A Forum Bible Study On 2 & 3 John

[Musician4God1611]

Interesting thought. To be sure our churches need to be united. I grow weary of hearing of back-biting, contention, and even hatred amongst church members. These things ought not so to be.

[Musician4God1611]

A few years back I wrote this in the back of my Bible. "How Pharisaical we are when we criticize Jonah for having pity on the gourd, yet often we love our pets more than our brothers and sisters in Christ!" God loves those people, why can't you?

[John81]

2 minutes ago, Musician4God1611 said:

A few years back I wrote this in the back of my Bible. "How Pharisaical we are when we criticize Jonah for having pity on the gourd, yet often we love our pets more than our brothers and sisters in Christ!" God loves those people, why can't you?

This reminds me of some people who are more concerned with trying to get a satisfying answer to their question, "will my pets be in heaven" than they are in whether their neighbors or other lost folks know the way to heaven.

[MountainChristian]

Pet religion is so strong here in western NC, some churches have a service where people bring their pets to the house of God and the minister blesses them.

[DaveW]

Brother Markle, I feel I must apologize to you. In my last post on this site I made the statement that there was finally something worth posting about.

I was not aware of this fine thread, because although you notified me of it,  I was not regularly visiting this site for various reasons. 

Whilst many of those reasons are still valid this thread is a shining exception. 

Edited May 26, 2016 by DaveW
Doubled text???

[Pastor Scott Markle]

7 hours ago, DaveW said:

Brother Markle, I feel I must apologize to you. In my last post on this site I made the statement that there was finally something worth posting about.

I was not aware of this fine thread, because although you notified me of it,  I was not regularly visiting this site for various reasons. 

Whilst many of those reasons are still valid this thread is a shining exception. 

Brother Dave,

Thank you for your encouragement, and it was good to "hear" your "voice" again on the forum (a pleasant surprise indeed).

[heartstrings]

On ‎3‎/‎24‎/‎2016 at 3:56 PM, Musician4God1611 said:

It's sad to see that so many churches are populated mostly by women (though we thank God for those women). Where are the Fathers? It's no wonder why we don't keep the children.

Thankfully, It isn't that way at my church. But some men, many men, even though IN church become "disengaged".

I don't have this all figured out but I have observed a few things over the years. In some churches, the men are shamed and belittled while the women are coddled. On Mother's Day, the mothers get a flower and a nice sermon praising mothers while on Fathers Day the men are beat on for not "leading the home" and for being failures who never measure up. If the pastor wants a lady to do something, anything at the church, he sidesteps the Husband and asks her directly. The women are endeared to the pastor and his leadership instead of the husband's because the pastor 'has it all together' while the husbands don't.. Men get tired of disrespect and constant verbal abuse, and they can never be encouraged to be the leaders in their homes until that changes. It has to be done the the Biblical way.. Otherwise, why bother going to church?

Get down to business the way the Bible outlines it. Choose a couple of Godly, joyful, spiritual, humble old men (not 'knowitalls") to teach the younger men and likewise with the ladies teaching the younger ladies. Fathers will learn how to treat Mom and the kids, Mom will learn how to treat Dad, the kids will follow suit and everybody's happy. :) If you preach to the ladies, preach to the men in the same sermon; that's what Peter and Paul did. In other words, ladies are really no more godly and spiritual than men are, and vis versa, but "the system" is messed up. The first step is "humbling ourselves".

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

 

 

 

 

[Pastor Scott Markle]

On ‎2‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 6:57 PM, Pastor Scott Markle said:

It is now time in our Bible study to set our focus upon the doctrinal and edificational details of 2 John.

