The Apostle's Warning

Title: The Apostle’s Warning Scripture: II John

Type: Expository Where: GNBC 7-31-22

Intro: A friend of mine has a phrase that he has used for years. “Always put a little velvet around the brick.” What he means by that is “When telling people something they need to hear, make sure to be loving in the way you do it. ”Truth or tact”, you have to choose. Usually they are not compatible.” Is there really a tension between love and truth? Is there a tension between love and truth? Some people see truth as aggressive. Have you experienced it in your own life? “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus” by John Gray, the argument is that men are more concerned about truth and solving problems. Women, he simplifies, are more loving and nurturing and empathizing. We see this even in churches. Some churches are more “Truth oriented” – major in apologetics, doctrine, evangelism, preaching. Some are more love oriented – majoring in counseling, recovery, and fellowship, and soup kitchens. (Taken from Mark Dever sermon on II John.) John’s little letter attempts to walk the fine line between love and truth. They are not to be separated, but they are to be complimentary.

Prop: Today we’ll examine the 3 important sections of John’s second letter.

BG: 1. I-II-III John written by the elderly apostle around 90 ad. 245 Greek words. 2nd shortest in NT. III Jn is 219 words.

2. II Jn. Was a plea that the readers should show their love for Chris, by obeying the commandment to love each other and live their lives in obedience to the Scriptures. It is also a dire warning against the deception of false teachers.

3. Roman Empire revolutionized travel. Roads, Pax Romana, military. Christians took to the road to share Gospel. Yet, no Comfort Inns! Inns were dubious at best. Unsafe. Immoral. Christians would often stay w/other Christians. Hospitality was an Early Church expectation. However, could be abused.

Prop: Today we’ll examine the three parts of II John.

I. The Introduction to John’s 2nd Letter. Vv. 1-3

A. John’s Intro Consists of both an Address and a Greeting.

1. John Addresses his audience with veiled references befitting a time of persecution.

a. The Apostle begins this letter by announcing himself, not by name, but by his position, “elder”. This does not refer to the author’s age, but rather, his position in relation to the readers. By doing this, he knew his readers would immediately recognize him and would hopefully honor his request.

b. His letter is written to “the chosen lady”. Gk – “Elekta Kyria” – Now there are 2 schools of thought in relation to this greeting. One school thinks the letter was in fact written to an actual woman , named either “Electa” (Carmen!!) or “Kyria” (Meaning elect or chosen.) 2. Personally, I think that is unlikely. Rather, it was a personification and not a person. Most likely it was in fact a local church over which John’s jurisdiction as an elder would reach. Thus the children mentioned in the verse would have been individual church members.

2. As John Begins the letter he addesses

a. John begins with “Grace, mercy, and peace” Dear one, grace and mercy are both expressions of God’s love. Grace to the undeserving and guilty, mercy to the needy and helpless, and peace (or salvation) to the wayward child who has come home to Christ!

b. Illust – John begins with a bit of a backhand slap to the heretics he has been writing against. Heretics not only compromise the truth, but they are a proud and loveless lot. You see, it was the truth of Gospel that bound John’s heart with those in the church. The teaching and preaching of Truth should always bind the hearts of the congregant to the congregation. Loyalty to the Church and it’s teaching should take precedent over my personal agenda or political party and ideology.

B. Why Did John Love the Members of this Church? (vv.1-2)

1. In these verses we see the Apostle’s pastoral heart.

a. V. 2 (read) If you are a Christian you are commanded to love your neighbor and even your enemy. However, you and I are BOUND to our fellow Christian by a special bond in the truth of God’s Word. Christian Truth is the foundation of all reciprocal Christian love. When someone begins to stray from this, you can be sure they are also straying from sound Biblical Teaching.

b. Illust: Several years ago became reacquainted with some relatives had not seen in decades. Wasn’t long before we began to discuss our faith. They did a lot of traveling and talked about listening to David Jeremiah, John MacArthur, RC Sproul, Alistair Begg, and a whole host of other A1 preachers. We experienced fellowship and kindred spirit. I asked where did they go to church. They mention a very liberal denomination not know for Biblical standards. After left, Carol and I were talking. Thought it was strange. Well, if they love the truth things will have to change. Year later saw them again. Volunteered to us that were now attending a Bible Church. Why did they leave? “No one was preaching the Truth of God’s Word there.” Truth matters.