2 John

Theme 1: CChristians are to walk in the truth and to love others. John addressed his letter to an elect lady and her children, whom he loved in the truth. (1:1). He wished them grace, mercy and peace from God , the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son in truth and love. ( 1:3). John expressed joy that the Lady and her children were walking in the truth. ( 1:4). He stated that he was not giving them a new command when he told them to love others. He defined love as walking in obedience to the commands of the Lord. ( 1:5-6). Thus we must know God's truth.

Theme 2: Christians are to guard against deception and only follow teaching which agrees with the Bible. John warned them that there were many false teachers that did not confess Jesus and to be on guard against such teachers for they were deceivers and against Christ. He urged them to be on alert for such people , so that they would not be deceived and lose what they had worked for but be rewarded by Jesus Christ. ( 1:7-9). John concluded his warning by telling the Elect Lady and her children that they must not receive or welcome any teacher who did not agree with the gospel for if she did so , she would be participating in the sins of the false teacher. ( 1:9-11).