doctrine that leads to eternal life. To stay true to it, we must know what we believe and have a strong doctrinal base.
The rewards that we receive for being watchful, obedient, and faithful are abundant. They are more gratifying than anything the world has to offer.
The gift of eternal life:
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:11 & 13
He gives us divine peace:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
He gives us joy and fulfillment:
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
We are rewarded because He recognizes our faithfulness.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21
Love the LORD, all you, his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful. Psalm 31:23
Throughout the Bible, He tells us that if we believe and are saved, we will inherit the kingdom. Romans 8:16–17 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
There will be much we will go through in this world, and this gives us an even stronger reason to keep watch over ourselves, stay faithful to God, and grow in our knowledge of Him. Even with all this, the rewards we will receive are ample and beyond anything we have or will experience in this world.
By P.D. Deckard
MEMORY VERse
Dwight Case Sturges. Man with Hat and Monocle Reading, 19th-20th century. The Minneapolis Institute of Art
Related Verses
More verses about foundational truths:
Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- Of the five takeaways, which one are you strongest in? Which one(s) need work?
- Can you identify the false teachers in your life? How can you do better to test the spirit and recognize when someone is posturing or speaking the truth?
- The phrase “what we have worked for” can be understood as a communal effort. How can you better support those around you and stand firm against false teachings together?
- Are you working diligently for earthly power and recognition, or is your success meant for eternal reward? If you are focused on the temporary, how can you begin to change your attitude, work, and energy to pursue God’s purpose?
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