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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 2 October 2024:
2 John 1:3 — Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
Grace, mercy, and peace can come, ultimately, only from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son; and grace, mercy, and peace only exist where there is both truth and love. The world seeks to redefine both truth and love apart from God who is Truth and Love. Consequently, there is increasingly less grace, mercy, and peace among people.
Your level of grace, mercy, and peace, truthfulness and lovingness, reveal how close you really are to Jesus.
2 John 1:4-11 – I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father…. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it…. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
“I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” Knowing the truth isn’t enough. We must “walk” in the truth with peace and joy out of love. If you are obeying but it is difficult for you, you still have a love problem.
“And now I ask you… that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” Once again, love requires obedience to God’s commands.
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves…. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” Which of our leaders in America proclaim the Gospel above all else? Christians often get excited about leaders who never mention Jesus or His Gospel but proclaim a message of salvation through human effort and achievement. The seemingly good message that doesn’t point to Christ is ultimately deception. Remember, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching [the Gospel], do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” Don’t fall into the trap of moralism. How many times will you proclaim Jesus Christ today?
John was known as the ‘Apostle of Love.’ Notice how adamant John is about the requirement for obedience in love. This is in stark contrast to the world today which sees calls to obedience as somehow ‘unloving.’ Notice also how the ‘Apostle of Love’ has no tolerance for those who teach anything other than Christ and obedience to him. Why? Because to ‘tolerate’ false teachings and sinful practices is to make one culpable for the eternal demise of others and to dishonor God. No, true Christians are not always tolerant – they can’t be while remaining loving.
Love and obedience are inseparable. Where you are not obeying, you are unloving.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 — The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” As discussed previously, this isn’t just a verbal confession, it is a life profession and vocation (statement and calling) proclaimed by actions. If you don’t live for Jesus, you are anti-Christ, regardless of what you say. If you are not physically gathering with Jesus, you are scattering.
“Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” Abiding in the teaching is obeying the teaching. Don’t hang out with fake Christians who Jesus calls hypocrites, the Greek word for actors. During hard times, that last thing you need is advice from those who don’t abide in the teachings of Christ. In fact, John warns to avoid the influence of such people in any situation. Pay close attention to who is influencing you in life. “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
2 John 1:12 — Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Current circumstances make it challenging for people to meet in person, and we regularly rely on technology to remain connected. However, there is no substitute for physically meeting together. Whenever possible, seek personal, face-to-face fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage one another, strengthen one another, and care for one another’s needs. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Note the Bible says, as things get more challenging, we must meet together “all the more.”
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 2 October 2024: Today, focus on trusting God and glorifying God in all your circumstances.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 