The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth—
2because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever:
3Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
- P60
7I 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. - P61
John writes to a household of faith whose identity he establishes as chosen by God and beloved of His people. He exhorts them to obey the familiar command to love one another. But what may have been new to them is how John unpacks the definition of love: Love is to live according to all that God has commanded. We live in a society where the statement "God is love" is sometimes construed to mean that God simply accepts any type of lifestyle people choose. But Scripture is clear on what true love is for the household of God. - P62
It is not only to live lives which accord with God’s commands, but to call those we love to the same obedience. - P62
John goes on to warn this household to be aware of those who maintaindisbelief regarding the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. This type ofteaching always denies the divinity and lordship of Jesus. This is nothingless than teaching from the antichrist and the saints are not to associate withsuch characters. - P62
John‘s warning reminds us that Jesus likened false teachingto leaven, a substance of which even a small quantity can permeate a wholeunleavened lump. Many false teachers in multiple forms still remain in theworld, so this warning remains true for the saints of today. We are to remainvigilant against anything which does not acknowledge the lordship of JesusChrist and all that He has commanded. - P62
Father, it is so easy to allow the influences of my society to dictate how my life should be lived. But open my eyes once again to see the beauty of Your truth and use me to help others see it as well. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P62
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