2 John 1:7-13
I know it's been a few days since we looked at this passage. If you will recall, one of the themes is truth, and another is love. These two are both very important in the Christian life, and it's equally important that they be balanced. Truth without love can be very harsh and can alienate the very people we wish to win. Love without truth can lead us to accept lies. Thus the balance is essential!
John reminds us beginning in v. 7 to be on guard against false teachers. We've seen this warning many times before and so we know how important this is. If anyone denies the biblical truth about Jesus, such as the fact that He came as God in a human body, we know that "such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist." These deceivers and impostors are often very good con men (or women) who seem sincere and believable. We need not be paranoid, but we should be alert. A true believer's words will be consistent with God's Word, and his or her life will be lived in a way that honors God.
If we remain faithful to God's truth, we will receive our full reward. v. 8 This refers not to salvation, as that is forever settled when we trust Christ as Savior, but to our faithfulness, obedience, and service as a believer.
John further instructs us not to extend hospitality to false teachers or encourage them in any way.
vv. 10-11. I would think this would include buying their books or participating financially is any way that helps them.
Psalm 27:1-3
The emotion of fear is probably as old as Adam and Eve. The first verses of this Psalm offers help for paralyzing fear.
"The Lord is my light..." Everything seems worse and scarier in the dark, doesn't it? Many times I have felt terrible anxiety and dread during the night only to wake up in the morning and think, "Now why was I so upset over this situation?" The Lord offers us light! His Word and the Holy Spirit shed light on our understanding.
"The Lord is my salvation." We trust in God alone! If the worst should happen to us, why should be be afraid? Our eternal life is sure!
"The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?" No matter what comes at us--evil people, enemies, foes, even a mighty army--we can remain confident in the Lord.
Usually, it seems that it's not enemies or armies that worry us but rather illnesses, financial setbacks, our children's decisions, family problems, struggles at work--fears too numerous to mention. But God know all this too. He remains our light, our salvation, and our fortress!
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