As we begin, we find that 2 John is written in the common pattern of that day, including the salutation (2 John 1:1-3), the message (2 John 1:4-11), and the conclusion (2 John 1:12-13).  Then as we narrow our focus further, we find that the opening salutation is also written in the common pattern of that time, including the author, the recipients, and the greeting.  Yet we also find that the apostle John provided a more expanded presentation concerning the recipients.  However, even before we set our focus upon this expanded presentation, we take notice of the opening line itself -- "The elder unto the elect lady and her children."  With this line we are moved to consider the relationships unto which we are introduced by the opening salutation.  I myself would present these relationships as follows:

1.  The Relationship of Spiritual Respect -- "The elder"

2.  The Relationship of Eternal Security -- "The elect lady"

3.  The Relationship of Successful Parenting -- "And her children" (See also 2 John 1:4)

4.  The Relationship of Godly Love -- "Whom I love in the truth"

5.  The Relationship of Christian Unity -- "And not I only, but also all they that have known the truth"

6.  The Relationship of Righteous Testimony -- "For the truth's sake"

7.  The Relationship of Divine Indwelling -- "Which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever"

______________________________________________

First, with this in mind I would present the next set of Bible study questions:

2.  What edification and exhorational thoughts would you share concerning these relationships?

Concerning the Relationship of Righteous Testimony – "For the truth's sake"

In 2 John 1:1 the apostle John expressed his personal and godly love for “the elect lady and her children, saying, “Whom I love in the truth.”  Furthermore, he indicated that all who were walking in the truth possessed the same love for them, saying, “And not I only, but also all they that have known the truth.”  Finally, with the opening line of verse 2, the apostle revealed the motivation for this love, stating that it was administered “for the truth’s sake.”  Indeed, certain character and conduct should be true concerning the righteous testimony of our lives “for the truth’s sake,” that is – in order to bring honor upon the truth and wisdom of God’s Word and Christ’s Gospel.

1.  For the Truth’s Sake, We Must Proclaim the Gospel Faithfully and Fervently.

Matthew 28:19 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

Mark 16:15 – “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Luke 24:47-48 – “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things.”

Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Acts 20:21 – “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 2:16 – “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

2.  For the Truth’s Sake, We Must Proclaim the Gospel Honestly and Humbly.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18 – “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

3.  For the Truth’s Sake, We Must Be a Force of Moral Purity and Preservation.

Matthew 5:13 – “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?  It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Mark 9:49-50 – “For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.  Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it?  Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.”

Ephesians 5:11-13 – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.  But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”

4.  For the Truth’s Sake, We Must Shine Our Light of Godliness and Goodness.

Matthew 5:14-16 – “Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Colossians 4:5-6 – “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.  Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Philippians 2:14-15 – “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

1 Peter 2:11-12 – “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

1 Peter 3:15-16 – “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”

Titus 2:4-5 – “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

1 Peter 3:1-2 – “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.”

5.  For the Truth’s Sake, We Must Walk in Godly Love and Unity with One Another.

John 13:34-35 – “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

John 17:20-23 – “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

Philippians 1:27 – “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

2 John 1:1-2 – “The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; for the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.”

6.  For the Truth’s Sake, We Must Minister God’s Truth unto One Another in Love.

Ephesians 4:11-16 – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

7.  For the Truth’s Sake, We Must Walk in Self-Discipline and Self-Sacrifice.

1 Corinthians 9:18-27 – “What is my reward then?  Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.  For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

1 Corinthians 10:32-22 – “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”

8.  For the Truth’s Sake, We Must Walk in Spirit-Filled Boldness against Persecution.

Matthew 10:19-20 – “But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.  For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.”

Matthew 10:26-31 – “Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.  What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?  And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

Luke 21:12-15 – “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.  And it shall turn to you for a testimony.  Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.”

Acts 4:13 – “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

Acts 4:19-20 – “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Acts 4:29-31 – “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

Philippians 1:28 – “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.”

1 Peter 3:14-15 – “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

[Musician4God1611]

Truth is such a rarity anymore. It's hard to believe anything people say. "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight." (Proverbs 12:22)

How can we expect the world to believe the Gospel if they can't believe anything else we say? Christians ought to be ashamed.

[Pastor Scott Markle]

On ‎2‎/‎13‎/‎2016 at 6:57 PM, Pastor Scott Markle said:

It is now time in our Bible study to set our focus upon the doctrinal and edificational details of 2 John.

