YouVersion Logo
Search Icon

[Truth & Love] the ProtectionSample

[Truth & Love] the Protection

DAY 3 OF 3

How is 2 John Relevant Today?

In 1985, a group of 150 scholars tried to disprove Jesus. They said the apostles elevated Him from being a mere man and made Him a deity when He never was. That it was no longer credible to say that Jesus was divine.

Today, their work continues to be influential. The deity of Jesus Christ is being erased. Some even say that Jesus was imaginary, not historical, though there is more evidence of the historicity of Jesus than for any other person in humanity.

The moment you deny Jesus was fully God and fully human, you have taken Christ out of your faith. Don’t let the faith you received be taken away from you. If you follow the deceivers, you risk not obtaining the full measure of your reward. Don’t follow them so you get the full reward of the Kingdom!

However, deceivers can turn Scripture into heresy. For example, many say that we are all sons of God, but the Bible says that we are all sons of God “through faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 3:26). So, be on your guard! If you live a life of fellowship with the Father and the Son, when you hear something counterfeit you can recognize it immediately.

If any minister, evangelist, or preacher does not bring this doctrine, do not receive them into your house or your church nor give them the pulpit to teach. Do not share in their evil deeds by aligning yourself with their teaching in any way, shape, or form.

However, don’t stone them or shoot them with your doctrine gun. Instead, take them aside and, in love, point out the truth.

When it comes to deceivers or people who have gone astray, we need to take them aside and love them. We do this in the hope that we can love them back into the truth, and that they don’t lose their full reward. That is what God’s love is about.

How do I express truth and love to my brothers and sisters in Christ?

How can I encourage others to express truth and love?

What is my conduct toward those who disagree with me on spiritual matters?

What is my conduct toward those who do not believe in Christ?

Lord, please, bring Your love to our church. We want to abide in the truth, to love one another, and to be known for this, so that we may give You glory.

Would you like to grow deeper in grace through the word of God? Get advanced and accessible learning with a wide selection of courses and learning tracks, like BASIC Christian Life, to equip you with the foundational disciplines to help you grow in your spiritual life and shine the love of Christ in your area of influence.

Day 2

About this Plan

[Truth & Love] the Protection

The worst attacks on our faith come in subtle ways. On the tip of the iceberg, we see arguments from apparently sincere followers of Jesus. But what we don’t see underneath is how their false doctrines can destroy faith. How can we identify these deceivers and their lies? What should we do about them? In this series on the second letter of John, Dr. Mark Rae gives us the answer.

More