Chapter 1140 of 1163

SECOND JOHN

John wrote this letter to an anonymous Christian woman whose home was open for God’s people to meet for fellowship and worship. The emphasis is on truth and love, and John points out three dangers believers must avoid.

Knowing the truth but not practicing it (1–6). We must walk in truth and walk according to His commandments. The Word of God is meant for doing and not just knowing. “If we say” (1 John 1:6, 8, 10) but do not obey, we are hypocrites.

Practicing truth but not defending it (7–8, 10–11). The enemy is busy, and we must oppose him. Love must be balanced by truth (Eph. 4:15), or you will start supporting lies in the name of love (Phil. 1:9–11). It is easy to lose what you have gained by making friends with the wrong people.

Going beyond the truth (9). The word transgress means “to go beyond.” When you go beyond God’s Word, you are going too far. It is not progress but regress. Beware anybody who has something to add to your Bible.

“Truth is always strong, no matter how weak it looks, and falsehood is always weak, no matter how strong it looks.”

Phillips Brooks

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