As we begin, we find that 2 John is written in the common pattern of that day, including the salutation (2 John 1:1-3), the message (2 John 1:4-11), and the conclusion (2 John 1:12-13).  Then as we narrow our focus further, we find that the opening salutation is also written in the common pattern of that time, including the author, the recipients, and the greeting.  Yet we also find that the apostle John provided a more expanded presentation concerning the recipients.  However, even before we set our focus upon this expanded presentation, we take notice of the opening line itself -- "The elder unto the elect lady and her children."  With this line we are moved to consider the relationships unto which we are introduced by the opening salutation.  I myself would present these relationships as follows:

1.  The Relationship of Spiritual Respect -- "The elder"

2.  The Relationship of Eternal Security -- "The elect lady"

3.  The Relationship of Successful Parenting -- "And her children" (See also 2 John 1:4)

4.  The Relationship of Godly Love -- "Whom I love in the truth"

5.  The Relationship of Christian Unity -- "And not I only, but also all they that have known the truth"

6.  The Relationship of Righteous Testimony -- "For the truth's sake"

7.  The Relationship of Divine Indwelling -- "Which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever"

______________________________________________

First, with this in mind I would present the next set of Bible study questions:

2.  What edification and exhorational thoughts would you share concerning these relationships?

Concerning the Relationship of Divine Indwelling – "Which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever"

In 2 John 1:1-2 John indicated that he himself and other believers maintained godly love toward “the elect lady and her children,” and that they did so “for the truth’s sake.”  Then in the closing portion of verse 2, John presented some further characteristics concerning the truth of God’s Word, indicating that it “dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.”  Through this phrase we are moved to consider the relationship of divine indwelling, concerning the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit and the engrafting of God’s Holy Word.

1.  In us to assure us that we are God’s children.

Romans 5:5 – “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Romans 8:1-2 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

Romans 8:9-11 – “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.  Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

Romans 8:14-18 – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Romans 8:23-25 – “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – “Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”

2 Corinthians 5:5-8 – “Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

Galatians 4:4-7 – “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Ephesians 1:13-14 – “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

2.  In us to facilitate our fellowship with the Father and the Son.

John 14:16-20 – “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.”

Romans 8:26-27 – “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Ephesians 2:18 – “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

Ephesians 3:16-19 – “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

1 John 4:13 – “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.”

3.  In us to guide us in the way of God’s truth.

John 14:26 – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

John 16:12-15 – “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

1 Corinthians 2:9-13 – “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?  Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

1 Thessalonians 5:19 – “Quench not the Spirit.”

1 John 2:27 – “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”

1 John 4:1-6 – “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.  Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

4.  In us to transform us into the character of Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:18 – “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Ephesians 2:22 – “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

5.  In us to grant us victory over our selfish flesh.

Romans 8:5-6 – “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Romans 8:12-13 – “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

Galatians 5:16-17 – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

Ephesians 4:30 – “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

Ephesians 6:17 – “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

James 1:21 – “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

6.  In us to fill us with the characteristics of godliness.

John 7:38-39 – “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

Romans 8:4 – “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

Romans 15:13 – “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

2 Corinthians 13:14 – “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Galatians 6:8 – “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

Ephesians 5:9 – “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)”

Ephesians 5:18-21 – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

Colossians 3:16-17 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Philippians 2:1-2 – “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 – “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.  He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Jude 1:20-21 – “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

7.  In us to empower us for witness unto the lost world.

John 15:26-27 – “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.”

John 16:7-11 – “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”

Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

8.  In us to gift us for ministry unto fellow believers.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 – “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”

[Pastor Scott Markle]

I do not know if anyone is still with me in this Bible study; however, I myself intend to continue until the study is complete.  Therefore . . . .

2 John 1:1-3 – The Salutation

 

As we begin, we find that 2 John is written in the common pattern of that day, including the salutation (2 John 1:1-3), the message (2 John 1:4-11), and the conclusion (2 John 1:12-13).  Then as we narrow our focus further, we find that the opening salutation is also written in the common pattern of that time, including the author, the recipients, and the greeting.  Yet we also find that the apostle John provided a more expanded presentation concerning the recipients.  In this expanded presentation, the apostle John presented the subjects of “love” and “truth” as two important themes upon which to set our focus.  In fact, he presented these two subjects as having an integral relationship with each other.

