II John: A Case Study in Hospitality & Christian Character

II JOHN A Case Study In HOSPITALITY & CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

The Apostle John was a great contributor to the Bible. He wrote the Books of John, I, II & III John as well as Revelation. John refers to himself as “The disciple Jesus loved.” One can only imagine how it must have seen and felt to experience God's ultimate love in action firsthand through Jesus Christ while incarnate in a body of pure sinless flesh. No doubt this is why all of His writing themes are full of Truth and Love. II John is the shortest Book in the New Testament! This insightful, powerful abbreviated letter is no different. Although only one chapter, its quite potent and is so short it could be considered as a memo. You can read it in a matter of moments but its contents will perhaps take a lifetime to absorb.

It is important to exercise discernment.

The early Church often took care in aiding and supporting those who traveled about sharing, teaching, preaching and proclaiming The Gospel. They often took them into their homes and fed them as well. John had some valid concerns. He well knew that there were those who did not actually labor in the doctrine of Christ. There were those who gauged the Truth. They actually were not actually teaching the doctrines of Christ. Therefore, he encouraged them to be aware of deceivers.

Keep in mind the early Church met together in homes and places that where open for the believing Christians to congregate for worship. Christ Jesus and His disciples did not build places of worship. It was important to exercise discernment in allowing others to come together within their homes.

John encourages us to become people of Truth and people of strong Christian Character and walk in love! I & II John have a lot in common. It is in II John he discusses Christian hospitality. He also once again warns us of the false teachers. John had evidently formed a strong relationship with this well respected "Elect Lady." (Some Biblical historians say this letter is to a lady and the church she oversees) John had a special respectful godly relationship with this lady. So much so that there is an entire book in the Bible that it’s dedicated to her memory.

John honored the "Elect Lady" in Ministry

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female; for you are ALL one in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3. This also confirms that the Lord values “Women in Ministry. it is clear here in His Word. II John salutation is addressed to the Elect Lady and her children. But as "A Lady" we each are to remain feminine and not become hard, harsh and become masculine. Yes, we all can still be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power... But, it is not our place to try and take a place of a man. God has a different yet equal place for us... We can boldly speak, preach, proclaim, teach and live out the Word of God and still keep our femininity intact and remain gracious. Yes, we can be strong, confident, humble, intelligent, wise in the Lord and steadfast continually growing in the Grace of our Lord.

There is a plethora of marvelous examples of strong gracious God-fearing women in the Word! But in these latter days there is much confusion surrounding gender. It is so very important to stay in the Word and embrace godly principles. The world at large says yes to many things that God does not sanction. The key verse in II John is: “And this is Love that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in Love.”

GOD IS TRUTH!

It is clear when one ponders the verses in II John as all his writings he wants to impart TRUTH. He makes sure that we are aware that there is absolutely no value in twisting the Truth! God is totally aware of everything even if we do not even murmur a word. Pray for increased discernment. Seek HIs will and way above all. GOD IS TRUTH! He always knows what is best for each and everyone of us. John lets us know right away that Truth is and will be with us through FOREVER! He extends Grace, Mercy and Peace to us from God the Father and Jesus Christ as well!

John’s excitement is evident here because of what He sees this dear lady and her children doing. He assures them that they will be rewarded for their sincerity. He applauds them for their steadfastness in the Faith. He knows the importance of standing upon the Word of God. Yet is clear he is also aware of those who or in error. On the other hand he says: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, DO NOT take them into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in His wicked work…” Taken by face value this sounds quite crass, cold and insensitive.

To some it may appear as though he is unloving. Since John is undisputedly known as “The APOSTLE of LOVE,” We know or one can surmise this is definitely not the case. Here is an example that when Truth is compromised often sentimentalism wins over True Love. It is because we love God, we must stand firm in the faith. We do not have to go along with anything that is not of God. Nor do we have to submit to teachings that God has revealed to us that are not "Sound Doctrine!" Don't buckle or waiver when opposed when you are standing upon truth! No doubt John knows what he is talking about! He adamantly makes no bones about the importance of not supporting false teachings… God does not need any of us we all need Him! His Word is still true if we except it or not. The wonderful thing about God is He did not make us robots. He allows us the right to choose.

There are times at any given moment from and exterior view one can assume that one is being judgmental, uncaring or unloving… However, they fail to see that they too are making a judgment when they determine we are being judgmental. From their perspective you or I should perhaps do something differently rather than respond the way in which we have or have not? Or possibly accused of being self-righteous? There will be times when we will be misunderstood and or persecuted. Disagreements are inevitable! What is key is how we handle others when we are aware that they are attempting to mishandle us. Sometimes we can simply disengage them. Yes, again it is important to know we must learn to wisely exercise discernment. This is why we are extended Grace, Mercy and Peace so we are able to bear up under the scrutiny of others and not compromise when you know what’s the right thing to do!

It is important to seek the will and way of God.

II John is teaching us that things go much deeper than what they appear. throw rocks and hide their hands. We must be careful not to sanction heresy, gossip or falsehoods. False teachers and teachings were rampart then and persist today as well. Many will simply attempt to discreetly undermine your character in the eyes of others. It is important to seek the will and way of God. This is why there is so much trouble within God's Church. Not because of any fault on the Lord's part. But because mankind continues to adjust the WORD of GOD to accommodate the latest trends and lifestyles of the world. Spend some quality time in the Word and allow the Lord to reveal to you a lifestyle centered upon Him. If you closely study the Word you will discover anytime mankind chooses the world's standards over God's there is worldwide chaos! Look around you.

Stay on the "Narrow Path" With JESUS!

We as Believers must remain or return to the WORD as our standard of daily living and encourage others to do so as well! This is what Christianity is all about. Stay on the "Narrow Path" with JESUS! The Lord does not work in the dark nor does He use manipulation… He does not have to. God wants us to have unity in Him, not in what's wrong. Supporting wrong is what keeps others stuck in bondage and mediocrity... Spiritually there is no fellowship between darkness and LIGHT! This is why we personally need to know the Word of God for ourselves. John tells us God wants us as HIS children to be Happy, Holy, Safe, Secure and to walk in Faithfulness to His Word. GOD’S WORD of TRUTH should be the foundation and barometer of ALL our Christian principles.

John took the time to write to the "Elect Lady" about his concerns. Here in these three short letters of I II & III John there is much encouragement, love and wisdom exuded. John also expresses that he had much more to say and desired to see and speak with her face to face. for he knew that their meeting would be favorable and bring all concerned much joy! He ends II John saying; "The children of your elect sister greet you. AMEN."

Remember and keep this in mind from I John we are reassured that we can have true security & significance in the Lord!

"We know that we are children of GOD, and that the whole world is under control of the evil one. We know also that the SON of GOD has come and has given us understanding. so that we may know HIM who is true. And we are in HIM who is true ~ even in HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. HE IS THE TRUE GOD and ETERNAL LIFE..." l JOHN 4

TRUST GOD and daily "Walk in the LIGHT!"