2 John 1-13 - "Warn Them!"

Draw Me Close: Podcast - A Ministry of Whitestone Christian Fellowship, with Pastor Bob Lawrenz

This week we are in the second epistle of John, sort of a continuation of the overall theme of 1 John, a "recall to the fundamentals of the faith," adherence to the truth (v. 4), love (v. 5), and obedience (v. 6). John continues to remind believers of the fundamental truths of Christianity, while warning them of the dangers of deception. In his second epistle, John is writing to a lady and her children, someone he seems to be very familiar with. He is giving her the biblical guidelines of the gracious hospitality that Christians are commanded to (Romans 12:13).
Remember, John is still warning these believers of the false prophets and teachers threatening the church. Their false doctrine was the beginnings of Gnostic thought and had been making its way into the ears of naive Christians, gaining influence over them, and destroying the foundation of the Church. False teachers seek to make converts who will follow after them, and they will take advantage Christian hospitality in order to advance their cause. The apostle warns his readers against showing hospitality to such deceivers. True believers must walk in truth, and love within the limits that truth allows. Love must be discerning. It is extremely important that we check everything we see, hear, and read that claims to be “Christian” with the Scriptures. This cannot be too strongly emphasized because one of Satan’s greatest weapons is deceit. It is very easy to be taken in by a new and exciting doctrine that appears to be based on Scripture but which, if examined closely, is in fact a departure from the Word of God. If what appears to be happening does not line up explicitly with Scripture, then this is false and not of the Spirit, and we should have nothing to do with it.