Summary: As God’s people grow together, as a body, they will love and practice the Truth!
1. PRIZE the Truth 2 John 1-3
What do God’s people enjoy for the journey…
whether in crisis or calm…in persecution or peace…in distress or delight…in celebration or calamity
THERE IS GRACE! THERE IS MERCY! AND THERE IS PEACE!
2. PRACTICE the Truth 2 John 4-6
John came across some of the disciple-making-disciples from this church LIVING ON MISSION…LIVING SENT…LOVING OUT LOUD!
“When people love one another, they pray for one another, and when they pray for one another they learn to love one another more deeply.” – Glenn Daman
John gives the WHY we should prize and practice the truth…BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE LOVING AND LIVING A LIE!
3. PROTECT the Truth 2 John 7-11
WATCH YOURSELVES!
- RECOGNIZE Deception (v7)
- RESIST Destruction of reward (v8)
- REALIZE why some Depart (v9)
- REJECT the Dangerous (10-11)
Al Mohler said, “Where truth is denied, only therapy remains.” John might add, “Where truth is adjusted, heresy will reign.”
The Mathematics of the Cults…
- Addition (+) / They add an extra-biblical source of authority by prophet, pen, or professor.
- Subtraction (−) / They subtract from the person and work of Jesus Christ the Son of God. They deny His deity and find inadequate His work of redemption.
- Division (÷) / They divide our allegiance from God through Christ alone to others.
- Multiplication (×) / They multiply requirements for salvation. All advocate some form of works salvation.
4. PREFERRING True Fellowship (2 John 12-13)
John actually wanted to be with them.
At some point, we have to realize that our virtual relationships and communications can only be as good insomuch as they allow us to BE TOGETHER FOR REAL!
WHAT ABOUT YOU? Are you HOLDING FAST! HOLDING FAST TO THE TRUTH! –
because you PRIZE the Truth – you’ve found the treasure your heart was created for.
because you PRACTICE THE TRUTH – you can’t help BUT live it out!
as you PROTECT THE TRUTH – false teaching BOTHERS you…it doesn’t attract you…because you know it DISTRACTS from Jesus. You lovingly warn others who are in danger of being entangled.
as you PREFER TRUE FELLOWSHIP with your church family.