So then, with this in mind I would present the next set of Bible study questions:

1.  What are the various points of relationship between "love" and "truth" that is presented in this salutation?

2.  What edificational and exhorational thoughts would you present concerning these various points of relationship?

Furthermore, as we consider the salutation of 2 John in verses 1-3, we are also brought to a number of interpretational questions:

1.  What does it mean to "love in the truth"?

2.  In this context, what does it mean to describe individuals as those who have "known the truth"?  Is this a reference only unto believers in the gospel, or is this a reference unto something more?

3.  In what way does "love" occur "for the truth's sake"?

4.  In what manner does the "truth" dwell "in us" and abide "with us for ever"?

5.  Does the prepositional phrase, "in truth and love," at the end of verse 3 modify the phrase, "Grace be with you, mercy, and peace;" or does it modify the phrase, "the Son of the Father"?  Are we to understand this as -- "Grace be with you, mercy, and peace in truth and love"?  Or are we to understand this as -- "the Son of the Father in truth and love"?

6.  If it is to be understood as -- "Grace be with you, mercy, and peace in truth and love," then what does it mean for grace, mercy, and peace to be administered unto us from God the Father and God the Son "in truth and love"?  Does this refer to the manner in which they administer grace, mercy, and peace?  Or does this refer to the realm in which they administer grace, mercy, and peace?

7.  If it is to be understood as -- "the Son of the Father in truth and love," then what does it mean that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God the Father "in truth and love"?

Edited October 25, 2016 by Pastor Scott Markle

[Alan]

Although I do not comment very much, I do enjoy your Bible study on 2 John.

I do want to encourage you to finish the lesson.

Alan

[Rebecca]

I've been in the background and have rarely posted, but I visit this site frequently and do enjoy the lessons. Thank you for taking the time to provide us some thought provoking lessons.

[WellWithMySoul]

I don't comment often either, but I will say that I love and appreciate how the Word speaks for itself!  Indeed, scripture interprets scripture, and Mr. Markle all of the cross-references that you bring out are wonderful!  The study questions are also thought-provoking and help to pave the way to understanding and learning.  The first thing I thought of in response to the first question was John 14:6, but I will delve deeper into more specific thoughts.  Thank you for the lessons!

[Musician4God1611]

First let me say that I haven't been around much of late. We just started an addictions program for our church, and it has been taking a great portion of my time. I've been very busy in the work, and all my spare time is spent with my family.

That being said, I believe that there is always a parallel between love and truth throughout the entire Bible. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." The results of love is obedience to the truth. The result of walking in truth is love for God and his children.

1. "The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth;" - When we look at this, it seems that John is saying not only that it was true that he loved them, but that the truth bore out that he loved them; that is, his actions (1 John 3:18). Also, that, he loved them in THE truth which has to do with the circumstances and reasoning behind his love being centered around the Word of God.

2. "and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;" - Here we see an affirmation to the afore mentioned: The result of walking in truth is love for God and his children.  I deal with this a lot, where people seem to think that if I love everybody then I'm spiritual, and that if you will just love God's children then God will love you and you'll be a good Christian. The fact is, God wants you to walk in truth; if you will do that, you will love his children (1 Peter 1:22). It seems like a bold statement but I believe it with all my heart. This could also be looked at as those who knew the truth about them, loved them.

3."Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." - Because it will be dealt with later, I'm going to refrain from approaching the question of which phrase this modifies, however, looking strictly at the phrase in truth and love, I again refer to the fact that there is always a direct parallel between truth and love. God is love, and God is truth. Without him there is neither. Looking back on my life before I was a Christian, I see that I lacked both of these things in my life. Today, when I draw away from God and live life my way, it is a direct result of these two things. I'm drawn away of my own lust and enticed (James 4) because I love myself. I chose to commit sin because I ignore the truth.